More than 1,000 homes were threatened in Colorado and Arizona as 45-mph winds fed wildfires.

The region has been under drought conditions for months.

In Arizona, a 150-acre blaze forced evacuation of some 1,000 homes west of Flagstaff. Residents would likely be able to return on Friday, according to a report from the Coconino County sheriff. A shelter was open at Flagstaff High School and was housing 50 people.

Another fire burning near Heber was threatening power lines that supply Phoenix and Tucson.

In southern Colorado, a 700-acre fire near Westcliffe forced about 100 people to evacuate. One home was damaged.

Another blaze in northwestern Colorado threatened about 35 homes. The 3,700-acre fire was burning north of Dinosaur National Monument. One cabin had burned, and fire officials continued to warn of "extreme fire danger."

More than half of Colorado is in a severe drought, and the entire state of Arizona is under extreme drought conditions as well.

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