Crews battling Ariz wildfire also fight high winds

CROWN KING, Ariz. (AP) -- High winds are increasing the acreage of a northern Arizona wildfire but also blowing flames away from an historic mining town.

The blaze near Crown King began on private land Sunday and has burned about 2 1/2 square miles with zero containment.

Fire officials say winds estimated at 35 mph pushed the size to an estimated 1,700 acres Tuesday.

The wildfire has destroyed two buildings and one trailer. Authorities believe the blaze was started by a structure fire on private property.

The area remains under an evacuation order though authorities say most of the town's 350 residents have chosen to stay.

Crown King is a community of mostly summer homes about 85 miles north of Phoenix.