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The Tunnel Fire was first reported on Sunday, April 17, northeast of Flagstaff shortly before 4:30 p.m. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
As the fire grew, burning over 21,000 acres, it quickly prompted evacuations and displaced residents.
Arizona’s wildfire season, which got off to an early start this year, could be even more catastrophic in 2022 than in previous years, fire officials have said.
Follow coverage of the Tunnel Fire by Republic reporters here.
Criticism: Tunnel Fire came ‘racing down the hill’; residents say response was slow
2:45 p.m. Sunday, May 1: No growth and 92% containment
Minimal fire activity was reported in the Tunnel Fire burning 14 miles northeast of Flagstaff as its size remained at 19,075 acres and 92% containment as of Sunday morning.
A red flag warning and a fire weather watch were issued for Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., for northern Arizona because of the expected low humidity and strong winds. According to the weather service, the dry weather and strong gusts could potentially lead to a higher risk of fire starts or rapid spread of existing fires.
Crews are monitoring the weather, according to Randi Shaffer, spokesperson for the Coconino National Forest.
The weather may look more favorable at the beginning of the week with very slight breezes, but critical fire conditions could return midweek, the weather service said.
11:15 a.m. Saturday: Critical fire weather conditions expected
Firefighters continued to get a better handle on the Tunnel Fire burning 14 miles northeast of Flagstaff as its size remained at 19,075 acres and 89% containment as of Saturday morning.
Containment defines the amount of the fire’s perimeter surrounded by a control line that the fire will not cross.
Critical fire weather conditions were expected for the weekend, according to the National Weather Service in Flagstaff.
A Red flag warning and a Fire Weather Watch were issued for Sunday for most of northern Arizona including parts of Yavapai, Coconino, Navajo, Apache and Gila counties because of the expected low humidity and strong winds, the weather service said in a Saturday release.
The weather may look more favorable at the begging of the week with very slight breezes, but critical fire conditions could return mid-week, the weather service said.
— Laura Daniella Sepulveda
4 p.m. Friday: Coconino County Forest will enter Stage 1 fire and smoking restrictions
The U.S. Forest Service announced on Friday that the Coconino National Forest will be entering Stage 1 fire and smoking restrictions starting May 5 at 8 a.m. There are three stages of fire restrictions that can be put in place by the Forest Service outlined on its website.
Flagstaff will also enter Stage 1 fire restrictions, with details of the restrictions within the city listed here.
— Amaris Encinas and Angela Cordoba Perez
9:15 a.m. Friday: Fire now 89% contained
The Tunnel Fire burning 14 miles northeast of Flagstaff remained at 19,075 acres and 89% containment as of Friday morning.
The National Weather Service was reporting light winds in parts of northern Arizona.
According to the Coconino National Forest, firefighting efforts will continue on the southern portion of the fire. Firefighters will begin implementing suppression repair activities where needed.
— Staff reports
8:10 p.m. Thursday: Status downgraded to ‘ready’ for communities near Tunnel Fire
Communities along U.S. 89 corridor will be downgraded from “set” status to “ready” status, according to InciWeb.
The affected communities included Timberline, Fernwood, Brandis Way, Girls Ranch Road, Pumpkin Patch, Lenox Park, Wupatki Estates and Antelope Hills.
The “ready” status indicates that residents should be aware of and monitoring fire activity in the area, as well as having basic plans in case of necessary evacuation.
The Tunnel Fire is currently 43% contained.
— Staff reports
2 p.m. Thursday: Red flag warning issued for northern Arizona
Fire weather will remain in northern Arizona as dry and warm conditions were expected to continue through next week, according to the National Weather Service.
A red flag warning was issued for much of northern Arizona — including the Flagstaff area, Grand Canyon, Winslow, Holbrook, among others — and will be in effect Thursday until 7 p.m.
The warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring or about to occur, and they can cause extreme fire behavior, according to the weather service.
