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FLAGSTAFF — April 21, 2022 — Residences, buildings, and watersheds that drain near them are currently the main emphasis for firefighters battling the now 20,511 acre Tunnel Fire 14 miles northeast of Flagstaff.
As the #TunnelFire rages on, we’ve had lots of questions about how we, along with other responding agencies, handle wildfire. One of these is this: how do I report a wildfire?
Overnight crews continued cooling hotspots in the Timberline Estates and Wupatki Trail subdivisions, as well as worked to contain multiple spot fires on the fire’s western flank near Forest Road 420 (Schultz Pass Road). These efforts were instrumental in keeping the fire from burning up steep slopes toward Schultz Peak and may help to minimize post-fire flood impacts.
Crews will continue to work the western flank today as well as areas in and around the subdivisions in anticipation of a Red Flag wind event that is forecast to start at 11 a.m. Windy conditions are expected to continue into Friday, with a slight chance of moisture and higher humidity to accompany Friday’s winds.
In addition, hand crews have completed handline on the southern edge of the fire nearly to the Pinnacle Peak 345KV powerline and on the north edge of the fire below O’Leary Peak. They will continue looking at opportunities to extend these fire lines to the east throughout the day. Current firefighting resources on scene include 179 firefighters, four 20-person hand crews, four dozers, 21 engines, one air attack plane, one Type 3 helicopter, two Type 1 helicopters and additional air assets on order. A Pacific Northwest Type 1 Incident Management Team has been ordered and will begin arriving, with plans to fully transition operations Friday morning.
Courtesy image.
U.S. Highway 89 is still closed from near milepost 425 (Campbell Road intersection) to 445, but officials are assessing conditions daily and may reopen it before the weekend. These decisions will be based on weather conditions that drive fire activity and whether or not it is safe for motorists to travel this stretch of highway. Information about evacuations, structures that have been burned, and when people might be able to return is handled by Coconino County, which is posting updates online via their Coconino County Tunnel Fire page. The County has also established a Coconino County Tunnel Fire Call Center at 928-679-8525 that the public can call with questions. All information regarding current firefighting efforts and the direction and activity of the fire is regularly updated on the Tunnel Fire Inciweb page at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8068/
Tunnel Fire Information
The Tunnel Fire, located 14 miles northeast of Flagstaff, started Sunday, April 17 and has spread to over 16,625 acres due to extremely high winds.
The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office has evacuated many communities in the fire area. Click here for the most current information on evacuation status: https://coconinocounty.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=745e7806b0444387bf32792b9c25e169.
Those who have been evacuated are asked to call the Tunnel Fire Call Center so that the County may collect contact information to use as the situation develops. The phone number is (928) 679-8525.
Shelter Information
The Red Cross has opened a shelter for residents evacuated located at Sinagua Middle School, 3950 E Butler Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86004.
Shelters for pets and livestock for those under evacuation order (in GO status):
- Household animals can be taken to Coconino Humane Association: 3501 E Butler Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
- Horses, goats, sheep, pigs, and chickens can be taken to the Fort Tuthill County Stables. The stables are self-service. You are responsible for all services related to your animals including feeding and watering. Bring cages for smaller livestock staying at Fort Tuthill. MAP: https://www.google.com/maps?q=35.1490865,-111.6879575&hl=en-US&gl=us&entry=gps&shorturl=1
Closure of Highway 89
US 89 is closed north of Flagstaff. Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has no estimated time to reopen the highway. Please avoid the area and seek alternate routes.
One alternate route is I-40 east to northbound SR 87; SR 264 east to US 160; and pick up US 89. Another alternate route is westbound I-40 to SR 64, and take that to US 89.
ADOT using the AZ 511 app to monitor road conditions and closures, since those can change at any time with brush fires. (This app will also help with alternate routes.) Drivers can download it here: https://bit.ly/3hIqAM4
DONATIONS
In response to the Tunnel Fire, United Way of Northern Arizona has created a fund to help those affected. To help, text UWNAZRESPONSE to 41444.
For ongoing updates, visit https://www.coconino.az.gov/TunnelFire
Follow Coconino County on social media: @coconinocounty on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Sign up for Emergency Notifications here: https://www.coconino.az.gov/207/Emergency-Management
The Coconino County Call Center is open and accepting calls. The phone number is (928) 679-8525.