06:33 PM Mountain Standard Time on Wednesday, June 14, 2006

By The Associated Press

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) -- Winds are kicking up this afternoon as fire crews battle the state's latest wildfire west of Flagstaff.

A spokesman for the Tonto National Forest says winds are blowing at 34 to 46 miles-an-hour helping push the Woody Wildfire along.

Fire bosses are worried that if winds stay high and there's no humidity this evening, the fire could continue eating through dry forest.

A spokeswoman for the Coconino National Forest says they have a rough estimate of 100 to 200 acres that

have burned as a result of the Woody Wildfire burning on the westside of Flagstaff.

Five to eight specialty firefighting crews are on the way to fight the Woody Wildfire.

The fire was first reported at four this afternoon.

Four air tankers have been called in and are now dropping fire retardant.

The forest service is hoping the winds diminish after sundown and the humidity rises.

Fire bosses are worried that if winds stay high and there's no humidity this evening, the fire could continue eating through dry forest.

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) says it has been asked to help evacuate an area called Saskan Ranch. It's not clear how many homes are in the area.

A subdivision called Railroad Spring about a mile northwest of the fire has also been evacuated. The area is mostly primary residences and modular homes.

A DPS spokesman says the fire began in the area of mile post 192 on I-40. It jumped a median and began burning rapidly westbound toward Route 66.

Firefighters from the Flagstaff Fire Department are fighting the blaze, along Woody Mountain Road.

A plume of smoke could easily be seen from downtown Flagstaff along with brisk winds.

And DPS is now reporting that it's offices in Flagstaff remain open and have not been evacuated.

Meanwhile, the Red Cross has set up a shelter at the Coconino County Sheriff's Department.