Cedar Creek Fire is 40 percent contained: Crews strengthen containment lines

SHOW LOW, Ariz. (AP) -- Firefighters say they have successfully secured containment lines along some areas of a wildfire that is still a threat to several communities in east-central Arizona. On Sunday the fire is reportedly 40 percent contained.

Fire officials said on Saturday that crews have reinforced lines along the northern and western sides of a blaze burning roughly 9 miles southwest of Show Low.

According to crews, the fire will spread and more smoke will be visible because of burnout operations to deprive it of fuel.

US Highway 60 remains closed as a stretch is along a containment line.

Evacuation orders remain in effect for the community of Forestdale.

Pinetop-Lakeside, Show Low and surrounding areas are under pre-evacuation notice.

The fire has burned nearly 19 square miles since Wednesday.

The cause is under investigation.