AZ Wildfire Prompts State Of Emergency Declaration

ARIZONA — Gov. Doug Ducey issued a state of emergency Thursday because of the Tunnel Fire near Flagstaff that has burned more than 19,000 acres since it started Sunday afternoon and is not at all contained.

More than 260 firefighters and other emergency workers have been deployed to the area and more than 750 households have been evacuated, Ducey said in a news release.

Ducey said he issued the emergency declaration to assist the communities impacted by the fire with the resources they need to respond to its destruction.

Dry grass and scattered Ponderosa pines, along with high winds were fueling the fire, according to reporting from the Associated Press.

“Our team is on the ground working with first responders to monitor the Tunnel Fire in Coconino County,” Ducey said in the news release. “As strong winds fuel fires across Arizona, we are doing everything we can to keep Arizonans safe. We pray for the safety of the responders and firefighters in Northern Arizona, and are thankful for their dedication to protecting the lives, pets and property of Arizonans. Our prayers are with the residents affected by the fire and we encourage everyone in the area to follow the guidance of fire officials, stay safe and respond to any evacuation notices. We will continue to monitor the situation and deploy additional resources as necessary.”