Ducey Issues Declaration Of Emergency For Pipeline Fire Near Flagstaff

Phoenix AZ

16 June, 2022

5:40 PM

Description

PHOENIX, AZ —Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey on Thursday issued a declaration of emergency in response to the Pipeline Fire, which is burning north of Flagstaff. Coconino County previously had declared a state of emergency in connection with the fire, which had burned nearly 24,815 acres and was just 27 percent contained as of Thursday morning, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service. The nearby Haywire Fire had burned 5,371 acres and was just 11 percent contained as of Thursday, the USDA Forest Service reported. Ducey's emergency declaration will allow the community to receive additional support and resources as needed to respond to the fires. "Public safety is our top priority," Ducey said. "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 the fire's scars. 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." Ducey continued: "We continue to pray for the safety of all firefighters and first responders who are battling hot and windy conditions. 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." According to the USDA Forest Service, more than 740 fire personnel have been deployed in fighting the fires, in addition to 14 Hotshot crews, 9 hand crews, 57 engines, 9 water tenders, 4 dozers and 9 helicopters. The Associated Press reported that the forecast for the Flagstaff area calls for a chance of showers and thunderstorms starting Friday and throughout the weekend, which could help suppress the wildfires. The USDA Forest Service said areas of the Coconino and Kaibab national forests will temporarily close to public access beginning Friday and Saturday due to fire danger and for public safety, while all other parts of the national forests outside of the closure areas remain in Stage 2 fire restrictions. More details about the closures are available on the USDA Forest Service website.