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    Home » Tunnel Fire Morning Update – Monday April 25, 2022
    Coconino National Forest

    Tunnel Fire Morning Update – Monday April 25, 2022

    April 25, 2022No Comments25 Mins Read
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    US National Forest Service

    Verde Valley News – Tunnel Fire Morning Update – Monday April 25, 2022

    Current Situation: Fire crews’ diligence and hard work have resulted in an increase in containment to 15% on the Tunnel Fire. Yesterday residents were able to re-enter the previously evacuated neighborhoods. US Highway 89 was re-opened yesterday afternoon. Firefighters continue to mop up, patrol and secure existing fireline while constructing new fireline to the northeast portion of the fire.
     
    Weather: Conditions are expected to be drier and warmer today. Winds are expected to shift to the southwest and increase in speed Tuesday through Thursday, with possible gusts to 40 miles on hour on Thursday. The fire weather conditions are expected to reach record breaking levels for this time of year.
     
     
    “We’ll be taking advantage of today’s weather to continue securing fireline ahead of the expected winds later this week,” said Incident Commander Randy Johnson. 
     
    Today’s Activities: Favorable winds today will allow for aviation to assist hand crews as they corral the northeast edge of the fire in the Strawberry Crater Wilderness Area. A 4,000 gallon portable water site, known as a “heliwell” has been set up along Forest Road 545 near Painted Desert Vista.  The newly established heliwell will greatly reduce the turnaround time for helicopters to be able to support mop-up, cold trailing and line construction on the northeast portion of the fire near Black Mountain and in the Strawberry Crater. Crews are mopping up along fireline to Forest Road 9134E north of Black Mountain. Engine crews are patrolling and mopping up in and around the Timberline and Wupatki Trails, Forest Road 420 (Schultz Pass Road) as well as the southern edge of the fire along Forest Road 545 (Sunset Crater/Wupatki Loop Road).
     
    Evacuations: Information about evacuations is updated online at the Coconino County Tunnel Fire page. The County has also established a Coconino County Tunnel Fire Call Center at 928-679-8525.
     
    Closures: The Coconino National Forest has instituted a Forest Closure Order for the area affected by the Tunnel Fire.
     
    ADDITIONAL FIRE INFORMATION:
    Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8068/
    Facebook: U.S. Forest Service – Coconino National Forest
    Twitter: twitter.com/CoconinoNF

    ###

    UPDATE: Sunday, April 24, 2022 – Morning

    Current Situation: Evacuations have been changed to “SET” for all neighborhoods associated with the Tunnel Fire. Residents returning to the area are reminded that the conditions and status of evacuation levels could change at any time based on fire behavior. 

    Caution is advised as there will be increased traffic as firefighters continue patrolling and mopping up areas of heat. The landscape is very dynamic immediately after a fire and travel within the fire area can be hazardous. Examples of hazards include fire weakened trees that may fall without warning, loss of ground vegetation can loosen rolling debris and rocks and ash pits from stumps may look benign, but will hold hot ash for quite a while and can cause severe burns if stepped in.

    As interior islands of vegetation burn and large logs and stumps smolder, smoke will be present. If you see smoke or fire please do not call 911 unless it is outside the fire perimeter or poses a threat. If you are unsure, please call 911.

    Today’s Activities: 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. 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.  

    Evacuations: Information about evacuations is updated online at the Coconino County Tunnel Fire page. The County has also established a Coconino County Tunnel Fire Call Center at 928-679-8525.

    Closures: The Coconino National Forest has instituted a Forest Closure Order for the area affected by the Tunnel Fire.

    The closure for U.S. Highway 89 remains in effect until 1:00 pm today. Please contact AZ 511 for the most up-to-date status of U.S. Highway 89.

    ADDITIONAL FIRE INFORMATION:
    Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8068/
    Facebook: U.S. Forest Service – Coconino National Forest
    Twitter: twitter.com/CoconinoNF

    ###

    UPDATE: April 23, 2022

    Tunnel Fire Update – Saturday, April 23, 2022 – Morning

    Current Situation: Winds are expected to shift, coming from the north and northeast today and tomorrow. Firefighters are positioned to respond.
     
