Coconino National Forest

Fire behavior

Fire behavior

Some monsoonal moisture was received across both fire perimeters yesterday but did not bring noteworthy rain. However, thunderstorms are expected to progress throughout the week, bringing more rain to the area.

With the present cloud cover, higher humidity and cooler temperatures, conditions are not expected to support fire spread. Some smoke may still be visible as large, heavy fuels continue to burn within the perimeter, but smoke is not expected to decrease air quality to a significant degree.

Pipeline Fire

Evacuations, road and trail closures, and restrictions

Evacuations remain in place for Shultz Pass Road, Arizona Snowbowl, Crater Estates/Alpine Ranchos West, O’Leary, and east of Highway 89. Evacuation information can be found at https://www.coconino.az.gov/2926/Pipeline-FireHaywire-Fire.

Evacuations remain in place for Shultz Pass Road, Arizona Snowbowl, Crater Estates, O’Leary and east of Highway 89. Evacuation information can be found at https://www.coconino.az.gov/2926/Pipeline-FireHaywire-Fire. An area closure is in place on the Coconino National Forest for the Pipeline Fire. See the forest’s website for full descriptions of road closures and fire restrictions at www.fs.usda.gov/coconino/.

Fire Behavior

The Type 1 Great Basin Incident Management Team (IMT) 2 has arrived at the Pipeline and Haywire fires, and is shadowing the Type 2 California Interagency IMT 15. The Type 1 team will assume command of the incident 6 a.m. Thursday.

The Pipeline Fire is currently 22,888 acres with 31% containment and the Haywire Fire is estimated at 5,065 acres with no containment.

While critical fire weather continues due to dry conditions and high temperatures, lower wind speeds allowed aerial operations to resume and continue throughout the day.

The Type 2 California Incident Management Team 15 has assumed management of the Pipeline and Haywire fires north of Flagstaff.

The Pipeline Fire is currently 20,178 acres and the Haywire Fire is estimated at 4,052 acres. The Double Fire, which was first reported Monday, has merged with the Haywire Fire, and is now being managed solely as the Haywire Fire.

The Type 2 team will manage both fires until a Type 1 team assumes control Wednesday.

Strong winds continue to move the Pipeline Fire toward the northeast, as two additional wildfires--the Haywire Fire and Double Fire--are reported about 6 miles further ahead.

Multiple resources from the Forest Service and City of Flagstaff are responding to a 1-acre fire on city land, called the Railroad Fire, located about half a mile south of Lowell Observatory.

Reported at approximately 2:08 p.m. today by Elden Lookout, the fire is producing smoke that will be visible to those in the Flagstaff area.

The cause is under investigation, and more information will be provided as it is received.

Due to warmer weather conditions, increased fire danger, and for public safety, Coconino National Forest will implement Stage 2 fire restrictions beginning 8 a.m. Thursday, May 26.

The forest has been under Stage 1 fire restrictions since May 5, which prohibit campfires across the forest and limits them to developed recreations sites only.

However, with warmer and windy weather, as well as key criteria being met, stricter fire restrictions will be implemented across the entire national forest--including developed recreation sites.

The Wilson Fire, located above the Mogollon Rim 2.5 miles north of Sedona, is 100% contained at 1.8 acres.

Two engines remain on scene and though the fire is fully contained, crews will spend the day looking for and extinguishing hot spots near the containment lines--working toward full control.