Arizona Governor Signs Emergency Order on Wildfires

PHOENIX – Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer has signed an emergency declaration for the major wildfires burning in Arizona.

It's a step that allows use of $200,000 from the state emergency fund and authorizes a National Guard mobilization if necessary.

Brewer signed the declaration at the state's emergency operations center on Monday after receiving a briefing that was closed to reporters.

The federal government is bearing the brunt of the cost of firefighting efforts.

Brewer spokesman Matt Benson says the state money from the emergency fund likely will be used for post-fire recovery efforts.

Brewer says there's no current plan to mobilize the National Guard but that her declaration allows it to take place quickly if necessary.

The state plans to activate the emergency operations center Tuesday morning