    Today’s Activities: Fire crews continue working on the spot fire on 89 Mesa. Fireline construction with bulldozers and hand crews is ongoing around the edge of the fire between O’Leary Peak and Black Mountain. Crews continue to patrol and mop up hot spots in the Timberline Estates and Wupatki Trails subdivisions, as well as along the southern flank of the fire along Forest Road 545. To contain the fire’s east edge, crews will also build fireline line in Strawberry Crater north from Forest Road 545.
     
    Pacific Northwest Team 3 transitioned with the outgoing Northern Arizona Type 3 incident management team this morning. The two teams have been working together since Thursday afternoon to ensure a smooth transfer.
     
    Evacuations: Information about evacuations, structures that have been burned, and when evacuation levels may change, is updated online at the Coconino County Tunnel Fire page. The County has also established a Coconino County Tunnel Fire Call Center at 928-679-8525.
     
    Closures: The Coconino National Forest has instituted a Forest Closure Order for the area affected by the Tunnel Fire.
     
    U.S. Highway 89 is closed from near milepost 425 (Campbell Road intersection) to 445. Officials are assessing conditions daily and the reopening of the highway is dependent on fire activity. Please contact AZ 511 for the most up-to-date status of U.S. Highway 89.
     
    ADDITIONAL FIRE INFORMATION:
    Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8068/
    Facebook: U.S. Forest Service – Coconino National Forest
    Twitter: twitter.com/CoconinoNF

    ###

    UPDATE: April 22, 2022

    Tunnel Fire continues to burn despite Friday’s rain and snow

    Crews continued Friday building line around the now 20,924-acre Tunnel Fire northeast of Flagstaff, while battling high winds and welcoming unusual precipitation in the form of scattered rain and sporadic snow showers.
     
    Snow and rain did help douse dry grasses and keep them from igniting more easily, but precipitation levels weren’t high enough to affect large burning logs and extreme hotspots across most of the fire. High winds also resulted in drying out precipitation very quickly after it dropped.
     
    Two areas of the fire were active even with the moisture. The spot fire that began last night on 89 Mesa in the Schultz Fire burn scar grew to 500 acres today, with large down trees left over from the Schultz Fire helping keep the spot alive. Firefighters were able to create a line around the entire spot fire, but strong winds continued to cultivate dry conditions. 
     
    The second active area was in the northeast portion of the fire in the Strawberry Crater Wilderness area. This finger of the Tunnel Fire burned actively and fortunately moved out into flatter terrain and sparser fuel which is expected to slow the fire’s growth.
     
    Across the rest of the fire, bulldozers and hand crews are building line around the edge of the fire between O’Leary Peak and Black Mountain and crews continued to patrol and mop up hot spots in the Timberline Estates and Wupatki Trails subdivisions, as well as along the southern flank of the fire along Forest Road 545.
     
    Strong shifting winds out of the north and east forecast for Saturday and Sunday are still a major concern for fire managers, who are hesitant to call certain areas contained until these wind events pass, so have stuck with a containment number of 3 percent.
     
    Current firefighting resources on scene include 371 firefighters, nine 20-person hand crews, five dozers, 30 engines, one air attack plane, two Type 1 helicopters, and one Type 3 helicopter.
     
    The Coconino National Forest has instituted a Forest Closure Order for the area affected by the Tunnel Fire. U.S. Highway 89 is still closed from near milepost 425 (Campbell Road intersection) to 445, but officials are assessing conditions daily. The reopening of the highway is dependent on fire activity and closure allows quick and safe response for firefighters.
     
    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. 
     
    Coconino County Sheriff’s Office released a statement last night that an estimated 109 properties were impacted by the fire, including 30 residences that were burned and 24 properties with outbuildings destroyed.
     
    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/.
     
    Media representatives can reach information officers by calling the MEDIA Line at 928-224-8306. Media representatives must leave a message if they expect a call back.

