FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce that we are lifting the “GO” evacuation order as of 9:00 AM Sunday morning April 24th, 2022, for the residents living in the neighborhoods along Highway 89. The Tunnel Fire Incident Management Team has determined that the status and condition of the fire at this time is no longer an imminent threat to the neighborhoods along Highway 89 and has recommended allowing residents back into their homes.
Residents returning to these neighborhoods will return to a “SET” status. The Incident Management Team and the Sheriff’s Office reminds residents that the conditions and status of the fire could change at any time resulting the return of a “GO” evacuation status. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and will communicate any change in status as soon as possible. This includes the neighborhoods of Timberline, Fernwood, Wupatki Trails, Girls Ranch Road, and Lenox Park. It is important to note that the Coconino National Forest in that area, including the Cinder Lakes OHV Area, will remain closed, due to a temporary closure order from the US Forest Service. The
downgrade from “GO” to “SET” is mainly applicable for the private properties that lie within these areas.
The Sheriff’s Office will begin the re-entry of these residents at 9:00 AM Sunday, April 24, 2022. Evacuated residents are instructed to report in person to the north parking lot of the Silver Saddle Trading Post, located at 9001 N US Highway 89 in Flagstaff, AZ. Residents will be required to show identification or other documents verifying their address before they are allowed entry. Residents are required to check in at this location prior to accessing the neighborhood. Once the check-in process has been completed, residents will be able to access their properties.
Those who do not check in at the re-entry point, you will be turned around at the roadblock at Campbell and Hwy 89 and instructed to return to the Silver Saddle re-ntry point. No one else is allowed to return to the evacuated area but residents during this time, to ensure enough time is allowed to evaluate their properties. Prior to opening Hwy 89 to passing motorists and removing all individual roadway checkpoints, it is vital all residents check in.
The Hwy will remain closed Until 1:00 pm. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office will continue to patrol the area heavily and enforce closures. All members of the public are reminded to be cautious of the increase in traffic in firefighting apparatus and closure of the
forest along Hwy 89 in and around the fire area.
As residents return, you should be aware of some expected by-products of wildfire, such as smoldering stumps and sinkholes are normal. Should you observe hazardous tree or structure issues, we ask you to contact the appropriate agency on their non–emergency numbers to address these problems. If you observe any emergency issues such as spot fires or immediate threats to yourself or the community,contact 911.
For information related to re-entry, please visit www.coconino.az.gov/Re-Entry-Information
Those impacted by the Tunnel Fire can receive in-person and online support and services through the Coconino County Assistance Center. In-person services are offered at The Guidance Center from 9am – 7pm daily at 2695 E Industrial Dr., Flagstaff/or access via 2187 N Vickey St., Flagstaff, AZ 86004 (look for the sandwich board signs). Online services can be found at coconino.az.gov/help. Please call the Tunnel Fire Call Center with questions at (928) 679-8525 from 7 am to 7 pm. Find ongoing updates related to the Tunnel Fire at coconino.az.gov/TunnelFire
We thank you for your patience during this difficult time.