5 forest fires burning near Flagstaff set on purpose

PHOENIX — Nearly a half-dozen forest fires started in the Flagstaff area were set on purpose, authorities said Tuesday.

Five fires have been intentionally started since Monday near the base of Mount Elden, a mountain that overlooks the city.

Law enforcement seeks info on suspicious fires at base of Mt. Elden, #Flagstaff https://t.co/Z7vUrB3mTh #AZFire pic.twitter.com/jSi3YflecB

— Coconino NF (@CoconinoNF) April 5, 2016

Flagstaff police and Coconino National Forest officials said three fires started early Monday along the Pipeline Trail and two more fire started Tuesday morning in the same area.

The latest fires were started between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. The first fires were, they believed, set between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m.

Pipeline Trail is a popular hiking trail.

The fires grew to about a tenth of an acre before being put out. Officials said they didn’t pose any threat to nearby neighborhoods.

Possible witnesses were asked to call Forest Service law enforcement at 928-527-3511 or the Flagstaff Police Department’s Silent Witness program at 928-774-6111.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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