Fire Information Public Phone Line: (928) 421-4579Fire Information Media Phone Line: (928) 421-4983Email: 2021.Rafael@firenet.govInciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7567/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RafaelFireInfo/Twitter: https://twitter.com/RafaelFireInfo/

Rafael Fire Morning Update – June 25, 2021

Acres: 39,641Percent Containment: 0%Date/Time Detected: Friday, 06/18/2021 at 1927 MSTStructures Damaged/Destroyed: 0
Number of Personnel: 311Cause: LightningOrigin/Location: 4 miles north of Perkinsville

Fire crews continued burning operations until early evening along road systems north, east and west of Sycamore Canyon. Crews will continue prepping fire lines by reducing fuels through thinning and removal in and around White Horse Lake on the Kaibab NF and along Forest Roads on the Coconino NF. As the firing operations continue, expect to see more smoke the next few days. Firefighters will scout for fire line locations on the northwest end of the fire today near Government Canyon and Wagner Hill. On the east end crews will scout for and prepare containment lines for firing operations in Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness, and structure protection specialists will identify values at risk in Sedona area. On the south side near Mooney Canyon, firefighters will monitor the retardant line from yesterday’s burn out operation. For information on evacuation status, and fire activity, there will be a virtual community meeting every day at 6 p.m. until further notice, on the Incident Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RafaelFireInfo/

Evacuation status as of 6 a.m. June 25 (Notifications are in place until status is rescinded or changed by each respective County Sheriff’s Office):“GO” in Coconino County, areas around Sycamore Canyon and South of Forest Service Road 535 off FS 231 (Sycamore Canyon) and Garland Prairie South. In Yavapai County, some rural ranches in the area of North FSR 525 and Bill Grey Road, West of Sedona (Loy Ranch). A shelter for evacuees is set up at Sinagua Middle School at 3950 E. Butler in Flagstaff. “SET” – in Coconino County, areas around Camp Navajo, Garland Prairie North, Pine Aire Estates and residents in between. In Yavapai County, Bill Grey Road (Grey Ranch), FS Road 525 (Windmill Ranch), and FS Road 152C and Bear Mountain Road (Bear Mountain).“READY” -– in Coconino County, all areas south of I-40, west of I-17 including the following neighborhoods:Westwood Estates, Flagstaff Ranch (including W.L. Gore), Pine Del, Forest Highlands, Kachina Village, University Heights, Mountain del, and Equestrian Estates and in Yavapai County, the areas north of AZ-89A in West Sedona have been placed on “Ready” status.
 Notifications can change rapidly. Residents in areas affected by the fire should remain vigilant and be prepared to evacuate. Evacuation notifications are issued when danger is imminent and life threatening.Information about evacuation status can be found on the Coconino County Emergency Management’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/coconinoEM/ and at the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Department Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/YavapaiCountySheriff/Maps of evacuation status in Coconino County can be found at: Coconino County Situational Awareness Viewer (arcgis.com) Full forest closures are in effect on the Kaibab National Forest, Coconino National Forest, and Prescott National Forest. Kaibab National Forest - Alerts & Notices (usda.gov). Coconino National Forest - Alerts & Notices (usda.gov)Prescott National Forest - Alerts & Notices (usda.gov)All State Land is under Stage 2 restrictions effective 8 a.m. on June 11. All Arizona State Trust lands will be closed effective Friday, June 25 at 8:00 a.m. Fire Restrictions and Closures Across Arizona | Department of Forestry and Fire Management (az.gov)

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See attachments including daily map in "Article Related Files tab" above 

 

   

 

 

