NewsNorthern Arizona NewsFlagstaff News

Actions

Museum Fire burns north of Flagstaff, evacuation orders lifted

Museum Fire 7-21-19
Museum Fire 2
7-21_Museum_Fire.jpeg
Museum Fire
Museum Fire
Posted at 12:57 PM, Jul 21, 2019
and last updated 2019-08-03 21:54:17-04

FLAGSTAFF, AZ — Residents ordered to evacuate more than two dozen homes because of an Arizona wildfire can return.

Those living along Elden Lookout Road were evacuated Monday afternoon in part to allow firefighters better access to burn out grass and other fuels in an effort to prevent the fire from entering the area, the Coconino County Sheriff's Office said.

INTERACTIVE MAP: Museum Fire burning near Flagstaff

Forest officials say the fire is reported to be 1,961 acres in size and 91 percent contained.

City, county and state disaster declarations are in effect, moves which free up additional funding to respond to the fire and makes the jurisdictions eligible to request additional funds from the state.

The Mount Elden Road residents would remain on 'Set' evacuation status, the middle of the county's three-tier evacuation system.

PHOTOS: Museum Fire burning north of Flagstaff.

The American Red Cross has set up a shelter at Sinagua Middle School (3950 E Butler Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86004).

"Smoke will be visible from Flagstaff and other local communities," officials say.

"The public should use extreme caution when driving on U.S. Highways 180 and 89 north of Flagstaff as firefighting vehicles will be responding to the area north of Flagstaff."
A Type 1 Incident Management team is now in command of the response to the Museum Fire.

There are no closures at this time, according to Coconino National Forest officials. Five hundred firefighters, including ground crews, fire engines and aircraft are working to contain the flames.

Coconino County says the fire is believed to be human caused. No other details on how it started have been released.

A call center (928-213-2990) has been set up for people with questions.

Residents are also encouraged to sign-up for emergency notifications for evacuation and other notices at coconino.az.gov/ready.