Uncontained inferno approaching 9,000 acres
Tinder Fire – April 30, 2018 Morning Update
Acres: estimated 8,623 acres (based on infrared data)
Containment: 0%
Start Date: April 27, 2018
Cause: Unknown, under investigation
Origin Location: 1.5 mi NE of Blue Ridge (C.C. Cragin) Reservoir
Jurisdiction: Coconino National Forest
Fuels: Timber (grass and understory)
Resources: 510 personnel including 13 crews, 5 helicopters, 23 engines, 3 dozers, 2 watertenders and overhead
Strong southwest winds will continue to be a hazard through Tuesday. Spotting will be common and problematic. There is a potential for very active to extreme fire behavior with rapid rates of spread and moderate to long range spotting through the day. As topography aligns with the wind, expect to see an increase in fire behavior.
Significant fire growth is expected to continue. The fire will continue to move to the northeast, moving rapidly through the Ponderosa Pine. Once it reaches the Pinyon/Juniper vegetation, expect to see a reduction in fire behavior through less continuous fuels. Areas of grass will burn rapidly with long flame lengths. Flank growth will continue with fingers spreading away from the flank, then becoming a head fire as winds increase.
Firefighters actively engaged in structural protection throughout the night. Structure protection actions in local communities will continue today. Firefighters are also scouting for opportunities to anchor and hold the fire and may conduct burnout operations to try to secure and hold firelines when they can do so safely and effectively.
Structural loss assessments are underway. The current priority now is providing for emergency responder and public safety in the area. Coconino County will be assessing damages and providing updates as soon as they’re able to do so.
The Coconino County Sheriff's Office evacuation for all Blue Ridge Tinder Fire affected communities north, east and west of Hwy 87 remains in effect. Visit https://www.facebook.com/CoconinoCounty for details. Blue Ridge Area Residents can call the County’s Call Center, 928-679-8393 with questions about evacuations and structures.
Highway 87 closures are in effect in the fire area. Visit https://twitter.com/ArizonaDOT or call 511 for current status.
Smoke impacts in Winslow and Holbrook will continue. Coconino County health officials are encouraging individuals to take precautions to protect themselves from health effects of wildfire smoke. People with pre-existing conditions should avoid exposure to the smoke as much as possible, and consult their physician if they have any questions.
Strong southwest winds will continue to be a hazard through Tuesday. Spotting will be common and problematic. There is a potential for very active to extreme fire behavior with rapid rates of spread and moderate to long range spotting through the day. As topography aligns with the wind, expect to see an increase in fire behavior.
Significant fire growth is expected to continue. The fire will continue to move to the northeast, moving rapidly through the Ponderosa Pine. Once it reaches the Pinyon/Juniper vegetation, expect to see a reduction in fire behavior through less continuous fuels. Areas of grass will burn rapidly with long flame lengths. Flank growth will continue with fingers spreading away from the flank, then becoming a head fire as winds increase.
Firefighters actively engaged in structural protection throughout the night. Structure protection actions in local communities will continue today. Firefighters are also scouting for opportunities to anchor and hold the fire and may conduct burnout operations to try to secure and hold firelines when they can do so safely and effectively.
Structural loss assessments are underway. The current priority now is providing for emergency responder and public safety in the area. Coconino County will be assessing damages and providing updates as soon as they’re able to do so.
The Coconino County Sheriff's Office evacuation for all Blue Ridge Tinder Fire affected communities north, east and west of Hwy 87 remains in effect. Visit https://www.facebook.com/CoconinoCounty for details. Blue Ridge Area Residents can call the County’s Call Center, 928-679-8393 with questions about evacuations and structures.
Highway 87 closures are in effect in the fire area. Visit https://twitter.com/ArizonaDOT or call 511 for current status.
Smoke impacts in Winslow and Holbrook will continue. Coconino County health officials are encouraging individuals to take precautions to protect themselves from health effects of wildfire smoke. People with pre-existing conditions should avoid exposure to the smoke as much as possible, and consult their physician if they have any questions.
Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Every time a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of this area.
More info visit Know Before You Fly, http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.
Firefighters will continue efforts to fully suppress the fire where they can do so safely and effectively. Objectives include ensuring emergency responder and public safety, protecting structures, facilities and infrastructure in local communities including Starlight Pines 1 & 2, Tamarron Pines Phase 1-5, Blue Ridge Estates Units 1 & 2, Mogollon Range Unit 1 & 2, Clear Creek Pines 8 & 9, Moqui Ranchettes and Ponderosa Pines, and Camp Colley, protecting sensitive natural and cultural resources, and minimizing prolonged smoke impacts.
There will be a 6pm Tinder Fire Community Meeting tonight, April 30, 2018, at the Winslow High School Performing Arts Center, 600 E. Cherry Street.
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