Tinder Fire Latest: 12,286 Acres Burned, 12 Percent Contained

COCONINO COUNTY, AZ – Hundreds of firefighters and other personnel woke early Thursday morning with the thermometer reading 27 degrees and snow on the ground. Not usually the first image that comes to mind while fighting a wildfire.

But that was the situation in the Blue Ridge area north of Payson as firefighters prepared for a seventh day of fighting the Tinder Fire. It started last Friday, caused by an abandoned, illegal campfire.

Officials say that the fire has consumed 12,286 acres. The good news is that it's 12 percent contained.

As for the snow, officials say that it is helping them limit fire activity and make progress and that they hope it will give them a chance to secure critical areas on Thursday. (Get Phoenix Patch's daily newsletter and real-time news alerts. Or, find your local Patch here and subscribe).

While they've been making progress, officials said Thursday morning that 30 homes and 17 minor structures have bene lost to the fire.

The evacuation orders for all communities affected by the fire north, east, and west of Highway 87 remain in effect. Officials say that suppression work in the areas of those communities continues so that people will be able to return to their homes.

Officials say that 625 personnel including 14 hot shot crews, seven helicopters, 44 engines and more are on scene.

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Photos via US Forest Service-Coconino National Fores