Tunnel Fire: Containment grows to 43%; over 19,000 acres charred

Staff reports
·6 min read

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 night.

The fire, burning across U.S. 89, was reported shortly before 4:30 p.m. on April 17, and its cause was under investigation, according to InciWeb, a government website that tracks wildfires.

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 were 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.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office reported on April 21 that about 109 properties were impacted by the fire, including 30 burned residences and 24 properties with destroyed outbuildings, forest officials said.

Management of the Tunnel Fire will transition to the Coconino National Forest and a local fire management team at 7 a.m. Friday. They will continue to give periodic updates, according to the Forest Service.

Where is the Tunnel Fire burning?

The fire was burning northeast of Flagstaff across U.S. 89, to the east of San Francisco Mountain, northwest of tourist attraction Hundred Dollar Hill, west of Black Bottom Crater and south of Deadman Mesa mountain peak.

The Tunnel Fire has covered a northwest portion of Black Bill Park and was burning in the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. The fire also has reached Black Mountain.

The western portion of the Tunnel Fire was burning through a part of the scar of the Schultz Fire, which burned over 15,000 acres of forest and was the largest wildfire in Arizona in 2010. The fuels that the Schultz Fire left were likely helping to spread new fires.

Wildfire map: Track where fires are burning in Arizona in 2022

As of Thursday morning, 338 fire personnel were working on the fire.

In a video update Thursday, incident commander Randy Johnson said firefighters made good progress with fire extinguishing and containment Wednesday.

Firefighters continued patrolling and securing the fire lines Thursday. Crews also continued returning equipment that is no longer needed and began to repair disturbances caused by suppression efforts.

Johnson said resources will still be working on the fire when management transitions to local authorities.

Inciweb will be updated until the fire is contained.

Crooks Fire: Over 9,000 acres scorched; community meeting set

Information for residents returning home after evacuation for Tunnel Fire

On Thursday night, neighborhoods put in "set" status were moved back down to "ready." This includes Timberline, Fernwood, Wupatki Trails, Girls Ranch Road and Lenox Park.

U.S. 89 has reopened as well.

Late Saturday, all neighborhoods previously evacuated were put back in "set" status, allowing residents to return home.

"Residents returning to the area are reminded that the conditions and status of evacuation levels could change at any time based on fire behavior," the Coconino County National Forest officials said in a statement.

According to the Coconino County Situational Awareness Viewer, the areas that should prepare for possible evacuation orders are:

  • South and north of Campbell Avenue, west of U.S. 89.

  • South and north of Campbell Avenue, east of U.S. 89.

  • Antelope Hills.

  • Moon Crater.

Evacuated residents were asked to 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. Once the check-in process is completed, residents will be able to access their properties.

The Coconino County Sheriff's Office and National Forest said as residents return, people should be aware of expected "by-products" of the wildfire.

"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," forest officials said in a statement Sunday.

"Should you observe hazardous tree or structure issues, we ask you to contact the appropriate agency on their non-emergency numbers to address these problems," said the Coconino County Sheriff's Office.

The U.S. Postal Service is holding mail for the Tunnel Fire area residents, Coconino County said in a tweet. Residents should go to the postal office at 2400 Postal Blvd. with a picture ID to pick up mail. FedEx was also holding packages at 5700 S. Pulliam Drive. Call 928-213-8234 or 928-864-9776 for more information.

How can I give or receive help?

NAU assistance

Northern Arizona University President José Luis Cruz Rivera announced Friday morning that the university will provide immediate assistance with housing, meals, or emergency funds for all Lumberjacks, according to a tweet by the university.

All students need to do is email president@nau.edu with information. NAU's leadership team is on standby to assist any students in need.

Assistance for residents affected

People who have been affected by the fire and are in need of assistance can visit the Coconino County Community Assistance Center located at 2695 E. Industrial Drive in Flagstaff from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Grocery cards are available by filling out a form.

To request support and resources including shelter, pet food, meal distribution, hygiene items, and financial assistance, residents can fill out an intake form online at https://www.coconino.az.gov/help.

According to Jeronimo Vasquez, District 2 supervisor, a behavioral crisis line is also available to residents 24/7 at 877-756-4090.

Evacuees can find more information on safety protocols and indications of how to dispose of hazardous waste and spoiled food upon returning by visiting https://www.coconino.az.gov/2900/Re-Entry-Information.

For those who want to provide assistance to people impacted by the Tunnel Fire, the United Way and Salvation Army are accepting donations.

The Salvation Army Flagstaff is accepting the following items:

  • Various sizes of clothes (men, women, and children sizes)

  • Small animal feed/food

  • Personal care/hygiene items

  • Blankets and bedding

Drop off donated items at The Salvation Army Flagstaff, 3815 E Huntington Street, Flagstaff.

To donate to United Way of Northern Arizona, text UWNARESPONSE TO 41444 or donate via the United Way website.

Highlands Fire District is also collecting donations, including:

  • Baby Items

  • Clothing

  • Gift Cards

  • Household Items

Drop off donations with a Highlands fire employee at Highlands Fire District Station 23, at 3350 Old Munds Highway, instead of leaving the items outside.

Reach breaking news reporter Angela Cordoba Perez at Angela.CordobaPerez@Gannett.com or on Twitter @AngelaCordobaP.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Tunnel Fire: Containment grows to 43%; over 19,000 acres charred