Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey issues emergency declaration for Pipeline Fire

PHOENIX – Gov. Doug Ducey issued a declaration of emergency for the Pipeline Fire in northern Arizona on Thursday, providing additional resources for response and recovery efforts.

“As state and local fire officials work to contain the blaze, our office will ensure emergency officials have the resources to respond to and recover from this fire,” Ducey said in press release.

“We will continue to work with our partners on the ground to provide all support necessary to mitigate the fire and protect people, pets and property.”

The declaration directs $200,000 from the general fund to the director of the Arizona Division of Emergency Management.

NEW: We are issuing a declaration of emergency in response to the #PipelineFire north of Flagstaff, which has burned more than 24,800 acres as of this morning. https://t.co/HPR5R27bkr 1/

— Doug Ducey (@DougDucey) June 16, 2022

On Monday, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors declared a state of emergency in response to the Pipeline Fire, which is burning about 6 miles north of Flagstaff, and the smaller Haywire Fire a few miles to the east.

The Pipeline Fire broke out Sunday and quickly consumed more than 20,000 acres by Tuesday. It was listed at 24,815 acres with 27% containment on Thursday morning.

Authorities arrested Matthew Riser, 57, for allegedly starting the blaze when he burned toilet paper and put it under a rock.

Officials believe a lightning strike sparked the Haywire Fire, which was first reported Monday.

The two fires have been burning through grass, brush and pine trees near where the Tunnel Fire consumed just over 19,000 acres in the spring.

“We continue to pray for the safety of all firefighters and first responders who are battling hot and windy conditions,” Ducey said.

“For a community still recovering from the path of the Tunnel Fire in April, this new blaze is a reminder for all Arizonans to be vigilant and safe this wildfire season.”

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