Containment figures rise as firefighters continue to battle Museum Fire north of Flagstaff
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - Fire crews are still trying to get a handle on the Museum Fire that is burning north of Flagstaff.
The Coconino National Forest says the fire was reported just before 11:00 a.m. Sunday by fire lookouts and calls from the public.
The fire has burned 1,961 acres of land as of Monday and is 82% contained. Wildland firefighters are responding with ground crews and air support to contain the fire. Meanwhile, Governor Doug Ducey has signed a declaration of emergency for the fire.
Officials say smoke will be visible from Flagstaff and the surrounding areas. The public is urged to use caution while driving along highway 180 and 89 north of Flagstaff. Fire officials burnout operations are underway between Mt. Elden Lookout Road and the southern portion of the Brookbank Trail.
On Wednesday afternoon, evacuation orders were lifted for residents on Mount Elden Lookout Road. The sheriff's office will begin re-entry of the residents at 1 p.m. All evacuated residents are to report to deputies staged at Sechrist School and will be required to show identification.
The re-entry point will be open until 6 p.m.
Informational packets detailing ongoing air operations and forest closures will be provided.
Officials previously added the following areas and neighborhoods to the pre-evacuation notice: West of Hwy 89 from Railhead north to Townsend-Winona, including the KOA Campground, Christmas Tree Estates, the U.S. Forest Service Peaks Ranger Station Office
Coconino County officials added more areas to the pre-evacuation notice. The following neighborhoods and areas are being evacuated, both north of highway 180 and west of Weatherford Road: Valley Crest, Lockett Ranches, Magdalena, Kelly McCoy and Forest Hills.
An emergency shelter has been set up at Sinagua Middle School in Flagstaff to house those who have been evacuated.
The fire is named after the Museum of Northern Arizona, which is on Highway 180, according to KAFF News.