    TUNNEL FIRE OVERVIEW

    Date reported: April 17, 2022
    Cause: Under investigation.
    Origin: 14 miles northeast of Flagstaff, Doney Park. (GPS: 35.304167, -111.588611)
    Current size: 20,924 acres.
    Percent contained: 3%
    Structures lost: 30 residences burned and 24 properties with outbuildings destroyed.
    Current resources: 371 firefighters, nine 20-person hand crews, five dozers, 30 engines, one air attack plane, two Type 1 helicopters, and one Type 3 helicopter.
    Current closures: U.S. Highway 89 is closed from milepost 425 to 445. The closure is being assessed daily to see when the road can be safely opened. Coconino National Forest has instituted a Forest Closure Order for the area affected by the Tunnel Fire.
    Evacuation information: Please visit the Coconino County Emergency Management page for the Tunnel Fire at https://www.coconino.az.gov/2894/Tunnel-Fire . The Coconino County Tunnel Fire Call Center can be reached at 928-679-8525

    ###

    UPDATE: April 22, 2022

    Critical fire weather tests lines around Tunnel Fire while containment slightly increases to 3%

    Additional resources are allowing firefighting efforts to expand to the east on the Tunnel Fire 14 miles northeast of Flagstaff, while firefighters wait to see if established lines around many parts of the 21,087-acre fire hold up to today’s critical fire weather and strong winds.

    Since the start of the fire, firefighting efforts have focused on protecting homes and property on the west side of the fire—namely Timberline Estates and Wupatki Trails subdivisions, as well as along Forest Road 420 (Schultz Pass Road).

    Proving how challenging the weather and wind component is with this fire, last night at approximately 9 p.m. a spot fire began in Division Alpha in the area of 89 Mesa. Firefighters are working to contain the spot that is currently estimated at 100-150 acres.

    With an increase in resources and arrival of the Type 1 Incident Management Team, firefighters will work to get a line around the entire fire. Firefighters will be working on constructing line near Black Mountain today, just east of O’Leary Peak and hand crews will begin constructing line in the Strawberry Crater Wilderness Area.

    Though welcome rain fell this morning across many parts of the fire, strong winds forecast today and shifting winds out of the north and east forecast for Saturday and Sunday are still a major concern for fire managers. The fire is currently 21,087 acres and three percent contained. Fire managers are hesitant to call certain areas contained until these wind events pass.

    The Coconino National Forest has instituted a Forest Closure Order for the area affected by the Tunnel Fire. U.S. Highway 89 is still closed from near milepost 425 (Campbell Road intersection) to 445, but officials are assessing conditions daily. The reopening of the highway is dependent on fire activity and closure allows quick and safe response for firefighters.

    Current firefighting resources on scene include 371 firefighters, nine 20-person hand crews, five dozers, 30 engines, one air attack plane, two Type 1 helicopters, and one Type 3 helicopter.

    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.
    Coconino County Sheriff’s Office released a statement last night that an estimated 109 properties were impacted by the fire, including 30 residences that were burned and 24 properties with outbuildings destroyed.

    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 OVERVIEW

    Date reported: April 17, 2022
    Cause: Under investigation.
    Origin: 14 miles northeast of Flagstaff, Doney Park. (GPS: 35.304167, -111.588611)
    Current size: 21,087 acres (decrease acreage due to more accurate mapping).
    Percent contained: 3%
    Structures lost: 30 residences burned and 24 properties with outbuildings destroyed.
    Current resources: 371 firefighters, nine 20-person hand crews, five dozers, 30 engines, one air attack plane, two Type 1 helicopters, and one Type 3 helicopter.
    Current closures: U.S. Highway 89 is closed from milepost 425 to 445. The closure is being assessed daily to see when the road can be safely opened. Coconino National Forest has instituted a Forest Closure Order for the area affected by the Tunnel Fire.
    Evacuation & information: Please visit the Coconino County Emergency Management page for the Tunnel Fire at https://www.coconino.az.gov/2894/Tunnel-Fire . The Coconino County Tunnel Fire Call Center can be reached at 928-679-8525

    ###

    UPDATE: April 21, 2022

    Helicopters, crews make progress with lines around fire

    Helicopters aided in fire suppression efforts today on the 20,198-acre Tunnel Fire, while crews continued making progress dowsing hotspots along the fire’s western flank near Forest Road 420 (Schultz Pass Road) and around Timberline Estates and Wupatki Trail subdivisions.
     
    In addition, hand crews continued establishing handline on the southern edge of the fire east of the Pinnacle Peak 345KV powerline and on the north edge of the fire below and east of O’Leary Peak. They will continue looking for opportunities to extend these fire lines to the east.
     
    “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.”
     
