As the Tunnel Fire near Flagstaff to the east of San Francisco Mountain, northwest of the tourist attraction Hundred Dollar Hill in Arizona, had grown to nearly 20,000 acres on Wednesday, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors declared a State of Emergency. Approximately 2,068 people live in the affected area. “This was a very difficult evacuation procedure,” said Coconino County Sheriff Jim Driscoll. The fire, which was reported Sunday shortly before 4:30 p.m., was at 0% containment as of Wednesday morning. The cause is unknown and under investigation. It was estimated that about 25 structures have been lost to the fire and 250 more are threatened. A national team for large, complex fires, is scheduled to arrive Thursday. Some roads are closed. Tunnel Fire has covered a northwest portion of Black Bill Park.
The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for parts of northern Arizona, including Flagstaff due to high winds and low humidity. Propane tanks are in the area. Displaced residents gathered at Sinagua Middle School in Flagstaff. A Red Cross Shelter has been opened at Sinagua Middle School. Pets can be taken to the Coconino Humane Association.People who have evacuated their home due to the Tunnel Fire are asked to contact the call center at 928-679-8525. Coconino County Sheriff Jim Driscoll said he wished he could tell people when they could expect to return to their homes.
