Forest Service law enforcement and the Flagstaff Police Department is seeking any information on a string of human-caused fires that have been intentionally started over the last two days near the base of Mt. Elden in Flagstaff.
Yesterday, from approximately 5 a.m. to 6 a.m., three fires—named the Pipeline 1, Pipeline 2 and Pipeline 3 fires—were started in the area of Paradise Springs along the Pipeline Trail, a trail popular for hikers at the base of Mt. Elden. These fires only grew to about a tenth of an acre before they were contained and did not pose any threat to surrounding neighborhoods.
Today, at about 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. two more fires were reported in the same area, called the Barrel and Bottle fires. These were also along the Pipeline Trail in the same general area and were about the same size as the other fires, at a tenth of an acre, before they were contained. These fires also did not pose any threat to structures or neighborhoods nearby.
Smoke may continue to be present in the area as the remains of these fires continue to smolder.
The fires are under investigation, and anyone that may have information regarding the cause of these fires or may have observed anyone suspicious in the area at the time of the fire is encouraged to contact Forest Service Law Enforcement at 928-527-3511 or the Flagstaff Police Department’s Silent Witness program at 928-774-6111.