    Windy conditions are expected to continue into Friday with a slight chance of moisture and higher humidity to accompany Friday’s winds. Saturday and Sunday, winds are forecasted to be up to 20 mph, but coming out of the northwest and northeast, that could potentially push embers out of the fire to the south and west.
     
    The Coconino National Forest has instituted a Forest Closure Order for the area affected by the Tunnel Fire.
     
    Current firefighting resources on scene include 371 firefighters, nine 20-person hand crews, five dozers, 30 engines, one air attack plane, two Type 1 helicopters, and one Type 3 helicopter. A Type 1 Incident Management Team began arriving today and will be supporting current fire suppression efforts into the future.
     
    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 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/
     
    The media staging area has be relocated to the Old Caves trailhead parking lot on Silver Saddle Road and media representatives can reach information officers by calling the media line at 928-224-8306.
     
    TUNNEL FIRE OVERVIEW
    Date reported: April 17, 2022
    Cause: Under investigation.
    Origin: 14 miles northeast of Flagstaff, Doney Park. (GPS: 35.304167, -111.588611)
    Current size: 20,198 acres (decrease acreage due to more accurate mapping).
    Percent contained: 0%
    Current resources: Approximately 371 firefighters, nine 20-person hand crews, five dozers, 30 engines, one air attack plane, two Type 1 helicopters, and one Type 3 helicopter.
    Predicted smoke impacts: Smoke will impact the Doney Park area in the evening as temperatures drop and smoke drains. During afternoon hours, smoke will move toward the northeast.
    Current closures: U.S. Highway 89 is closed from milepost 425 to 445. The closure is being assessed daily to see when the road can be safely opened. Coconino National Forest has instituted a Forest Closure Order for the area affected by the Tunnel Fire.
    Evacuation & information: Please visit the Coconino County Emergency Management page for the Tunnel Fire at https://www.coconino.az.gov/2894/Tunnel-Fire . The Coconino County Tunnel Fire Call Center can be reached at 928-679-8525

    ###

    UPDATE, April 21, 2022

    Crews continue to focus on key areas to protect structures, keep fire from moving up steep slopes

    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.  

    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.

    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 OVERVIEW

    Date reported: April 17, 2022
    Cause: Under investigation.
    Origin: 14 miles northeast of Flagstaff, Doney Park. (GPS: 35.304167, -111.588611)
    Current size: 20,511acres
    Percent contained: 0%
    Current resources: Approximately 179 firefighters, four twenty person hand crews, four dozers, 21 engines, one air attack plane, two Type 1 helicopters, and one Type 3 helicopter. A Type 1 Team has been ordered, as well as additional air assets, which will begin arriving throughout today and tomorrow.
    Predicted smoke impacts: Smoke will impact the Doney Park area in the evening as temperatures drop and smoke drains. During afternoon hours, smoke will move toward the northeast.
    Current closures: U.S. Highway 89 is closed from milepost 425 to 445. The closure is being assessed daily to see when the road can be safely opened.
    Evacuation & information: Please visit the Coconino County Emergency Management page for the Tunnel Fire at https://www.coconino.az.gov/2894/Tunnel-Fire . The Coconino County Tunnel Fire Call Center can be reached at 928-679-8525

    ###

    UPDATE: April 20, 2022

    Windy conditions challenge firefighters as Tunnel Fire grows to more than 19,000 acres

    The Tunnel Fire 14 miles northeast of Flagstaff grew an additional 3,087 acres Wednesday for a total of 19,712 acres of fire driven by strong winds across the landscape in a northeast direction.  

    The Northern Arizona Type 3 Team is currently managing firefighting operations, and crews continued cooling hotspots and worked to keep fire outside of Timberline Estates and Wupatki Trail subdivisions. Crews encountered natural gas leaking from foundations, which added additional risk to suppression activities.

    Firefighters had success on the western edge of the fire where they were able to limit extensive spreading, while a fire investigation team arrived today to begin investigating the fire origin and cause.

    Forceful winds again limited the ability of air resources to support firefighting efforts, as strong up and downdrafts around the mountains kept aircraft from safely and effectively aiding in the firefight with retardant drops. Conditions are expected to become windier Thursday and Friday with gusts up to 50 mph in most of northern Arizona.

    With the use of aircraft, it is imperative that private drones do not fly in and around the fire area. If a private drone is spotted in the area, all aircraft support will be grounded, which can be detrimental to firefighting efforts. Remember, if you fly, we can’t.

