At least 4,800 acres have been affected by the wildfire in northern Arizona.

The fire, which broke out on Tuesday, has been difficult to contain. In Kachina Village and Forest Highlands, about 3,200 residents still hadn't evacuated, said NBC News.

"It's the only place we got," said Ken Olsen, a former firefighter in Kachina Village. "If we lose it, we lose pretty much everything. I'm not leaving until they kick me out."

Once flames cross the eastern side of State Route 89A, there will be mandatory evacuations. There are about 300 structures there.

"All it's going to take [for the fire to spread] is a strong wind to the east," said Flagstaff's fire Capt. Bill Morse. "We're making a lot of difference. Things are moving forward."

But many already decided to go and packed up their belongings. Yellow ribbons were tied on the doors of homes that have been evacuated. Others are ready to go and deciding whether to go or wait to be told to leave.

There are 700 firefighters working together to keep the fire from spreading, and today might be on their side as winds are expected to be slightly calmer. But the biggest relief might come over Memorial Day weekend. Winds should be less intense and there's a chance of rain.

Affected neighborhoods are asked to "begin packing important items they may need for several days. These items include prescriptions, important papers, any special dietary needs and pets," said the Coconino National Forest.

The fire had split into two by Wednesday, with one being low and one being high. The fire could spread 17 times as fast on Oak Creek Canyon's steep landscape than it does on flat ground.