US forest fires may join up

Two major wildfires in Arizona are feared to be close to joining together to form a huge inferno.

The blazes, stoked by drought and driven by wind, have already forced about 25,000 people to flee from more than six towns.

The Rodeo fire, about 150 miles north-east of Phoenix, grew from 150,000 to 160,000 hectares over the weekend.

Just over a mile separates the Rodeo and the Chediski blaze. This threatens to create a massive inferno which could grow into a 50-mile long line of flames, devouring the affected area - a forest of juniper and pine trees, made explosively dry by years of drought.

Officials believe the two fires may have merged already at several points. About 235,000 acres have burned since Thursday.

The largest fire, which began last Tuesday, is thought to be man-made, although investigators are unsure whether it was an accident or arson.

The other was started on Thursday by a hiker signalling for help.

In Colorado, the Hayman fire looks closer to being brought under control.

The blaze, 50 miles south of Denver, has destroyed 115 homes and 444 other buildings.

Forest service worker Terry Barton is accused of causing the fire.