    Current firefighting resources on scene include 260 firefighters, three dozers, 24 engines, one air attack plane, one Type 3 helicopter, and additional air assets on order. A Pacific Northwest Type 1 Incident Management Team has been ordered and will begin arriving Thursday, with plans to fully transition operations Friday morning.

    U.S. Highway 89 is still closed from near milepost 425 (Campbell Road intersection) to 445 and will likely remain closed for the next several days due to firefighting operations.

    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 Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is estimating approximately 25 structures have burned in the Tunnel Fire so far, and more information will become available as responders and firefighters are able to access neighborhoods get a true count as to how many and what type of structures have burned. The County has also established an Coconino County Tunnel Fire Call Center at 928-679-8525 for evacuees with additional 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 OVERVIEW
    Date reported: April 17, 2022
    Cause: Under investigation.
    Origin: 14 miles northeast of Flagstaff, Doney Park. (GPS: 35.304167, -111.588611)
    Current size: 19,712 acres
    Percent contained: 0%
    Current resources: Approximately 260 firefighters, three dozers, 24 engines, one air attack plane, and one Type 3 helicopter. A Type 1 Team has been ordered, as well as additional air assets.
    Predicted smoke impacts: Smoke will impact the Doney Park area in the evening as temperatures drop and smoke drains. During afternoon hours, smoke will move toward the northeast.
    Current closures: U.S. Highway 89 is closed from milepost 425 to 445. This highway will likely be closed for the next several days.
    Evacuation & information: Please visit the Coconino County Emergency Management page for the Tunnel Fire at https://www.coconino.az.gov/2894/Tunnel-Fire . The Coconino County Tunnel Fire Call Center can be reached at 928-679-8525

    ###

    UPDATE: April 20, 2020

    Tunnel Fire surges to more than 16,000 acres overnight due to strong winds

    The Tunnel Fire 14 miles northeast of Flagstaff grew to 16,625 acres overnight and is still zero percent contained, as strong winds propelled the flames northeast over U.S. Highway 89 toward Bonito Park and the Sunset Crater National Monument area.

    The Northern Arizona Type 3 Team is currently managing firefighting operations. Crews worked overnight building line on the western side of the fire, as well as worked to secure the fire’s edge for structure protection in the Timberline and Wupatki Trails subdivisions. Hand crews and bulldozers will continue working today to secure the fire’s western flank and in the subdivisions, as well as try to keep the fire from spreading up the steep slopes of O’Leary Peak.

    Current firefighting resources on scene include some 260 firefighters, three dozers, 24 engines, one air attack plane, and one Type 3 helicopter. The team has also ordered two Type 1 helicopters.

    Two air tankers were ordered yesterday but grounded due to very strong winds that surpassed safety and effectiveness thresholds for dropping retardant. Operators hope to utilize the Type 3 helicopter today in firefighting efforts and structure protection, and those of the Type 1 helicopters if conditions allow. Breezy conditions are expected today, becoming windier Thursday and Friday with gusts up to 50 mph in most of northern Arizona. Windy conditions above a certain level make dropping retardant ineffective and unsafe.

    With the use of aircraft, it is imperative that private drones do not fly in and around the fire area. If a private drone is spotted in the area, all aircraft support will be grounded, which can be detrimental to firefighting efforts. Remember, if you fly, we can’t.

    A Pacific Northwest Type 1 Incident Management Team has been ordered and will begin arriving Thursday, with plans to fully transition operations Friday morning. A fire investigation team arrives today and will investigate the origin and cause of the Tunnel Fire.

    A community meeting for those in the Doney Park area affected by the fire is scheduled this evening at 5:30 p.m. at Sinagua Middle School, 3950 E. Butler Avenue, Flagstaff, AZ 86004. The meeting will be live streamed online, with a link posted later today on the Tunnel Fire Inciweb page.

    U.S. Highway 89 is still closed from milepost 425 (Silver Saddle Road intersection) to 435 and will likely remain closed for the next several days due to firefighting operations.

