PHOENIX — The Governor’s Office continues to closely monitor the Museum Fire near Flagstaff, which has grown to 1,000 acres, and remains in regular communication with the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM), the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA), the U.S. Forest Service, Coconino County, City of Flagstaff and other federal, state and local agencies.
“This is a top priority, and we continue to take all efforts to protect people, pets and property,” said Governor Ducey. “We are praying for the first responders and firefighters working around the clock to keep everyone safe. We urge residents in the area to heed warnings from officials and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.”
The U.S. Forest Service has activated a Type 1 Incident Management Team, which will arrive and take command of the site later today. Arizona state agencies, including DFFM, DEMA, the Arizona Department of Transportation, Arizona Department of Public Safety and Arizona Game and Fish are assisting federal and local authorities in emergency response operations.
Pre-evacuation notices are in effect for the following areas in Flagstaff: West of Highway 89 from Railhead north to Townsend-Winona, including the KOA Campground, Christmas Tree Estates and the U.S. Forest Service Peaks Ranger Station Office, Mt. Elden Lookout Estates, north and west of Highway 89 and Silver Saddle, Hutcheson Acres, McCann Estates, all of Timberline communities including Black Bill Park, Wupatki Trails and Pine Mountain Estates. If an evacuation is ordered, residents should be prepared to heed the notice and leave quickly.
The Red Cross has set-up a shelter at Sinagua Middle School, 3950 E Butler Ave, Flagstaff, AZ.
Drones of any kind are prohibited from flying over the area. When an unidentified aircraft, manned or unmanned, is sighted in the fire area, all air operations must shut down immediately, posing a significant risk to fire personnel and suspending crucial air suppression tactics. If any member of the public sees someone launching a drone, please call 911. The public should also stay out of the fire area for public and firefighter safety.
Heavy smoke will be visible from Flagstaff and other local communities. The public should use extreme caution when driving on U.S. Highways 180 and 89 north of Flagstaff and stay out of the fire area.
For the latest updates on the Museum Fire, visit InciWeb or follow the Coconino National Forest, Coconino County or the City of Flagstaff on Twitter. Coconino County has established a call center for local residents and visitors if they have questions about fire activity and evacuation notices: (928) 213-2990. Coconino County residents can also sign up for emergency notifications at http://coconino.az.gov/ready.
