Northern Arizona is under a Red Flag Warning with winds gusting up to 40-50 mph. That does not bode well for the newly erupted Pipeline Fire, just 6 miles north of Flagstaff.
Big Idea
- The Pipeline Fire was reported at 10:15 AM by a fire lookout.
- It is estimated to be approximately 4500 acres in size
- This wild fire is continually growing and is active on all sides
- Firefighters are on scene, and more are ordered
- Read more...
This fire is continually growing, but currently, no structures or homes have been destroyed.
The Incident Description on Inciweb, states that smoke will be visible from Flagstaff, and the wind is sweeping the smoke through Schultz Pass toward Doney Park.
The Pipeline Fire was reported at 10:15 AM by a fire lookout. It’s just north of Flagstaff, west of Schultz Pass. By 8:30 PM, it had already grown to approximately 4500 acres, pushed more than 15 miles by the high winds. "Exact size of wildfire is currently unknown since it is continually growing. Infrared flyovers help provide a more accurate estimation, which are usually conducted at night,” according to information on Inciweb. "Resources battling the fire today from the air included up to eight air tankers and five helicopters. Currently, 13 engines, nine crews, six prevention patrol units, three dozers, and one water tender are assigned, which comprises approximately 270 personnel.”
More air tankers and helicopters are on order for tomorrow’s suppression efforts, and more firefighting resources and personnel will be added to the fight with the arrival of a Type 2 IMT.
The current Incident Commander is Aaron Graser, but Jimmy Harris’ California Team 15, a Type 2 Incident Management Team (IMT), should arrive Monday to assume management of the wildfire.
In addition to the Inciweb page, Coconino County has set up a Pipeline Fire information page, which includes links to the current evacuation map.
A 57-year-old male was arrested by Forest Service law enforcement officers earlier today in connection with the wildfire and charged with natural resource violations. The subject was booked into the Coconino County Sheriff’s Detention Facility.
“The investigation into the cause of the Pipeline Fire is ongoing and, in order to protect the integrity of the investigation, we cannot discuss any details of the investigation,” said Law Enforcement Patrol Captain Andy Pederson.
US 89 is closed north of Flagstaff due to the Pipeline Fire.
