Coconino County Emergency Management (CCEM) activated an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in response to the fires impacting Coconino County. Below is a summation of activities:
The County EOC will remain activated likely through Friday July 2, 2021.
County Call Center hours are 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. until further notice.
For specific fire related questions and updates, call the Rafael Fire Public Fire Information Line at 928.421.4579
Rafael Fire info:
- Acres: 77,102
- Containment: 48%
- Date/Time Detected: Friday, 06/18/2021 at 7:27 p.m.
- Number of Personnel: 633
- Cause: Lightning
- Origin/Location: 4 miles north of Perkinsville https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7567
Fire Related Actions:
Today, June 28, 2021, on the north side of the fire, crews will be heavily engaged in securing the fire by patrol and mop up activities. All perimeter firing operations are substantially complete, but smoke from burning interior fuels will continue for a few days. Today smoke is expected in the Verde Valley into Prescott and as winds shift later in the day into the Williams area. Heavy smoke may settle into canyon bottoms and low elevation communities in the Verde Valley over the next few nights. Smoke forecasts are available at Wildfire Smoke Forecast | ADEQArizona Department of Environmental Quality (azdeq.gov) and https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/NorthCentralArizona.
On the south side of the fire, aircraft will monitor the perimeter to determine if suppression action is necessary and structure protection specialists will continue monitoring values at risk to prevent damage. Firefighters are prepared for initial attack over the next few days as the probability of thunderstorms and lightning increases. As containment increases some crews and equipment are no longer needed and will be released for reassignment or rest and recuperation.
Camp Navajo has resumed operations.
The Rafael Fire morning smoke report can be found here: https://azdeq.gov/WildfireForecast?fire=rafaelfire.
For additional Rafael Fire information please visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7567.
Weather:
- Mid-day development of dry thunderstorms with lightning
- Outflow winds of 30+ mph possible
- Cooler temperatures today
- Relative humidity in the 20% range
- Light winds out of the N/E shifting to the S/S/E by 5:00 p.m.
- Continuing public health messaging on smoke impacts
Community Information:
Community Meeting – There is a live virtual community meeting each evening at 6:00 p.m. covering the Rafael Fire, hosted by Type 1 Southwest Area Incident Management Team 2, which can be watched here https://www.facebook.com/RafaelFireInfo. Several presenters will provide the latest information on fire activity, evacuations, and closures. This event is also being transcribed, and a live Streamtext feed will be available at the following link: https://www.streamtext.net/player?event=RAFAEL .
Members of the Type 1 team managing the Rafael Fire will be stationed in various locations throughout Flagstaff and its surrounding areas, including the Downtown Visitors Center, Heritage Square, and the Sunday and Wednesday Community Markets. Public information officers will be there with display boards with maps to share information about the fire and answer your questions.
Fire Restrictions:
Coconino County, the city of Flagstaff, and the Coconino, Kaibab, and Prescott National Forests are all in the highest stage of Fire Restrictions. For more information on fire restrictions: https://coconino.az.gov/2733/2021-Fire-Information.
Sheltering:
American Red Cross (ARC) Shelter at Sinagua Middle School has been paused and is on standby should any further sheltering be required. ARC will leave the shelter operation set up at Sinagua until further notice.
If you are displaced due to the National Forest closures and wish to stay in your RV or car, Flagstaff Sheltering Services (FSS) can help. FSS will allow you to park your vehicle and remain in it. FSS is open 24/7, and has bathrooms, showers, and food available. Please go to FSS at 4185 E Huntington Drive, Flagstaff or call 928-225-2533.
Resources:
For specific fire related questions and updates, call the Rafael Fire Public Fire Information Line at 928.421.4579
Sign up for Emergency Notifications at https://www.smart911.com/smart911/registration/registrationLanding.action?cdnExternalPath=.
Updated fire information is available at https://coconino.az.gov/2733/2021-Fire-Information