Schultz Fire in Flagstaff Prompts More Evacuations

FLAGSTAFF - Over 800 firefighters are battling the Schultz fire east of Flagstaff, which has consumed 10,000 acres, and hundreds of homes have been ordered to evacuate.

High winds are fueling the flames and posing problematic for firefighting efforts. Press play for the video weathercast:

Evacuations ordered: Hutchinson Acres, Timberline Estates, Wupatki Trails, Sunset Crater and Wupatki National Monuments. Homeowners won't be allowed home until the Forest Service says so.

Road closures: North Highway 89 between Silver Saddle Road and milepost 433.

A community meeting was held Monday, June 21, 2010, at 7:00 PM. Hundreds attended the meeting at Coconino High School located at 2801 N. Izabel in Flagstaff. Residents expressed anger that someone left a campfire unattended, causing the blaze.

Alternate driving routes: State Route 64 through the East Entrance to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park (no commercial vehicles are permitted in the park) or State Route 160 through Tuba City to State Route 264 to State Route 87 onto Interstate 40.

A Red Cross shelter has been set up at Mount Elden Middle School located at the northwest corner of Linda Vista and Fourth Street in Flagstaff. Evacuees are encouraged to register and stay the night if need be.

A shelter for pets has been set up at the Coconino County Fairgrounds. They're provided with food, water, and shelter.

Because road closures and evacuations are hindering mail delivery, residents are asked to pick up and drop off their mail at Flagstaff's main post office.
 
No structures have been lost in the Schultz fire. The fire is 0 percent contained.

Investigators want anyone who's been camping in the Schultz Pass area to call the Coconino National Forest at 928-527-3600 if they have any information.

As for the Hardy fire in southeastern Flagstaff, containment is at 30 percent. The fire broke out on Saturday and has burned 300 acres. Police arrested a California man who was camping in the area. He allegedly left behind hot coals at a campsite -- it was not believed to be intentional.

The Eagle Rock fire, near Williams, is 60 percent contained with 3,500 acres charred.