The #RafaelFire Evening Update is available now.
As a reminder evacuation notifications are in place until status is rescinded or changed by each respective County Sheriff’s Office.Acres: 36,143Percent Containment: 0%Date/Time Detected: Friday, 06/18/2021 at 1927 MSTStructures Damaged/Destroyed: 0Number of Personnel: 311Cause: LightningOrigin/Location: 4 miles north of Perkinsville The fire has moved north in Sycamore Canyon and is approaching Dorsey Springs. To the south, the fire is also established in the upper portions of Mooney and Secret Canyons, respectively. Hand crews with support from aviation resources were able to check the growth in this location today. Fire crews began a firing operation in and around the Boy Scout Camp along Forest Roads to the east and west to create a containment line on the eastern and western edges of Sycamore Canyon. On the southern portion of the fire, firefighters continue to prepare fire lines in and around the Loy Butte area in anticipation of the fire moving south out of the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness area and are assessing value at risk protection needs along the Forest and Private land interface south and east toward State Route 89A.
Evacuation status as of 6 p.m. June 24 (Notifications are in place until status is rescinded or changed by each respective County Sheriff’s Office): “GO” in Coconino County, areas around Sycamore Canyon and South of Forest Service Road 535 off FS 231 (Sycamore Canyon) and Garland Prairie South. In Yavapai County, some rural ranches in the area of North FSR 525 and Bill Grey Road, West of Sedona (Loy Ranch). A shelter for evacuees is set up at Sinagua Middle School at 3950 E. Butler in Flagstaff.“SET” – in Coconino County, areas around Camp Navajo, Garland Prairie North, Pine Aire Estates and residents in between. In Yavapai County, Bill Grey Road (Grey Ranch), FS Road 525 (Windmill ranch), and FS Road 152C and Bear Mountain Road (Bear Mountain).“READY” -– in Coconino County, all areas south of 1-40, west of I-17 including the following neighborhoods: Westwood Estates, Flagstaff Ranch (including W.L. Gore), Pine Del, Forest Highlands, Kachina Village, University Heights, Mountain del, and Equestrian Estates and in Yavapai County, the areas north of AZ-89A in West Sedona have been placed on “Ready” status. Notifications can change rapidly. Residents in areas affected by the fire should remain vigilant and be prepared to evacuate. Evacuation notifications are issued when danger is imminent and life threatening.Information about evacuation status can be found on the Coconino County Emergency Management’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/coconinoEM/ and at the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Department Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/YavapaiCountySheriff/
Maps of evacuation status in Coconino County can be found at: Coconino County Situational Awareness Viewer (arcgis.com) The Coconino National Forest has initiated a Forest Closure for the entire forest, effective 8 a.m. on June 23. Coconino National Forest - Alerts & Notices (usda.gov)The Kaibab National Forest has initiated a Forest Closure for the entire forest, effective 8 a.m. on June 23. Kaibab National Forest - Alerts & Notices (usda.gov)The Prescott National Forest will initiate a full Forest Closure effective Friday, June 25 at 8:00 a.m. The forest will remain in Stage 2 Fire Restrictions until then, Prescott National Forest - Alerts & Notices (usda.gov)All State Land is under Stage 2 restrictions effective 8 a.m. on June 11. All Arizona State Trust lands will be closed effective Friday, June 25 at 8:00 a.m. Fire Restrictions and Closures Across Arizona | Department of Forestry and Fire Management (az.gov)

 

Coconino County Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release Contact: Jon Paxton Phone: 928-226-5089
SUBJECT: Communities South of I-40 and West of I-17 Moved from “SET” to “READY”

Flagstaff, AZ – The communities South of I-40 and West of I-17 will be downgraded from “SET” (Pre-evacuation) to “READY” status. “READY” status means- you are aware of and monitoring fire activity in your area. You should have basic plans in place for yourselves, important documents, medications, pets and livestock in the event that a “GO” message is received. “SET” status means- knowing there is significant danger in your area - residents should consider voluntarily relocating to a shelter or with family/friends outside the affected area. Residents should avoid close contact with those who are sick and should practice public health recommendations when relocating. Grab your emergency go kit. Keep in mind unique needs for your family or special equipment for pets and livestock. Stay aware of the latest news and information from public safety and public health officials.

