Wildfire Spreading In Southern Arizona

SIERRA VISTA, Ariz. (AP) -- A wildfire near the Arizona-Mexico border had burned 250 acres by midday Wednesday, said a Coronado National Forest spokeswoman.

Marylee Peterson said the blaze that began around 9 a.m. in grass and brush was moving toward denser brush, oak and pines in the rough terrain of the Huachuca Mountains.

If it hits that rough terrain, Peterson said, it will take off quickly.

Peterson said campgrounds, a visitor's center, maintenance buildings and archaeological sites in the Coronado National Monument south of Sierra Vista were not immediately threatened but were within miles of the fire.

Peterson said the blaze likely is human-caused because lightning has not struck there recently and the area is a hot spot for illegal immigrants crossing the border.

She said about 50 firefighters, two local engines and a hand crew were battling the blaze.