An investigation into the cause of the tunnel fire that erupted near Flagstaff a year ago in April has been inconclusive.
Coconino National Forest officials said an investigation into the blaze was complete and although they were unable to determine the specific cause of the blaze, they were able to pinpoint its source.
A tunnel fire was first reported in the late afternoon of Sunday, April 17, 2022, about nine miles northeast of Flagstaff, near the Timberline/Fernwood community.
How long did it take for the fire to be extinguished?
Coconino National Forest officials said firefighters responded to the blaze immediately and extinguished all signs of the blaze the same day it was called.
Coconino National Forest officials said firefighters returned the next morning to find all control lines held.
“All visible smoke and hot spots were extinguished before firefighters left the scene,” officials said.
By the early hours of Tuesday, April 19, 2022, strong winds nearly 90 miles per hour combined with the warm conditions in the fire area made it impossible for firefighters to contain the blaze, according to Coconino National Forest officials.
When was the tunnel fire extinguished?
Coconino National Forest officials said the fire had spread to 19,060 acres before being 100 percent extinguished on June 1, 2022.
How much damage did you do?
- 1,335 structures were threatened.
- The fire destroyed 30 houses.
- The fire destroyed 24 outbuildings.
- No life was lost.
Law enforcement recommends that anyone with information about the person who started the tunnel fire contact the Coconino National Forest at 928-527-3600 or the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office at 928-774-4523 (Option 1).
It’s been a rough year:Here’s what Sunset Crater looked like after being scorched by the Flagstaff tunnel fires.