The decision to downgrade evacuation status was made with the Type 1 Fire Incident Management Team that is now managing the Rafael Fire. After considering several factors to include fire behavior, fuel types, natural barriers, estimated time of evacuation, and other factors it was determined that this area was no longer currently in imminent danger from the Rafael Fire. The neighborhoods and communities included in this change of status are Kachina Village, Forest Highlands, Pine Del, Mountain Del, Flagstaff Ranch (including Gore), Equestrian Estates, Westwood Estates, and University Heights.# # #

On Friday, 6/25, at 8am, closures will be implemented on state trust land in all 15 counties due to fire activity, public safety concerns, and wildland fire resource availability - among other reasons. Yes, we received rain today, but unfortunately it's not enough. Once it heats back up and dries out our fire activity will once again increase. #AZFire #AZForestry

Select the Article Related Files tab above for the 06/23/21 News Release from the AZ Department of Forestry and Fire Management and the AZ State Land Department

https://azdeq.gov/WildfireForecast?fire=rafaelfire

Wildfire Smoke Forecast

Updated On: 6/24/2021 - 7:47 AM      Valid Until: 06/25/2021 - 9:00 AM
Forecaster(s): M. Pace (ADEQ), R. Sherron (USFS)

Rafael Fire

Overview

The Rafael fire is now approximately 36,000 acres. This morning, moderate smoke is noted in the upper portion of the Verde Valley, including Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek. Expecting smoke to lift shortly after 10 am.

Smoke Synopsis

Today, smoke is forecast to rise and disperse toward the east-northeast, with moderate smoke impacts to Bellemont, Flagstaff, Kachina Village, and the surrounding areas later this morning into the afternoon hours. There is a chance for brief periods of high impacts in these areas. High smoke impacts are expected to be short-lived as forecasting smoke to lift further off the ground due to slightly less cloud cover than yesterday.

There will also be a chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon into the evening. Gusty outflows winds from these storms will be possible and have the potential to move smoke in any direction.

Overnight, smoke is forecast to drain southward into the upper portion of the Verde Valley, with moderate to brief periods of high impacts possible in locations in/around Sedona, Village of Oak Creek, Cornville, and Cottonwood.

Tomorrow, expecting the possibility of increased smoke production as moisture decreases, temperatures rise, and west-southwest winds increase.

If you are in an area with heavy impacts, the suggested actions to take are (if possible): close windows and use fans or alternative cooling devices, turn off swamp coolers, use filtered HVAC systems, and avoid outdoor activities. Remember, if you are smelling smoke, you are breathing smoke, and you should limit your outdoor activity.

Forecast

Click the name of the city to view smoke forecastSedona Cottonwood Flagstaff Winslow Camp Verde 

 

Coconino County Sheriff's Office

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 24, 2021 Contact Jon Paxton Phone: 928-226-5089

SUBJECT: GO Evacuations Ordered for South Garland Prairie #rafaelfire
 
Coconino County, AZ – Due to the Rafael Fire and Forest Service mitigation efforts, the community of South Garland Prairie has been upgraded to a GO status. THIS IS AN EVACUATION ORDER. This includes the residences off of Boy Scout Camp Road, Arbor Lane, Thomas Loop Rd., Leisure Drive, Bluebird meadow Road, Dog Haven Place, Tanner Ranch Road, and other roads in that area. Finish gathering necessary items and leave the area immediately.

There is a shelter set up at Sinagua Middle School in Flagstaff. The address is 3950 E. Butler. Rafael Fire operations will be conducting a backburn of the area north of Sycamore Canyon. This is done so fire crews can remove fuel in this area to create a buffer zone between the active fire and homes in the area. This area is in extreme draught conditions and fire can be unpredictable.

If you need assistance in evacuating, contact the Coconino County Emergency Operations Center at 928-679-8647. Monitor CCSO and Coconino County social media and official news releases for additional information regarding the evacuation and re-entry.

https://www.facebook.com/YavapaiCountySheriff/

Yavapai County Sheriff's Office

Rafael Fire: Working with fire incident command, the decision was made to place the areas off Bill Gray Rd, Forest Road 525, and Forest Road 152c north of AZ-89A in ”Set” status.The areas north of AZ-89A in West Sedona and north of AZ-89A in Uptown Sedona have been placed on “Ready” status. There is NO IMMEDIATE THREAT to these areas but based on the fire’s location, fire behavior and possible weather impacts on the fire you should follow the guidance below.Several ranches at the end of Forest Service Road 525 are already in “Go” status, as of the evening hours of June 22nd.The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, Sedona Police Department, Sedona Fire District and the Rafael Fire Incident Management Team are working in close collaboration to manage this incident.

