KLONDYKE — The good news is the Pinnacle fire is at 15 percent containment.
The bad news is the fire has grown to 17,453 acres, forcing the evacuation of the entire communities of Klondyke and Aravaipa on Thursday morning.
Previously evacuated are residents southeast of the fire, north of Klondyke/Aravaipa Road and the Black Rock Road corridor.
Outflow winds have created increased fire activity on the southwest corner of the blaze, so crews are focusing on defending previously constructed fire lines, as well as defending values at risk.
Despite the large plumes of smoke, the National Weather Service is classifying the Gila Valley’s air quality as good.
