Tunnel Fire near Flagstaff has burned more than 20,000 acres, some evacuation orders will be lifted Sunday morning

COCONINO COUNTY, Ariz — Fire crews are battling the Tunnel Fire, which has been burning 14 miles north of Flagstaff since April 17.

The fire has burned more than 21,164 acres from Saturday Morning.

We continue to track efforts to contain the fire and will update the public on any new information as it becomes available. Please check back frequently for the latest information.

Go to 12news.com/wildfires for the latest information on all the fires burning around Arizona.

Coconino County officials announced that some residents along Highway 89 will be able to return as early as 9 a.m. Sunday. This includes Timberline, Fernwood, Wutpatki Trails, Girls Ranch Road, and Lenox Park.

Residents are asked to report to the north parking lot of the Silver Saddle Trading Post and bring identification to verify their address.

IN SPANISH: Tunnel Fire near Flagstaff consumes 19,000 acres, 2,000 residents evacuated

Here’s a breakdown of everything we know about the fire:

• The fire is contained to 3% from Saturday morning
• At least 100 structures have been destroyed, including 30 houses, authorities say.
• Around 700 homes are under evacuation orders, with around 2,000 residents evacuated
• Red Cross shelter set up in Sinagua High School
• More than 370 firefighters are working on the fire.
• PHC has lines out of service north of flagstaff
• Forestry officials are warning drivers not to take Forest Road 244A to avoid the closure of US 89 because those roads are unsafe and blocked.
• Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument was “entirely burned”

The tunnel fire has burned 21,164 acres and is 3% contained as of Saturday morning, fire officials said.

“Deputies conducted preliminary assessments of the area and estimate that approximately 109 properties were affected by the fire, including 30 residences that burned and 24 properties with outbuildings destroyed,” Coconino County officials said late Thursday.

Firefighters are focusing on protecting residences and buildings near the danger area, Coconino National Forest officials said Thursday.

Coconino County Emergency Management has established an evacuee call center in 928-679-8525.

The following communities are under the “WE GO” order and have been asked to evacuate:

• North of Campbell Road to Sunset Crater Road (FS 545) east and west of Hwy 89. This includes Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and the areas around Moon Crater.

Officials said that due to high winds, crews plan to hold all “GO” evacuations through Sunday morning, April 24.

The following communities are under the “PLACE” order and have been asked to prepare for a possible evacuation:

• Areas south of Campbell Road to Elden Springs Road east and west of Highway 89, Antelope Hills, areas north and east of Moon Crater to the Navajo Reservation. This includes Hutchison Acres, Anasazi Trails, and the north end of Doney Park
• Areas along Highway 89. This includes the Timberline, Fernwood, Wutpatki Trails, Girls Ranch Road, and Lenox Park neighborhoods.

There are no communities under the “CLEVER” order.

Go to the Arizona Emergency Information Network website to learn how the READY, SET, GO evacuation system works.

• US Highway 89 is closed from milepost 425 to 445.
• Forest Road 544
• The public is asked to avoid Highway 89 from Elden Springs Road to the Coconino National Forest boundary.

The Cinder Lake Landfill is also closed in Flagstaff due to the tunnel fire. The Dangerous Goods Center at the landfill is also closed. People are advised to avoid the area.

Are there shelters available for residents who may be evacuated?

A Red Cross shelter has opened for residents evacuated due to the tunnel fire at Sinagua High School, 3950 E Butler Ave.

The Flagstaff Family Food Center announced that it will also provide food and water to people affected by the fire on Thursday from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm at 2187 North Vickey Street.

What other assistance is available?

Northern Arizona University (NAU) announced Friday that it will donate $25,000 to the United Way of Northern Arizona Crisis Fund and $25,000 to the Lumberjack Emergency Assistance Fund.

NAU President José Luis Cruz Rivera also told any college student in need of housing, meals or emergency funds to email [email protected].

Coconino County is advising people not to bring their household pets to High County Humane, which is now in SET status.

Instead, residents can bring their household pets to the Coconino Humanitarian Association located at 3501 East Butler Ave.

Horses, goats, sheep, pigs and chickens can be brought to the Fort Tuthill County stables at the county fairgrounds. The stables are self catering and the owners are responsible for all services related to their animals, including feed and water. Bring cages for small livestock.

Get the latest information on staying safe and protecting your home during Arizona’s wildfire season on our YouTube 12 News playlist here.

Residents in wildfire-prone areas are urged to have an emergency supply kit to take with them if they are evacuated from their homes, especially as Arizonans are beginning to see early widespread fire activity across the state. .

An emergency supply kit should be assembled long before a wildfire or other disaster strikes. Be sure to keep it easily accessible so you can take it with you when you have to evacuate.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that residents near a disaster store emergency supplies in a plastic tub, small suitcase, trash can, backpack, or other containers.

Residents should make sure they have what they need, such as three gallons of water per person and a three-day supply of ready-to-eat food, the NFPA said. A first aid kit, prescription medications, contact lenses, and over-the-counter medications should also be considered.

Copies of any important family documents, including insurance policies, identification, bank account records and emergency contact numbers should also be taken and placed in a waterproof portable container in your kit, the NFPA said.

The association lists other items that would help in a disaster, including:

• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA weather radio for up-to-date information
• Dust mask or cotton t-shirt to filter the air
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Complete change of clothing, including long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and sturdy shoes stored in a waterproof container
• Signal flare

The complete NFPA supplies checklist can be found here.

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