Tunnel Fire remains at 19,075 acres, 95% contained

Minimal fire activity was reported in the Tunnel Fire burning 14 miles northeast of Flagstaff as its size remained at 19,075 acres and 95% containment as of Sunday 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.

Containment defines the amount of the fire's perimeter surrounded by a control line that the fire will not cross.

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.

Just over 80 firefighters remain working on the fire, continuing "with mop up and patrol, working toward full containment of the fire," according to InciWeb.

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.

Fire crews were expected to remain working on the fire for several days to patrol for smoke and mop up hot spots as needed, finish backhaul of equipment that is no longer in use and to complete suppression repair.

As of Sunday morning there was minimal activity in the fire as crews continued to monitor and make sure lines hold, Shaffer said. About 84 personnel were working on the fire.

After the work has been completed, resources will be released and made available to respond to other priority fires in the Southwest, according to InciWeb.

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 United States National Forest Service as outlined on its website.

The city of Flagstaff will also enter Stage 1 fire restrictions, with details of the restrictions within listed on the city's website.

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.

Tunnel Fire: Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument burned 'in its entirety'

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.

Residents returning home

On Thursday night, neighborhoods put in "set" status by officials were moved back down to "ready." Ready is the first step in the state's three-step evacuation framework.

The areas included Timberline, Fernwood, Lenox Park, Girls Ranch Road, Wupatki Estates, Antelope Hills, and the residences east/northeast of Moon Crater in Alpine Ranchos, according to Coconino County Sheriff's Office.

Some areas of the Coconino National Forest, including the Cinder Lakes Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area, will remain closed due to a temporary closure order from the U.S. Forest Service, the Sheriff's Office said.

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Forest Service Road 545 will be closed until further notice from Highway 89 to milepost 12 through Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, the Sheriff's Office said.

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 on 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.

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

How can I give or receive help?

NAU assistance

Northern Arizona University President José Luis Cruz Rivera said 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 St., 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.

Reporters Amaris Encinas and Laura Daniella Sepúlveda contributed to this article.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Tunnel Fire update: Fire remains at 19,075 acres, 95% contained