“The combination of gusty winds and low humidity can cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them,” a forecast on the weather service website stated.
Warmer than normal temperatures were expected to continue this week. Winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph are expected, according to the forecast. Humidity will be as low as 7% to 10% and there is no chance of precipitation.
“Be fire wise today and use extreme caution to not create sparks,” the weather service stated in the forecast.
— Angela Cordoba Perez
12:15 p.m. Thursday: Fire separates family from pig
On April 19, the Tunnel Fire rushed through areas northeast of Flagstaff at an alarming rate. As the fire grew faster, people were forced to evacuate their homes with little notice.
Unfortunately, some animals were left behind — including a potbellied pig.
According to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Wildlife Managers Kalyn Miller and Tim Holt were patrolling the area around the fire when they were notified of a “shivering and dehydrated potbellied pig.”
According to Game and Fish, the managers were able to coax the hog to safety with “leftover hash browns, half a waffle, and a banana.“
But the pig still didn’t go without a fight, wrangling, kicking, and high-pitched squealing. The managers were able to calm the animal down and transported it to Northern Arizona Search and Rescue.
Game and Fish say that the owners were located. And while the family, unfortunately, lost their home, they were able to be reunited with their beloved pet pig.
— Staff reports
10:15 a.m. Thursday: Containment grows to 43%; over 19,000 acres burned
Firefighters were getting a better handle on the Tunnel Fire burning 14 miles northeast of Flagstaff as containment grew to 43% while its size decreased a few acres to 19,075 acres as of Thursday morning.
In a video update Wednesday, incident commander Randy Johnson said firefighters made progress in all aspects of the fire Tuesday.
The fire was in patrol status Wednesday and Johnson said they weren’t finding a lot of heat sources so they were feeling “pretty good” about that. Crews will continue returning equipment that is no longer needed and will begin to repair disturbances caused by suppression efforts.
— Staff reports
9 a.m. Thursday: Strong winds, dry conditions raise red flag warning
The National Weather Service in Flagstaff has issued a red flag warning in northern Arizona.
Strong winds, low humidity and dry fuel conditions can lead to rapid wildfire growth. The Tunnel Fire is in the affected area. The weather service says the warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
— Staff reports
7 p.m. Wednesday: Restrictions coming to Arizona national forests
Rep. Tom O’Halleran and Jake Nuttall, U.S. Forest Service Southwestern Region fire and aviation director, hosted a town hall Wednesday to hear from those impacted by the fire.
Nuttall said the five national forests in Arizona are evaluating what restrictions to impose. He said stage one restrictions will be imposed in a “majority” of the forests throughout the next week. These restrictions help mitigate the risk of new fires starting in Arizona by controlling campfires and smoking.
Wildfire restrictions are posted on the Arizona Interagency Wildfire Prevention website.
“Arizonans need solutions,” to preventing forest fires, O’Halleran said.
“This is the earliest we’ve ever gone into preparedness in the southwest, April 19,” he said.
— P. Kim Bui
4:15 p.m. Wednesday: Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations office facilitates investigation
The investigation into the cause of the Tunnel Fire is being facilitated by Southwestern Region 3 USDA Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations office.
The office is not affiliated with any specific forest, but rather covers the region of Arizona and New Mexico, Coconino National Forest said on Twitter.
The Tunnel Fire is currently at 30% containment with 363 personnel members and over 19,000 acres burned.
Those who wish to get in contact with the LEI office can call 505-842-3196.
— Staff reports
10 a.m. Wednesday: Containment reaches 30%
The Tunnel Fire burning 14 miles northeast of Flagstaff remained at 19,344 acres and 30% containment as of Wednesday morning.
A red flag warning will be in effect on Wednesday from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. in areas east of the wildfire such as Winslow and Holbrook. According to the National Weather Service, this type of warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring or about to occur, and they can cause extreme fire behavior.
“The combination of gusty winds and low humidity can cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them,” the National Weather Service website states.
