Snow and rain showers Friday morning helped douse dry grasses and kept them from igniting more easily, but precipitation levels weren’t high enough to impact extreme hotspots on the Tunnel Fire. Forest managers say it is now 21,000 acres and 3% contained.
Forest managers on the Tunnel Fire burning near Flagstaff say winds are expected to shift Saturday and Sunday, coming from the north and northeast. Firefighters are positioned to respond, according to this morning’s update from the Coconino National Forest. The nearly 22,000 acre fire is currently 3% contained.
In a statement Thursday night, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office said deputies have conducted preliminary evaluations of the burn area. Current evacuation orders remain in place until further notice. County officials have deemed it unsafe to allow residents back into the evacuated area at this time.
Fire crews will battle high winds today as they continue to make progress on the Tunnel Fire burning northeast of Flagstaff. The National Weather Service is calling for gusts in excess of 60 mph at times.