    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 Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is estimating approximately 25 structures have burned in the Tunnel Fire so far, and more information will become available as responders and firefighters are able to access neighborhoods get a true count as to how many and what type of structures have burned. The County has also established an Emergency Call Center at 928-679-8525 for evacuees with additional 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 OVERVIEW

    Date reported: April 18, 2022
    Cause: Under investigation.
    Origin: 14 miles northeast of Flagstaff, Doney Park. (GPS: 35.304167, -111.588611)
    Current size: 16,625 acres
    Percent contained: 0%
    Current resources: Approximately 260 firefighters, three dozers, 24 engines, one air attack plane, and one Type 3 helicopter. A Type 1 Team has been ordered, as well as two Type 1 helicopters.
    Current closures: U.S. Highway 89 is closed from milepost 425 to 435 and will likely be closed for the next several days.
    Evacuation information: Please visit the Coconino County Emergency Management page at www.coconino.az.gov/2894/Tunnel-Fire. The County Emergency Call Center can be reached at 928-679-8525.

    ###

    UPDATE: April 19, 2022

    Tunnel Fire grows to 6,000 acres, prompts evacuations

    At zero containment, the Tunnel Fire located 14 miles northeast of Flagstaff has grown substantially due to high winds and spread toward the northeast at high rate, eventually moving across U.S. Highway 89.

    Fire managers currently estimate the fire to be approximately 6,000 acres, and more than 200 firefighters and personnel are currently assigned to the fire.

    Area evacuations have been ordered, and up-to-date evacuation information can be found via the Coconino County Tunnel Fire page. Evacuees can also call the Coconino County Emergency Call Center at 928-679-8525.

    Structures threatened include the community in Doney Park near the fire, and we cannot confirm as of this news release whether or not any homes have been destroyed.

    Current firefighting resources include five handcrews, 15 engines, and three dozers. Air tankers were ordered earlier this afternoon to aid in the firefight but were diverted due to high winds that surpassed wind thresholds for air resource purposes. Partner agencies such as Flagstaff Fire Department, Summit FD, Highlands FD, and state crews have also aided in intial and continued response.

    A Type I Incident Management Team has been ordered and personnel, assets and resources from the team will arrive over the next two days.

    U.S Highway 89 is closed between mileposts 425-435, so motorists traveling toward Page will need to find an alternate route.

    For up to date information regarding the Tunnel Fire, please visit the incident page at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8068/

    TUNNEL FIRE OVERVIEW

    Date reported: April 18, 2022
    Cause: Under investigation.
    Origin: 14 miles northeast of Flagstaff, Doney Park. (GPS: 35.304167, -111.588611)
    Current size: 6,000 acres
    Percent contained: 0%
    Current resources: More than 200 firefighters, 15 engines, three dozers, and air tankers. A Type 1 Team has been ordered.
    Predicted smoke impacts: Smoke will impact the Doney Park area in the evening as temperatures drop and smoke drains. During afternoon hours, smoke will move toward the northeast.
    Current closures: U.S. Highway 89 is closed from milepost 425 to 435.
    Evacuation information: Please visit the Coconino County Emergency Management page at www.coconino.az.gov/2894/Tunnel-Fire

    ###

    April 19, 2022 – Tunnel Fire, located north of Flagstaff along Highway 89, at 100-plus acres and 0 percent containment

    The Tunnel Fire, located north of Flagstaff along Highway 89 (35°18’14.4″N 111°35’20.4″W) is at 100-plus acres and 0 percent containment.

    Fire is rapidly spreading in a northeast direction due to high winds with medium-to-high-range spotting occurring in timber and grass.

    Area evacuations have been ordered, and up-to-date evacuation information can be found via Coconino County.

    While closure orders have not yet been issued, the public is asked to avoid the northern portion of U.S.Highway 89 from Elden Springs Road to the forest boundary for safety.

    Resources on scene include three Type 1 handcrews, two dozers, two water tankers and seven engines.

    The fire was reported at 4:22 p.m. Sunday and its cause is under investigation.

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    Paid Political Ad Paid For by Samaire for Mayor
    Paid Political Ad for Samaire Armstrong
    Paid Political Announcement by Samaire For Mayor

     THE MOMENT IS UPON US

    Dear Sedona,

    The moment is upon us. The time for a united effort to shift the focus back to our community is now.

    The ability to thrive in our community, our environment, our workforce, and the tourist industry, is entirely possible because we have all the resources needed for success.

