Actions

Tinder Fire information: 47 structures lost in northern Arizona fire

The Tinder Fire did not grow much overnight due to some rain, calmer winds, and even some snow.

Posted

and last updated

The Tinder Fire continues to burn near the Blue Ridge Reservoir in northern Arizona and has grown to more than 12,200 acres.

STRUCTURES LOST: 30 primary residences, 17 minor structures
ACRES: 12,286 acres (as of 11:45 a.m. Thursday)
NEXT COMMUNITY MEETING: Winslow High School, 600 E. Cherry Avenue at 6 p.m.
CONTAINMENT: 12%
CAUSE: Fire officials have found the cause to be an abandoned illegal campfire. Investigators determined that the fire originated in the East Clear Creek drainage approximately one mile downstream from Forest Road 95.
LOCATION: 1.5 miles northeast of Blue Ridge Reservoir
START DATE: April 27, 2018
FUELS: Timber (grass and understory)
RESIDENTS WITH QUESTIONS: Call 928-213-2990 or 928-679-8393.
RESOURCES: 625 personnel including 14 crews, 7 helicopters, 44 engines, 7 dozers, 13 water tenders, and other support personnel.

EVACUATION INFORMATION: According to Coconino County officials, evacuations were ordered Sunday by the Coconino County Sheriff's Office for affected communities north, east and west of Highway 87, including Moqui Ranchettes, all of Starlight Pines, Clear Creek (except 1 and 2), all of Timber Ranch, all of Tamarron, Pine Canyon, Blue Ridge Estates, Ponderosa Pines, and Mogollon Ranches.

The evacuation will be in effect until further notice, deputies will stay in the area to provide 24-hour security.

It is estimated that 600 people have evacuated from the 1,000 homes in the impacted area.

Residents with questions on the evacuations are asked to call the Coconino Call Center at 928-679-8393 or 928-213-2990.

Officials are expected to notify residents who have lost structures in the fire on Tuesday.

MAP: See where the Tinder Fire is burning

SUMMARY: The fire has burned an estimated 12,286 acres and is burning 1.5 miles northeast of Blue Ridge Reservoir. 47 structures have also been lost in the fire, including 30 primary residences and17 minor structures, according to the Coconino National Forest.

Early estimates from Coconino County estimate that between 20 to 30 structures have burned. Officials believe some homes burned east of HIghway 87.

Wednesday's rain and snow minimized fire activity, according to officials. Fire personnel took advantage of the weather to strengthen fire lines.

Approximately 625 personnel including 14 crews, 7 helicopters, 44 engines, 7 dozers, 13 water tenders, and other support personnel.

According to fire officials, they have found the cause to be an abandoned illegal campfire during Stage 1 fire restrictions.

The fire was reported by the Moqui Tower lookout before noon on April 27 and started near Forest Road 95, 1.5 miles east of C.C. Cragin Reservoir.

Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is asked to call Forest Service Law Enforcement at (928) 527-3511.

An evacuation site has been set up at Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort, 22181 Resort Blvd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004. Small animals are being evacuated to this site. The original site was at Winslow Junior High, but was later moved due to smoke in the area.

Governor Doug Ducey declared a state of emergency Monday in response to the fire.

The declaration allows for additional state resources for response efforts, according to officials.

"I’m issuing today’s declaration to ensure that they have the necessary resources to protect the lives, pets and property of Arizonans impacted by this fire. We will continue to coordinate with state and local emergency response officials," Governor Ducey said in a news release.

County officials say large animals are being accepted at the Holbrook Navajo County Fairgrounds.

Coconino County health officials are encouraging Winslow and Holbrook residents to take precautions from health effects of wildfire smoke.

Anyone who was in the area of Forest Road 95 or East Clear River between April 26 & 27 and has information that could help the investigation is urged to call Forest Service Law Enforcement at 928-527-3511.

Detours have been issued for SR 87 near the evacuation zone.