Governor declares state of emergency for Tinder Fire in northern Arizona

PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has declared a growing wildfire in a north-central forest to be a state of emergency.

The Tinder Fire had eaten up 11,420 acres in the Coconino National Forest near Payson, Arizona, by Tuesday morning, and had forced evacuation of several communities.

The blaze initially was 500 acres less than five days ago.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office ordered the immediate evacuation of the Moquis Ranchettes, Starlight Pines, Clear Creek, Timber Ranch, Tamarron, Pine Canyon, Blue Ridge Estates, Ponderossa Pines and Mogollon Ranches communities.

Closure Order for #TinderFire area is now in place @CoconinoCounty @CoconinoSheriff @coconinoem @TinderFireInfo; Full Order at https://t.co/sQxHijR8uT pic.twitter.com/nnumksf105

— Coconino NF (@CoconinoNF) April 29, 2018

The fire broke out around 11:45 a.m. on Friday, according to InciWeb and was zero percent contained.

Ducey’s declaration made additional state resources available to the county for response efforts.

The fire was believed to be human-caused and was under investigation.

It burned about 9 miles east of Clints Well and near C.C. Cragin Reservoir on the Mogollon Rim.

A red flag warning was put into effect through 7 p.m., as winds from the southwest were expected to grow the fire to the northeast, toward local communities.

An Arizona public utility also announced Sunday that it would be de-energizing about 1,500 customers in the Blue Ridge community in response to the Tinder Fire outbreak.

About 500 personnel, including seven hotshot crews, three initial attack crews, engines, bulldozers, helicopters and overhead support, were treating the fire on Sunday.

The Superstition Fire and Medical District also tweeted that it was sending a four-person crew to the fire for assistance.

#BREAKING Superstition Fire and Medical District has sent a Type 3 engine to the Tinder Fire. Engine Boss Bill Tavaras, Captain Jeremy Rocha, Firefighter Ryan Philips and Engineer Mark Blackstone make up the crew of four that could spend the next 2 weeks assisting on this fire. pic.twitter.com/oOd7Zrj8Vk

— SFMD (@sfmd_az_gov) April 29, 2018

Residents were encouraged to travel northbound on Highway 87 to Winslow. The southbound roads were closed.

UPDATE: SR 87 NB/SB south of Winslow near Clints Well. Road is closed for the Tinder Fire from MP 290-312. This looking north near Clints Well. #aztraffic pic.twitter.com/gotYjefQcO

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) April 29, 2018

There also was a reception area at the Winslow Jr. High School for evacuated residents to gather. An animal shelter was also opened at Holbrook Navajo County Fairgrounds.

The sheriff’s office warned residents that smoke from the fire could increase as winds picked up.

County health officials were also encouraging individuals to take precautions and protect thmselves from the effects of wildfire smoke.

Anyone with questions about the fire was encouraged to contact the county at 928-679-8393.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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