— Staff reports
7:55 p.m. Tuesday: Rep. Tom O’Halleran to host wildfire town hall
Rep. Tom O’Halleran, who represents Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, will host a telephone town hall on Wednesday at 5 p.m. to discuss the Tunnel Fire.
O’Halleran will be joined by Jake Nuttall, Southwestern region fire and aviation director for the U.S. National Forest Service, to discuss Arizona wildfires and mitigation.
Flagstaff and surrounding areas to the northeast, where the Tunnel Fire has burned more than 21,000 acres, fall within the 1st Congressional District.
Those interested can join by calling 833-998-2637.
— Staff reports
5:45 p.m. Tuesday: Red Cross aids Coconino County at assistance center
The Red Cross, along with Coconino County, are assisting those affected by the Tunnel Fire at The Community Assistance Center in Flagstaff.
The Red Cross is providing recovery services and emergency supplies, while also urging residents to remain safe upon returning home from evacuation.
Tips provided by the Red Cross include wearing protective gloves and heavy-soled shoes, as well as discarding exposed food and contaminated water.
The Community Assistance Center is located at 2187 North Vickey Street, Flagstaff Ariz., 86004. Virtual services will also be available beginning Thursday, April 28.
— Staff reports
3:45 p.m. Tuesday: Red flag warning and fire watch in effect Wednesday, Thursday
The National Weather Service in Flagstaff issued a red flag warning and fire weather watch for the upcoming days.
The red fire warning will be in effect for from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 27, while the fire weather watch will be in effect from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 28.
The area of the fire watch includes where Tunnel Fire continues to burn, 14 miles northeast of Flagstaff.
According to the weather service, the criteria for a red flag warning includes frequent gust of 25 mph or more along with dry thunderstorms.
A fire weather watch alerts land management agencies for potential development of red flag criteria.
1:30 p.m. Tuesday: Investigation into cause of Tunnel Fire remains ongoing
The U.S. Forest Service and Coconino National Forest were urging public involvement in protecting shared land as it continues to search for a cause to the Tunnel Fire, which has burned over 21,000 acres northwest of Flagstaff.
As of Tuesday morning, the Tunnel Fire was at 20% containment.
“A wildland fire origin and cause investigation is being conducted on the Tunnel Fire. That investigation remains ongoing. The purpose of a wildland fire investigation is to determine the origin, cause, ignition sequence, and responsible party,” the U.S. Forest Service said on Twitter.
There is currently no timeline for the conclusion of its investigation.
— Staff reports
10:30 a.m. Tuesday: Firefighters prepare for windy weather
The Coconino National Forest reported that the containment of the fire grew overnight to 20%.
Firefighters battling the wildfire prepared for increased wind speeds as efforts to control the blaze continued. Wind speeds were expected to reach between 15-20 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph.
1:30 p.m. Monday: Wildfire grows slightly
The Tunnel Fire has now burned 21,216 acres northeast of Flagstaff, according to InciWeb.
The growth is a slight increase from 21,164 acres, which was reported early Monday morning. Containment for the fire remains at 15%.
The fire is burning northeast of Flagstaff across U.S. 89, to the east of San Francisco Mountain, the northwest of the tourist attraction Hundred Dollar Hill, the west of Black Bottom Crater and south of the Deadman Mesa mountain peak.
— Staff reports
12:30 p.m. Monday: Navajo Nation provides aid
The Navajo Department of Emergency Management is assisting those affected by the Tunnel Fire by providing food, animal feed and hay. Flagstaff’s Family Food Center is also providing assistance.
“I know a lot of people say ‘why are resources going to non-Navajos?’” said Navajo President Jonathan Nez. “But a lot of non-Navajos helped us during the pandemic and so this is our way of giving back as well. We want to make sure everyone is taken care of.”
Many residents had to evacuate with short notice, only able to grab a few belongings.
