08:51 PM Mountain Standard Time on Monday, June 19, 2006

By The Associated Press

SEDONA, Ariz. (AP) -- The forest service says the Brins fire is growing. The wildfire has now consumed 1,500 acres of brush, grass and ponderosa pine near Sedona.

The fire remains five-percent contained. No buildings have been lost.

Fire bosses say the Brins fire could quickly spread and advance toward homes if it burns into Oak Creek Canyon.

The commander of the crew fighting the fire says it's still unclear whether homes and businesses would remain safe.

Crews are using hand tools to build fire breaks by clearing vegetation along the Brins fire's southern flank to ensure that homes in five Sedona subdivisions remained safe.

About 450 workers are on the fire lines.

Fire officials say it apparently started as a campfire set by transients.

The cost of fighting the wildfire has increased to $700,000.