The cause of the Tunnel Fire remains unknown according to the U.S. Forest Service.
The Southwestern Region Law Enforcement & Investigation organization has completed the investigation of the origin and cause of the Tunnel Fire which began mid-April 2022. The investigation identified the specific origin area and excluded many cause determinations, but the cause of the fire was undetermined.
Law enforcement encourages anyone who may have information regarding who started the Tunnel Fire to contact the Coconino National Forest at 928-527-3600 or Coconino County Sheriff’s Office at 928-774-4523, option 1.
The Tunnel Fire was originally reported late afternoon Sunday, April 17, 2022, approximately 9 miles northeast of Flagstaff, adjacent to the Timberline/Fernwood community.
In total, out of 1,335 structures that were threatened, 30 residences and 24 outbuildings were lost to the fire that grew to 19,060 acres before being 100% contained on June 1, 2022.
No lives were lost.