“You hear about the ‘ready, set, go’ practices, but when you’re in the process of doing it the emotions are pretty disturbing to think of all your possessions being wiped out,” resident Eric Descheenie said.
Tunnel Fire: Navajo Nation distributes supplies for evacuees
11 a.m. Monday: Smoke moves north-northwest
Light smoke and haze was expected around the Tunnel Fire on Monday and Tuesday, according to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.
“This morning, smoke can be seen draining to the north-northeast toward the Little Colorado River. Smoke that is produced today is forecast to move toward the north-northwest, with light smoke possible in Cameron and Tuba City,” the smoke forecast stated.
“Overnight, expecting a very similar pattern as this morning with smoke draining toward the north-northeast with only light smoke/haze expected in the Doney Park area.”
An activity meter provided by ADEQ suggests that those in the areas near and around Tunnel Fire should stay smoke aware.
8:50 a.m. Monday: Fire at 15% containment
Tunnel Fire was at 15% containment, according to InciWeb. The containment is an increase from 3% on Sunday.
Currently at 21,164 acres, the update comes a day after evacuation orders were lifted and U.S. Highway 89 reopened.
There are 430 personnel members aiding in fire suppression efforts.
5:30 p.m. Sunday: US 89 has reopened
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, U.S. 89 reopened Sunday around 12:30 p.m. after being closed for about five days due to the Tunnel Fire.
11:50 a.m. Sunday: Evacuation orders lifted, US 89 to reopen
The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office announced Saturday night that a “go” evacuation order will be lifted for residents living in neighborhoods along U.S. 89 as of 9 a.m. on Sunday. Tunnel Fire Incident Management Team determined that the status and condition of the fire is no longer an “imminent threat” to the area.
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, U.S. 89 northbound lanes are closed at milepost 425; the southbound lanes are closed at milepost 445. It’s estimated the highway will reopen around 1 p.m.
— Staff Reports
10:45 a.m. Sunday: Containment efforts continue
In a daily fire update, InciWeb stated that firefighters continue to manage the Tunnel Fire while urging residents to remain cautious upon returning home.
“Firefighters will continue to work within the Timberline Estates and Wupatki Trails Subdivisions. Crews are constructing line between O’Leary Peak and Black Mountain and may conduct burnout operations to secure fireline if needed,” the fire update stated. “Crews will continue working the spot fire on 89 Mesa and construct fireline in the Strawberry Crater Wilderness area. Patrol and mop-up will continue along Forest Road 545 on the southern edge of the fire.”
As of Sunday morning, the Tunnel Fire is at 3% containment across 21,164 acres.
9:35 p.m. Saturday: Neighborhoods along US 89 can return home Sunday
The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is lifting a “go” evacuation order at 9 a.m. Sunday for residents living in neighborhoods along U.S. 89.
The Tunnel Fire Incident Management Team determined that the fire is not an imminent threat to neighborhoods along U.S. 89 and has recommended allowing residents back into their homes, according to a Sheriff’s Office Facebook post.
Residents returning to these neighborhoods will return to a “set” status, the Sheriff’s Office said.
That includes the neighborhoods of Timberline, Fernwood, Wupatki Trails, Girls Ranch Road, and Lenox Park.
The Coconino National Forest in that area, including the Cinder Lakes OHV Area, will remain closed, due to a temporary closure order from the U.S. Forest Service.
The downgrade from “go” to “set” is mainly applicable for private properties within these areas.
The Incident Management Team and the Sheriff’s Office sought to remind residents that the fire could change at any time, resulting in the return of a “go” evacuation status.
Officials said they will continue to monitor the situation and will communicate any changes as soon as possible.
The Sheriff’s Office will begin reentry of residents at 9 a.m. Sunday. Residents must report in person to the north parking lot of the Silver Saddle Trading Post, located at 9001 N. U.S. 89 in Flagstaff.
