Containment of blaze grows to 40 percent

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- Firefighters were making progress Thursday containing a wildfire that has burned more than 23 square miles of northern Arizona forest.

U.S. Forest Service spokesman Willie Begay said the Schultz fire burning near Flagstaff was 40 percent contained after charring 14,800 acres. No major injuries have been reported, and no structures have burned.

Begay said fire bosses are concerned about winds of 15 mph predicted in the fire zone today, with possible gusts more than 25 mph. Air tankers packed with fire retardant and helicopters dropping water are on standby if managers need to call them in.

Crews spent Thursday securing and building fire lines on the west, south and north sides of the fire as they prepare for whatever the wind brings. Dark smoke could be seen east of Flagstaff on Thursday afternoon.

Firefighters continued to set fires to rob the main blaze of fuel and keep it from advancing on some of the area's mountain ranges.

U.S. 89, the highway between Flagstaff and Page, was open Thursday, but fire information officer Larry Tunforss said the roadway could close again because of smoky conditions.

The Forest Service is offering a $2,500 reward for information that leads to the person or persons responsible for starting the fire over the weekend. Authorities said the fire was sparked by a campfire that wasn't properly extinguished .