Extreme fire conditions have northern Arizona residents on extreme edge. With existing fires since early in the month and now a breakout of several new lightning-caused fires having broken out over the weekend near Heber, residents are praying for a swift relief from the monsoons. The lightning-caused Backbone Fire, moving painfully close to Pine and Strawberry, has now burned approximately 24,198 acres as of Sunday evening, with 0% containment. It is being fueled by Pinyon Juniper, Chaparral, brush, grass, cactus and currently has 251 assigned personnel. With a large smoke column seen throughout Verde Valley, Backbone Fire activity increased to the north and west, steadily moving towards State Route 260 and Needle Rock Ranch.