Residents will be required to show identification or other documents verifying their address before they are allowed entry. Residents are required to check in before entering their neighborhoods.
U.S. 89 will remain closed until 1 p.m. Sunday.
— Staff reports
10 a.m. Saturday: Sunset Crater visitor center still standing
The Coconino National Forest posted on Twitter images of the Sunset Crater visitor center showing the structure still intact.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, National Park Service officials said the popular monument, northeast of Flagstaff, was completely burned over by the Tunnel Fire.
“We were also able to successfully evacuate all culturally important items from the visitor center,” officials said. “For those who worried, the Kabotie painting, corn rock, Qa’na Katsina doll, and other items are safe.”
— Staff Reports
9:15 a.m. Saturday: Despite fire threats, some stay home
At one of the biggest fires near Flagstaff, Arizona, where 30 homes and numerous other buildings have been destroyed, authorities said they had used sirens and alarms Thursday night to warn residents to flee evacuation areas but howling winds muffled the alarms.
Kelly Morgan is among neighbors at the edge of the Tunnel Fire evacuation zone who did not leave their homes. She and her husband have lived through wildfires before, she said, and they are prepared if winds shift and flames race toward the home they moved into three years ago.
“Unfortunately, it’s not something new to us … but I hate seeing it when people are affected the way they are right now,” she said. “It’s sad. It’s a very sad time. But as a community, we’ve really come together.”
— The Associated Press
10:20 p.m. Friday: Rain, snow not enough to douse hot spots
Scattered rain and snow showers in northern Arizona on Friday were not enough to douse hot spots across the Tunnel Fire. High winds were drying out the area after the showers.
Firefighters continued to try to build a line around the fire as two major areas remained active even with the moisture, including in the Schultz Fire burn scar and the Strawberry Crater Wilderness, according to the Coconino National Forest.
Crews mopped up hot spots in the Timberline Estates and Wupatki Trails subdivisions, while crews built a line around the edge of the fire between O’Leary Peak and Black Mountain.
— Staff reports
5:40 p.m. Friday: Navajo Nation helps members affected by Tunnel Fire; 20 families evacuated; 1 home burned
The Tunnel Fire has forced many Navajo families to evacuate, and the flames have cost at least one family their home.
Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said about 20 Navajo families had to evacuate, and he knew of one family whose home burned. He said he met with the families Wednesday. Some are staying with relatives, in hotels in Flagstaff or at the hotel at Twin Arrows Navajo Casino.
Nez said the nation will distribute hay and other livestock necessities for the impacted families early Saturday morning.
“The families of course were heartbroken, scared, but we tried to keep them upbeat,” said Nez on meeting with the families. “I hope having them know the Navajo Nation is helping lifts their spirits.”
— Arlyssa Becenti
3:10 p.m. Friday: 2 arrested in Flagstaff after entering evacuation zone, officials say
Two men were arrested Thursday night in Flagstaff after authorities say they entered the Tunnel Fire evacuation zone in the Timberline Community.
According to the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, one man attempted to drive into the closed evacuation area in an off-road vehicle while under the influence, while the other ran a roadblock into the closure area.
When the second man fled the scene on foot, he almost struck a deputy and a public works employee, the sheriff’s office said.
Both men were arrested, each on separate charges, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
— Amaris Encinas
1 p.m. Friday: Community meeting announced for fire updates
Coconino County officials announced they will hold a Tunnel Fire community meeting at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 23, at Sinagua Middle School at 3950 E. Butler Ave. in Flagstaff.
This meeting will provide an update regarding the fire conditions, potential flood risk and evacuation status.
— Staff reports
10:30 a.m. Friday: NAU president seeks help for impacted students
Northern Arizona University President José Luis Cruz Rivera issued a statement seeking assistance to help university students “whose lives have been deeply affected by the fire.”
