FLAGSTAFF – An infrared reconnaissance flight over the Museum Fire on Tuesday revealed a change in the total reported acreage of the Museum Fire, currently at 1,887 acres, according to the Forest Service.
The Service noted that monsoon rains helped slow the fire’s spread, heavy fuels will continue to burn for some time.
Residents packed a high school auditorium on Tuesday night to receive an update on the situation. “That is really heavy fuel in there. There’s a lot of high intensity fire on this fire. Obviously, you folks who saw it when it took off. So that high intensity fire tends to make it more prone to flooding,” fire analyst Rob Beery told the crowd.
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Firefighters made progress securing the west side perimeter as well as building line and strategic firing operations on the north and south sides. These burnout operations allow crews to bring the fire along steep slopes at a reduced intensity to a designated point, mindful of soil erosion.
Air resources were utilized throughout the day to drop water and retardant to protect values at risk, help cool hot spots and slow the fire’s spread prior to afternoon rains.
Today’s increase in humidity will allow firefighters to build line directly along the fire’s edge, using ridgelines and natural holding features where they can. Air support will continue as needed with seven helicopters and a mobile retardant base assigned to the fire.
Several nearby communities remain in pre-evacuation status including Peak View Country Store, Magdalena, Kelly McCoy, Forest Hills, Valley Crest, Lockett Ranch, Mount Elden Lookout Estates, north and west of Highway 89 and Silver Saddle, Hutcheson Acres, McCann Estates, Little Elden Springs, Black Bill Park, Wupatki Trails, Pine Mountain Estates, West of Highway 89 from Railhead north to Townsend-Winona, including the KOA Campground, and Christmas Tree Estates.