SHOW LOW, Arizona, June 24, 2002 (ENS) - Two fires burning in separate areas of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest ran together late Saturday night despite the efforts of thousands of firefighters to control them. A total of about 305,000 acres is now ablaze in the White Mountains of central eastern Arizona.

Both fires were caused by human activities, and fire officials have requested an arson investigator.

The leading edges of the Rodeo and Chediski fires joined along Highway 277 and the fires drew together near Highway 260. Both highways are closed.

The combined fire is spreading north and has crossed the Mogollon Rim and Highway 260. Extremely dry fuels and rugged terrain continue to present significant control and logistical problems for the firefighters and support personnel.

Officials evacuated 7,700 people from the resort town of Show Low Saturday as flames from the Rodeo fire advanced north, east and west of where it was burning last week three miles north of Cibecue. Officials report 115 structures were lost.

News crews report the fire from Show Low (Photos courtesy U.S. Forest Service)

A major Arizona Public Service 500 KV power line in the path of the fire's northward run.

A new fire called the Chediski Fire located 12 miles west of the Rodeo Fire started on the Ft. Apache Indian Reservation Thursday afternoon. This human caused blaze quickly spread to 85,000 acres and was not under control when it burned together with the Rodeo fire last night to form a solid wall of flames and smoke.

Smoke driven into Heber and Overgaard prompted public officials to evacuate another 4,000 to 5,000 people.

Heber, Forest Lakes, and Overgaard are still evacuated. Evacuation centers are open in Winslow and Holbrook.

Sunday evening the fire front reached Overgaard. Firefighters were able to save numerous structures, but 60 residences, 25 commercial properties and 40 outbuildings were confirmed lost.

Rodeo fire blazes across Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Of the 179 new fires that were reported on Saturday across the country, five grew to large fires, including two in Colorado. Five large fires were contained in southern California and Utah.

In all, 19 large fires are burning in seven states, and more than 2.3 million acres of land have burned to date.

Extreme fire conditions exist in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Kansas, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. Little rain is expected.