Crews make progress around fire
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The Tunnel Fire was first reported on Sunday, April 17, northeast of Flagstaff shortly before 4:30 p.m. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
As the fire grew, burning over 20,000 acres, it quickly prompted evacuations and displaced residents.
Arizona’s wildfire season, which got off to an early start this year, could be even more catastrophic in 2022 than in previous years, fire officials have said.
Follow coverage of the Tunnel Fire by Republic reporters here.
Containment efforts:Windy conditions are a ‘huge concern’ for Tunnel Fire
8:45 p.m.: U.S. 89 partially closed
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, U.S. 89 remains closed in both directions between mileposts 425 and 445 north of Flagstaff with no estimated time of reopening.
There is a chance that U.S. 89 may reopen before the weekend depending on weather conditions, the U.S. Forest Service said Thursday night.
7:45 p.m.: Helicopters, crews make progress with lines around fire
The Coconino Forest Service said in a press release that helicopters helped with fire suppression efforts, while ground crews made progress dousing hotspots around the fire’s western flank.
There are currently 371 firefighters, nine 20-person hand crews, five dozers, 30 engines, one air attack plane, two Type-1 helicopters and one Type-3 helicopter assisting in fire suppression efforts.
“Even though we haven’t declared a percentage of containment on this fire yet, there has been a lot of work, progress,…
