FLAGSTAFF – The Museum fire containment is going so well that the Type I management team plans to transfer command back to Coconino National Forest tomorrow by 6 p.m. Containment of the fire, that remains at 1961-acres, is at 82%.

The Southwest Area Type 1 Incident Management Team 2, led by Incident Commander Rich Nieto, plans to transfer command of the Museum Fire back to the Coconino National Forest tomorrow, July 30, 2019, at 6 PM. A local Type 3 organization led by Incident Commander Preston Mercer will continue to fight the fire.

Personnel from the Type 3 organization are on-site shadowing the Type 1 team, and together are producing a plan for a smooth transition. Fire activity has been minimal with no perimeter growth the past two days. Firefighters will continue to closely monitor the fire on the ground and will utilize aerial resources as needed.

Firefighters on the ground worked in conjunction with helicopters to cool hotspots on the north and east flanks today. Heavy fuels will continue to burn and smolder within areas the fire perimeter until significant rains set in.

A robust initial attack crew is staying vigilant as monsoon weather is anticipated to bring thunderstorms to the area tonight and tomorrow, and stand ready to suppress any new starts.

The Coconino National Forest has released a new Forest Order reducing the Museum Fire Public Safety closure area. Detailed information and a map are available on Inciweb at inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/map/6450/0/93533.