    Still, we need a council that isn’t afraid to ask the hard questions, that makes decisions based on data and facts, and through discussion, rather than moving and voting in group unison as they so regularly do.

    This is my home. I have been a part of the Sedona community for 28 years. I witnessed the road debacle, the lack of planning, the city circumventing the local businesses ability to thrive, while making choices to expand the local government and be in direct competition with private industry.

    I am a unique candidate because unlike the incumbents, I don’t believe the government should expand in size, nor in operations, nor would I attempt to micromanage every aspect of our community.

    City government should stay in its lane and allow the competitive market of local private industry to prosper. And it should defend our community from corporate takeover and infiltration of our town.

    I do not agree that we should sign onto International Building Codes and regulations by signing Sedona up to the ICC. It is imperative that we remain a sweet, rural community.

    Where are the arts? Where is this organic thriving element that we allege to be animated by. Where is our culture? Where is our community?

    The discord between the decision making process and the desires of the community have never been more clear. It has been nearly a decade in the making.

    It is time for a new era of energy to take charge. An energy that is reflective in the ability to succeed rather than be trapped in out of date consciousness.

    It has been a great honor meeting with each of you. I hear your concerns over the insane and out of control spending and I echo them. A budget of $105,000,000 in a town of 9700 residents is completely unacceptable. A parking structure (that looks like a shoe box) originally slated to cost 11 million, now projected to cost 18 million, is incomprehensible. Especially, considering there is no intention of charging for parking.

    For those who are concerned that I lack the political experience within our established system- that is precisely what Sedona needs… Not another politician, but instead a person who understands people, who listens to the voices within the community, and who will act in service on their behalf with accountability, for the highest good of Sedona. What I am not, will prove to be an asset as I navigate the entrenched bureaucracy with a fresh perspective. Business as usual, is over.

    Creative solutions require new energy.

    Every decision that is made by our local government, must contemplate Sedona first.

    • Does this decision benefit the residents?
    • Does this decision benefit the local businesses?
    • Does this decision actually help the environment?
    • Will this decision sustain benefit in the future, or will it bring more problems?

    What we have now is a city government that expands to 165 employees for 9700 residents. Palm Desert has 53,000 residents and 119 city employees. Majority of our city department heads are not even in town. I find this problematic.

    Efforts towards championing in and courting new solutions for our medical needs are imperative. We are losing our doctors. We must encourage competition with other facilities rather than be held hostage by NAH, who clearly have their own set of dysfunctions.

    We must remember that so many move to Sedona for its beauty, hiking, and small town charm. Bigger, faster, and more concrete does not, in broad strokes, fit the ethos of Sedona.

    The old world must remain strong here in balance, as that is what visitors want to experience. Too many have noted that Sedona has lost its edge and charm.

    As Mayor I will preserve the rural charm of our community, and push back against the urbanization that is planned for Sedona.

    As mayor I will make it a priority to create opportunities to support our youth.  After school healthy, enriching programs should be created for our kids, and available to the Sedona workforce regardless of residency and regardless of school they belong to.

    As Mayor, I will create an agenda to deliberately embody the consciousness of our collective needs here, allowing private industry to meet the needs of our community rather than bigger government.

    I hope to have your vote on Aug 2nd. I am excited and have the energy to take on this leadership role with new eyes, community perspective, and the thoughtful consciousness that reflects all ages of the human spectrum.

    Thank you deeply for your consideration.

    Sincerely,

    Samaire Armstrong

    Sedona elections
    Armstrong vs. Jablow: The Main Event
    Ready to Rumble

    By Tommy Acosta
    In the Blue Corner stands Scott Jablow and in the Red Corner of the ring stands Samaire Armstrong, ready to rumble to the bitter end in their fight to become the next Sedona mayor. Jablow weighs in with 1,137 primary election votes (36.13%) under his belt, having wielded his advantage as sitting Sedona City Council vice-mayor to his favor. He brings his years of serving in that capacity into the fray and waged a solid fight in his campaign to make it to the run-off. Armstrong, however withstood a blistering smear campaign from the other opposing candidates and their supporters to make it to the final bout with 967 votes under her belt (30.73%), an amazing feat for a political newcomer. Unfortunately, for the other two candidates, Kurt Gehlbach and sitting mayor Sandy Moriarty, neither put up enough of a fight to make it to the championship bout. Read more→
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