Wildfire near Flagstaff grows to 135 acres, fueled by grass and wood

A wildfire fueled by grass and wood near Flagstaff increased in size overnight, but it posed no immediate threats to communities or homes as of Tuesday afternoon.

The blaze, which has been named the Papa Fire, started Monday 13 miles east of Flagstaff. It has grown to about 135 acres, according to an update from the U.S. Forest Service.

Since the fire started, cooler overnight temperatures and slower wind speeds helped the battle. Crews spent Monday night trying to keep the fire to a smaller area, using forest roads to help with that perimeter and hand crews to stop the fire’s growth.

A red flag fire weather warning remains in effect throughout the day Tuesday, and crews plan to spend the day holding and strengthening fire lines in preparation for high wind speeds.

Officials noted that infrastructure such as gas pipelines and a Western Area Power Administration powerline are in the area.

The public is being advised to avoid the area while crews target the flames. Members of the public are asked to refrain from flying drones in the area. Drones can impact firefighting efforts, said the forest service.

Resources assigned to the fire include three hotshot crews, two hand crews, two dozers, two water tenders, eight engines and miscellaneous overhead.

The fire’s cause is unknown at this time.

This is an updated version of a story first published on June 8, 2026.

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