In the release, Cruz Rivera suggested donating to the United Way of Northern Arizona Crisis Fund. He also said he authorized a $25,000 donation to the United Way of Northern Arizona Crisis Fund and $25,000 to the Lumberjack Emergency Assistance Fund — both from the President’s Discretionary Community Engagement Fund.
“We stand ready to help those in need,” Cruz Rivera said, “and send our thanks and appreciation to first responders and the team at Coconino County responding on the front lines of the fire.”
9 a.m. Friday: Weather impacting fire lines, but fire containment increases
The Tunnel Fire is 3% contained according to the Coconino National Forest.
Firefighters battling the blaze in northeast Flagstaff continue to wait to see if established lines around many parts of the 20,924-acre fire hold up to Friday’s critical fire weather and strong winds.
Firefighting efforts will continue to focus on protecting homes and property on the west side of the fire.
The National Weather Service reported some rainfall over the area of the fire.
8:15 a.m. Friday: 30 homes burned
Authorities say 30 homes have been burned plus additional outbuildings destroyed when a wind-driven wildfire ripped though rural neighborhoods near Flagstaff, Arizona, on Tuesday.
A reprieve in the weather Thursday enabled officials to enter the evacuated area to assess damage. Authorities previously estimated that 30 structures were burned but had no breakdown of that figure. The reprieve also allowed firefighters to attack flames from the air. However, firefighters battling a half-dozen wildfires in the Southwest are bracing for the return of ferocious winds on Friday.
Authorities are deploying additional top-level management teams and more firefighting crews.
— Associated Press
7:30 a.m. Friday: Strong winds forecasted for northern Arizona
It’s going to be a windy day up north, likely impacting fire fighting efforts.
The National Weather Service is warning of strong, southwest winds that will increase Friday morning across Arizona. The weather service has also issued wind advisories for most of northern Arizona.
8:45 p.m.: US 89 is partially closed
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, U.S. 89 remains closed in both directions between mileposts 425 and 445 north of Flagstaff with no estimated time of reopening.
There is a chance that U.S. 89 may reopen before the weekend depending on weather conditions, the U.S. Forest Service said Thursday night.
— Staff reports
7:45 p.m.: Helicopters, crews make progress with lines around fire
The Coconino Forest Service said in a press release that helicopters helped with fire suppression efforts, while ground crews made progress dousing hotspots around the fire’s western flank.
There are currently 371 firefighters, nine 20-person hand crews, five dozers, 30 engines, one air attack plane, two Type-1 helicopters and one Type-3 helicopter assisting in fire suppression efforts.
“Even though we haven’t declared a percentage of containment on this fire yet, there has been a lot of work, progress, and investment on line construction around many parts of the Tunnel Fire,” said Deputy Incident Commander Shelby Erickson. “However, we won’t be declaring areas with line around them as ‘contained’ until we’re confident the line will hold during the forecasted high and shifting winds through the next few days.”
A Forest Closure Order has been issued for the affected areas of the Tunnel Fire.
6:45 p.m. Thursday: Overnight winds expected to affect Tunnel Fire
The National Weather Service in Flagstaff expect peak wind gusts to affect areas in and around the Tunnel Fire.
“It will remain windy overnight, especially at locations downwind of higher terrain features. These areas will see southwest wind gusts over 40 mph, especially after Midnight MST through sunrise Friday. These higher gusts will affect areas in and around the Tunnel Fire.” the weather service said on Twitter.
5:55 p.m. Thursday: Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument burned ‘in its entirety’
In a Facebook post Wednesday, National Park Service officials said the popular monument, northeast of Flagstaff, was completely burned over by the Tunnel Fire.
“Sadly, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument has burned in its entirety,” the Facebook post read.
Active fires are still burning near the monument, which remains closed. There is no set date for its reopening.
5:30 p.m. Thursday: Coconino National Forest considering campfire ban
Coconino National Forest, along with partner organizations, are weighing the option for a campfire ban.
