Fire rages at Gila National Forest, residents worry it will spread even more

So far, the Whitewater-Baldy Complex fire has reached nearly 133,000 acres.

Fire officials said it started as two separate fires believed to be sparked by lightning last Sunday. But by Tuesday, the two fires combined, forming a huge blaze that’s forced two towns to evacuate and has destroyed at least 13 homes.

At this point, barely 1percent of the fire is considered to be contained, and since drier air has moved into the area it’s likely the fire can spread through the steep terrain.

“The smoke’s really been boiling up pretty heavy,” Reserve resident Doug Baird said. “It’s in a real tough area where they couldn’t get to it very easily. There’s several of our friends, ranchers and all that have evacuated and are evacuating some of their animals right now. They’re trying to keep them out of the fire’s way.”