A wildfire growing in Sycamore Canyon 20 miles northwest of Sedona was burning across 3,500 acres Wednesday, Aug. 19, adding 500 acres to the burn area since noon Tuesday, Aug. 18, the U.S. Forest Service reported. The blaze was 65 percent contained as of 9 a.m. Wednesday.

At least 500 firefighters, including hotshot crews from Prescott and Blue Ridge, were on site to battle the blaze, using four helicopters, seven airplanes, six engines, one dozer and two water tenders.

Crews conducted successful burnout operations along roads to the northeast and south of the fire Monday and were able to hold existing control lines Tuesday, checking the spread of the fire to the north and northwest.

No injuries were reported and no structures were threatened. Electricity carried by a large power line located inside the fire area was rerouted as a precaution, but power disruptions remain a concern.

First sighted 6 a.m. Sunday, the fire made substantial gains Monday and Tuesday before it reached the top of Sycamore Canyon, where firefighters started to turn the tide thanks to less rugged terrain. The cause of the fire is unknown.

Heavy smoke and falling ash will continue to impact local communities, including Sedona, Flagstaff, Oak Creek Canyon and the Verde Valley.

Many forest service roads in the area are closed, or are in the process of being closed, including Forest Roads 535, 231, and 538. All trailheads leading into the southeastern portion of Sycamore Canyon have also been closed due to the fire danger.

These closures will impact hunting season in the fire area.