The Tunnel Fire was first reported on Sunday, April 17, northeast of Flagstaff shortly before 4:30 p.m. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
As the fire grew, burning over 20,000 acres, it quickly prompted evacuations and displaced residents.
Arizona’s wildfire season, which got off to an early start this year, could be even more catastrophic in 2022 than in previous years, fire officials have said.
Follow coverage of the Tunnel Fire by Republic reporters here.
Containment efforts:Windy conditions are a ‘huge concern’ for Tunnel Fire
8:45 p.m.: U.S. 89 partially closed
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, U.S. 89 remains closed in both directions between mileposts 425 and 445 north of Flagstaff with no estimated time of reopening.
There is a chance that U.S. 89 may reopen before the weekend depending on weather conditions, the U.S. Forest Service said Thursday night.
7:45 p.m.: Helicopters, crews make progress with lines around fire
The Coconino Forest Service said in a press release that helicopters helped with fire suppression efforts, while ground crews made progress dousing hotspots around the fire’s western flank.
There are currently 371 firefighters, nine 20-person hand crews, five dozers, 30 engines, one air attack plane, two Type-1 helicopters and one Type-3 helicopter assisting in fire suppression efforts.
“Even though we haven’t declared a percentage of containment on this fire yet, there has been a lot of work, progress, and investment on line construction around many parts of the Tunnel Fire,” said Deputy Incident Commander Shelby Erickson. “However, we won’t be declaring areas with line around them as ‘contained’ until we’re confident the line will hold during the forecasted high and shifting winds through the next few days.”
A Forest Closure Order has been issued for the affected areas of the Tunnel Fire.
6:45 p.m. Thursday: Overnight winds expected to affect Tunnel Fire
The National Weather Service in Flagstaff expect peak wind gusts to affect areas in and around the Tunnel Fire.
“It will remain windy overnight, especially at locations downwind of higher terrain features. These areas will see southwest wind gusts over 40 mph, especially after Midnight MST through sunrise Friday. These higher gusts will affect areas in and around the Tunnel Fire.” the weather service said on Twitter.
5:55 p.m. Thursday: Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument burned ‘in its entirety’
In a Facebook post Wednesday, National Park Service officials said the popular monument, northeast of Flagstaff, was completely burned over by the Tunnel Fire.
“Sadly, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument has burned in its entirety,” the Facebook post read.
Active fires are still burning near the monument, which remains closed. There is no set date for its reopening.
5:30 p.m. Thursday: Coconino National Forest considering campfire ban
Coconino National Forest, along with partner organizations, are weighing the option for a campfire ban.
“Campfire & smoking restriction discussions between adjacent National Forests, National Parks, State Agencies and the National Weather Service generally begins in mid-April depending on forest conditions and weather forecasts. We appreciate your patience in this process,” Coconino National Forest said on Twitter.
4:30 p.m. Thursday: Community Assistance Center available for those impacted
Coconino County is offering its Community Assistance Center for those affected by the Tunnel Fire. The center is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 2695 E. Industrial Drive, Flagstaff, Ariz. 86004.
Those looking for assistance online can fill out this form to request additional support and resources.
3:30 p.m. Thursday: St. Mary’s Food Bank sends supplies for firefighters
St. Mary’s Food Bank sent a truckload of bottled water and snacks for firefighters from the Tunnel Fire on Wednesday, according to spokesperson Jerry Brown. The food bank is also assisting families impacted by the fire with the help of the Flagstaff Family Food Center and sent 100 emergency food boxes on Thursday.
Brown said they will send more boxes and will be standing by with more resources as needed.
1:20 p.m. Thursday: Ducey declares state of emergency
In a news release, Gov. Doug Ducey declared a state of emergency for the Tunnel Fire in Coconino County.
“Our team is on the ground working with first responders to monitor the Tunnel Fire in Coconino County,” Ducey said in the news release.
“Our prayers are with the residents affected by the fire and we encourage everyone in the area to follow the guidance of fire officials, stay safe and respond to any evacuation notices. We will continue to monitor the situation and deploy additional resources as necessary.”
1 p.m. Thursday: Sunset Crater closed
The Tunnel Fire has covered a northwest portion of Black Bill Park and is burning in the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument.
The Wupatki National Monuments is also shut down due to the Tunnel Fire.
The scenic loop drive connecting the monuments is also closed and there is no admittance at this time.
12:15 p.m. Thursday: New evacuations ordered
The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office announced new evacuation orders due to the Tunnel Fire burning northeast of Flagstaff.
Areas affected include Highway 89 from Campbell Road to Antelope Hills, milepost 434.5.
Highway 89 is closed in both directions from Silversaddle Road to Antelope Hills until further notice.
10:30 a.m. Thursday: Over 20,000 acres burned
As of Thursday morning, the fire had grown to 20,511 acres, and The National Weather Service in Flagstaff issued a red flag warning for parts of northern Arizona, including Flagstaff, between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. Thursday due to high winds and low humidity.
Tony Merriman, a meteorologist with NWS Flagstaff, told The Arizona Republic that the area is expected to have high winds with gusts up to 35 mph. Merriman said that the winds, coupled with low humidity, create an environment where a wildfire could quickly grow out of control.
April 19: Road closures in effect
U.S. Highway 89 was closed from milepost 425 to 445 with no estimated reopening time, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
Evacuations for Tunnel Fire
According to the Coconino County Situational Awareness Viewer, the following areas were to evacuate:
- North of Campbell Avenue, west of U.S. 89
- North of Campbell Avenue, east of U.S. 89
- Moon Crater
The areas that should prepare for possible evacuation orders are:
- South of Campbell Avenue, west of U.S. 89
- South of Campbell Avenue, east of U.S. 89
- Antelope Hills
- Areas east of existing evacuation areas near Moon Crater, north of Leupp Road and south of Stone House Wash
People who have evacuated their home due to the Tunnel Fire were asked to contact the call center at 928-679-8525. According to Coconino County, they are experiencing a high call volume but will respond to all voicemails.
Those unsure about an evacuation notice or who feel it might be a scam can call law enforcement agencies to confirm evacuation stages. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office asked to call its non-emergency number at 928-774-4523 and Flagstaff Police Department at 928-774-4114.
Where fires are burning in Arizona
Keep track of fires actively burning in Arizona with our map, as compiled by the wildfire tracking website InciWeb, which is operated by the U.S. Forest Service. It will be updated throughout the fire season.