The decision to change evacuation statuses and for which areas are made carefully and based on many factors with input from all partners. YCSO has assigned a liaison to the Rafael fire Incident Management Team and should the need arise to move to a “set” or “go” status, notifications will be sent out via the Code Red system and on our Facebook page.

Please make sure you sign up for Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office Code Red at https://www.ycsoaz.gov/.../Emergency-Notification-System if you live in Coconino County please click sign up at https://www.smart911.com/smart911/login.action?lpse=1“Ready” status means- you are aware of and monitoring fire activity in your area. You should have basic plans in place for yourselves, important documents, medications, pets and livestock in the event that a “Go” message is received.“Set” status means- knowing there is significant danger in your area - residents should consider voluntarily relocating to a shelter or with family/friends outside the affected area. Residents should avoid close contact with those who are sick and should practice public health recommendations when relocating. Grab your emergency go kit. Keep in mind unique needs for your family or special equipment for pets and livestock. Stay aware of the latest news and information from public safety and public health officials. Sinagua High School in Flagstaff will be available as a shelter if needed.If large-scale evacuations become necessary a shelter will be established in the Cottonwood area.

Learn more at https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go and at ready.govFollow the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, The City of Sedona Government Page, and the Coconino National Forest for updates. Current fire information can also be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7567/

Fire Information Public Phone Line: (928) 421-4579

Fire Information Media Phone Line: (928) 421-4983

Email: 2021.Rafael@firenet.gov

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7567/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RafaelFireInfo/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RafaelFireInfo/


Rafael Fire Morning Update – June 24, 2021
 
 
Virtual community meeting tonight at 6 p.m. on the Incident Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RafaelFireInfo/

Acres: 36,000

Percent Containment: 0%

Date/Time Detected: Friday, 06/18/2021 at 1927 MST

Structures Damaged/Destroyed: 0 

Number of Personnel: 199

Cause: Lightning

Origin/Location: 4 miles north of Perkinsville

The Rafael Fire has advanced into Sycamore Canyon and moved on top to the Mogollon Rim on both the Kaibab National Forest on Sycamore Point and Coconino National Forests near Casner Mountain. On the Prescott National Forest, the southwest corner of the fire has not advanced west or south for the last two days. Yesterday to the north on the Kaibab and Coconino National Forests, fire crews identified road systems to utilize as fire line to stop the spread north and westward towards identified values at risk.  On the southeast portion of the fire in Sycamore Canyon and the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness, crews are identifying fire line locations for direct and indirect suppression actions. 

Personnel from the incoming Southwest Area Type 1 Incident Management Team 2 shadowed members of the Arizona Central West Zone Type 3 Team to transfer information and gain situational awareness of the Rafael fire.  Type 1 Team 2 assumed management of the fire this morning at 6 a.m.  Today, the fire is expected to move north in Sycamore Canyon near Dorsey Spring and east into Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness area, where vegetation and topography are in alignment.  Fire fighters on the north end of the fire will continue with suppression efforts and prepare for future firing operations using road systems and natural features and will utilize aircraft to support these actions. In the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness area, fire crews will continue to scout for future suppression lines.

 

Evacuation status as of 6 a.m. June 24:

“GO” in Coconino County, areas around Sycamore Canyon and SOUTH of Forest Service Road 535 off FS 231. In Yavapai County, some rural ranches in the area of North FSR 525 and Bill Grey Road, West of Sedona.

“SET” – in Coconino County, all areas south of 1-40, west of I-17, to include University Heights, Kachina Village, Forest Highlands, Pine Dell, & Woody Mountain Road, Camp Navajo, South Garland Prairie, Pine Aire Estates and residents in between. In Yavapai County, Grey Mountain and Bear Mountain areas.

“READY” -none at this time. Notifications can change rapidly. Residents in areas affected by the fire should remain vigilant and be prepared to evacuate. Evacuation notifications are issued when danger is imminent and life threatening.