“Campfire & smoking restriction discussions between adjacent National Forests, National Parks, State Agencies and the National Weather Service generally begins in mid-April depending on forest conditions and weather forecasts. We appreciate your patience in this process,” Coconino National Forest said on Twitter.
4:30 p.m. Thursday: Community Assistance Center available for those impacted
Coconino County is offering its Community Assistance Center for those affected by the Tunnel Fire. The center is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 2695 E. Industrial Drive, Flagstaff, Ariz. 86004.
Those looking for assistance online can fill out this form to request additional support and resources.
3:30 p.m. Thursday: St. Mary’s Food Bank sends supplies for firefighters
St. Mary’s Food Bank sent a truckload of bottled water and snacks for firefighters from the Tunnel Fire on Wednesday, according to spokesperson Jerry Brown. The food bank is also assisting families impacted by the fire with the help of the Flagstaff Family Food Center and sent 100 emergency food boxes on Thursday.
Brown said they will send more boxes and will be standing by with more resources as needed.
1:20 p.m. Thursday: Ducey declares state of emergency
In a news release, Gov. Doug Ducey declared a state of emergency for the Tunnel Fire in Coconino County.
“Our team is on the ground working with first responders to monitor the Tunnel Fire in Coconino County,” Ducey said in the news release.
“Our prayers are with the residents affected by the fire and we encourage everyone in the area to follow the guidance of fire officials, stay safe and respond to any evacuation notices. We will continue to monitor the situation and deploy additional resources as necessary.”
1 p.m. Thursday: Sunset Crater closed
The Tunnel Fire has covered a northwest portion of Black Bill Park and is burning in the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument.
The Wupatki National Monuments is also shut down due to the Tunnel Fire.
The scenic loop drive connecting the monuments is also closed and there is no admittance at this time.
12:15 p.m. Thursday: New evacuations ordered
The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office announced new evacuation orders due to the Tunnel Fire burning northeast of Flagstaff.
Areas affected include Highway 89 from Campbell Road to Antelope Hills, milepost 434.5.
Highway 89 is closed in both directions from Silversaddle Road to Antelope Hills until further notice.
10:30 a.m. Thursday: Over 20,000 acres burned
As of Thursday morning, the fire had grown to 20,511 acres, and The National Weather Service in Flagstaff issued a red flag warning for parts of northern Arizona, including Flagstaff, between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. Thursday due to high winds and low humidity.
Tony Merriman, a meteorologist with NWS Flagstaff, told The Arizona Republic that the area is expected to have high winds with gusts up to 35 mph. Merriman said that the winds, coupled with low humidity, create an environment where a wildfire could quickly grow out of control.
April 19: Road closures in effect
U.S. Highway 89 was closed from milepost 425 to 445 with no estimated reopening time, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
Evacuations for Tunnel Fire
According to the Coconino County Situational Awareness Viewer, the following areas were to evacuate:
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North of Campbell Avenue, west of U.S. 89
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North of Campbell Avenue, east of U.S. 89
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Moon Crater
The areas that should prepare for possible evacuation orders are:
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South of Campbell Avenue, west of U.S. 89
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South of Campbell Avenue, east of U.S. 89
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Antelope Hills
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Areas east of existing evacuation areas near Moon Crater, north of Leupp Road and south of Stone House Wash
People who have evacuated their home due to the Tunnel Fire were asked to contact the call center at 928-679-8525. According to Coconino County, they are experiencing a high call volume but will respond to all voicemails.
Those unsure about an evacuation notice or who feel it might be a scam can call law enforcement agencies to confirm evacuation stages. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office asked to call its non-emergency number at 928-774-4523 and Flagstaff Police Department at 928-774-4114.
Where fires are burning in Arizona
Keep track of fires actively burning in Arizona with our map, as compiled by the wildfire tracking website InciWeb, which is operated by the U.S. Forest Service. It will be updated throughout the fire season.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Tunnel Fire live updates: Fire near Flagstaff now 92% contained