Tunnel Fire in Flagstaff, Arizona torches dozens of structures as 766 homes & 1,000 animals evacuated in Coconino County

THE flames in the ever-growing Tunnel Fire in northern Arizona tore through two-dozen structures and forced the evacuation of over 700 homes.

An emergency was declared Tuesday in Coconino County due to the fast-moving wildfire, said Sheriff Jim Driscoll in a news conference.

Arizona Wildfire Management

The Tunnel Fire has caused an evacuation in Flagstaff, Arizona Tuesday[/caption]

Arizona Wildfire Management

Multiple agencies are working to stop the fire[/caption]

Driscoll also said the sheriff’s office got a call saying a man was trapped in his house, however, firefighters could not get to him. It’s unknown if he survived.

Over 766 homes and 1,000 animals have been evacuated said county officials. Officials said that over 2,000 people live in the area.

As of Tuesday evening, at least 6,000 acres have been burned by the flames and the situation is currently at zero percent containment.

Flames have reached as high as 100 feet, said the US Forest Service. Firefighters are up against 50mph wind gusts that pushed the wildfire over the highway and aren’t expected to let up.

“It’s blowing hard, and we have ash falling on the highway,” said Coconino County sheriff’s spokesman Jon Paxton.

The highway is currently closed in both directions, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. It is unknown when it is going to reopen again.

Officials have ordered evacuations in certain areas such as Coconino County and all areas north of Lenox Road.

Those who have animals and pets in their household and live in the Timberline area are being told to bring their animals to the Coconino Humane Association at 3501 E Butler Avenue.

The fire is moving rapidly in a northeast direction as a result of high winds with medium-to-high range spotting in timber and grass.

The fire was first reported Sunday afternoon. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Around 200 firefighters are combatting the flames that appear to be moving away from the heavily populated areas of Flagstaff, said Coconino National Forest spokesman Brady Smith.

“It’s good in that it’s not headed towards a very populated area, and it’s headed toward less fuel,” he said. “But depending on the intensity of the fire, fire can still move across cinders.”

Crews working to stop the fire include five hand crews, 15 engines and three dozen bulldozers. Air tankers were also ordered earlier in the afternoon to help in the fight but were diverted because of the high winds.

Agencies such as Flagstaff Fire Department, Summit FD, Highlands FD and state crews have also helped in the initial and continued response.

Twitter/Arizona Department of Public Safety

Over 6,000 acres have been burned since Sunday[/caption]

AP

Flames have reached as high as 100 feet, said officials[/caption]

AP

Over 700 homes had to be evacuated due to the fast-moving wildfire[/caption]

More to follow…

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