Drone stops Arizona blaze firefighting efforts

A drone that was spotted flying over a massive wildfire in northern Arizona temporarily grounded all firefighting aircraft Wednesday night.

Officials say the drone endangered the lives of firefighters and limited their ability. Drones are banned around wildfires.

Local authorities are investigating the incident.

The fire is burning about 15 miles south of Prescott, Arizona, and has caused thousands to flee their homes. Evacuations remain in Mayer and other towns as firefighters battle a blaze that’s about burned 32 square miles (83 square kilometers) of dense shrubbery.

Over 150 firefighters worked the fire Wednesday night and made a line to keep the fire from crossing into the small town of Mayer. Authorities said higher humidity was helping reduce the intensity of the blaze.