Information about evacuation status can be found on the Coconino County Emergency Management’s Facebook page at:   https://www.facebook.com/coconinoEM/  and at the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Department Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/YavapaiCountySheriff/

Maps of evacuation status in Coconino County can be found at: Coconino County Situational Awareness Viewer (arcgis.com)

The Coconino National Forest has initiated a Forest Closure for the entire forest, effective 8 a.m. on June 23. Coconino National Forest - Alerts & Notices (usda.gov)

The Kaibab National Forest has initiated a Forest Closure for the entire forest, effective 8 a.m. on June 23. Kaibab National Forest - Alerts & Notices (usda.gov)

The Prescott National Forest will initiate a full Forest Closure effective Friday, June 25 at 8:00 a.m..  The forest will remain in Stage 2 Fire Restrictions until then,  Prescott National Forest - Alerts & Notices (usda.gov)

All State Land is under Stage 2 restrictions effective 8 a.m. on June 11.

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 June 23, 2021 

The six fires being managed by the Arizona Central West Zone Type 3 Incident Management team are the following [from north to south - all acreages are approximate and current as of 6/23, 20:00]:

Rock Butte Fires:

• Red Hat Fire - 49 acres – 85% containment

• Limestone Fire - 33 acres – 67% containment

• Spring Fire - 567 acres – 16% containment

• Rock Butte Fire – 126 acres – 0% containment

• Silent Fire - 27 acre – 0% containment

Location: North of Paulden, AZ and west of HWY 89 

Rafael Fire – 24,191 acres

Location: 4 miles North of Perkinsville, AZ and near Sycamore Canyon

Percent Containment: 0%

Cause: Lightning

With fire management transitions we are establishing a new Fire Information phone number 928-925-1111.

Variety of Tools aid in Fire Management Tactics 

Prescott, Ariz. [June 23, 2021] – Fire personnel were engaged in a variety of ways on the Rafael Fire yesterday. Use of aircraft was effective in slowing the fire progression on the east and south side of the fire.  Both mechanical and hand prepping of control lines were strategically located to protect values at risk including fire lookouts, cultural resources, private property, and infrastructure. The fire crossed Tule Canyon up to Sycamore Point. It also moved to the east crossing Sycamore Canyon up on to Casner Mountain. The fire is moving north/northeast towards higher elevations and timber fuel types. Crews will continue to work on developing containment strategies and prepping potential control lines along roads and other features.  A change in the weather brings cooler overnight temperatures, increased relative humidity, and up to a 60% chance of precipitation. Along with these benefits, the thunderstorms also bring the possibility of more lightning and gusty winds. 

On the Rock Butte Fire, considerable progress was made on all five of the fires such that fire managers felt comfortable removing the “Ready” status for the residents of Paulden. Fire managers will continue to monitor how the change in the weather may affect these fires. 

EVACUATIONS: Rock Butte Fires Update: Removed “Ready” status for Paulden. For Rafael Fire, visit the Coconino County Emergency Management website for current status on communities in Coconino County.  

WEATHER: Thunderstorms are expected with lower overnight temps, gusty winds, and possible lightning. Up to 60% chance of precipitation. Day time temps 81-85. Relative humidity 27-29%. 

CLOSURES: Starting today, the Kaibab and Coconino National Forests will be implementing full Forest Closures. The Apache-Sitgreaves will implement a full Forest Closure on Thursday. Prescott National Forest will implement a full Forest Closure on Friday. Also on Friday, the Tonto National Forest will Implement a Stage 3 Forest Closure with some lakes, roads and recreation areas that will remain accessible. 

FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions remain in effect on the Prescott NF. 

For fire restriction information around Arizona, visit: https://wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions

Coconino County Emergency Management (CCEM) has activated an Emergency Operations Center in response to the #RafaelFire.
 A Call Center has also been set up to answer questions. Residents may call 928.679.8647 or email rafaelfire@coconino.az.gov
 For detailed information on Ready, Set, Go, visit https://bit.ly/3gVu1OO