7 to 9 Fires Possibly Human Caused

Flagstaff, AZ (June 9, 2011) – General Status: Combination of seven to nine fires that began simultaneously in the Turkey Hills area. Currently 20 percent contained. Fire crews optimistic for full containment of the fire by late tonight.

Location: Approximately 8 miles east of the center of Flagstaff and 2 miles north of Interstate 40 in the Turkey Hills area.

Size: 50 to 100 acres total.

Reported: 4 p.m. today by Mt. Elden Lookout Tower

Cause: Human; Currently under investigation.

Current Resources: 14 engines, 4 crews (2 more en route), 5 water tenders, 2 dozers, 5 heavy air tankers, 2 helicopter, 1 lead plane, 1 air attack coordination plane.

Structures Threatened: Report of multiple structures threatened and one home destroyed.

Evacuations: Residents on east side of Koch Field Road, which includes approximately 50 homes. Red Cross is in process of setting up a reception area for those residents.

Closures: Townsend Winona Road is closed between Highway 89 and Cosnino Road. Koch Field Road is closed between Silver Saddle Road and Townsend Winona Road.