Wild land fire burns eight miles from Flagstaff

Hill Fire Forces Residents to Evacuate

Flagstaff AZ :  On Wednesday, June 08, 2011 at about 4:45 p.m. Northern Arizona Public Safety First Responders received several calls reporting multiple fires starts in the area of Turkey Hills located eight miles east of the Center of Flagstaff and two miles north of Interstate 40.  

The number of acres burned by the fire is currently unknown.  This wild land fire has been named the Hill Fire and has forced the closure of Camp Townsend Winona Road between North Highway 89 and Cosnino Road and Koch Field Road between Camp Townsend Winona Road and Silver Saddle Road .  People who live in some of the homes located in the area of Koch Field Road  South of the Camp Townsend Winona Road have been asked to evacuate. Responders are making personal contact with residents who need to evacuate. When the closed roads and evacuated homes are deemed safe for reentry the public will be advised.  A Red Cross Evacuation Reception Center is open at Summit Fire Station # 33 off of Highway 89 North.

Fire fighting resources that are committed to the Hill Fire include four hand crews, ten engines, four water tenders, five air tankers and one helicopter.  Agencies currently providing response include the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, the Flagstaff Police Department, Summit Fire, United States Forest Service Firefighters, Arizona Department of Public Safety and the Flagstaff Fire Department.  

Ø      Residents can expect smoke in the area and should be aware of associated health risks. Most Importantly:  REMAIN CALM

Ø      Follow closely the evacuation instructions given in the evacuation alert and by emergency personnel.

Ø      Close heavy drapes and blinds.

Ø      Lock doors and windows.

Ø      You MAY be instructed to tie a white towel or large white cloth to the front door knob to advise rescuers that your residence has been evacuated.

Ø      Turn off gas/propane service, if you know how.

Ø      DO NOT turn off electrical service.  Electricity may aid emergency crews providing lighting and power for fire fighting efforts.

Ø      Be sure to check your homeowners/renters insurance policy for fire loss information and any special clauses related to disasters.

Unfortunately this is only the beginning of fire season and residents are asked to have a family emergency plan and to practice it with all members of the family.  It is important to have a home emergency kit in the event you are forced to shelter in place and a go bag in the event you are asked to evacuate with little or no preparation time.  If you are asked to evacuate important things to take with you include:

Important papers and valuables

Driver’s license/ID cards

Medications

Prescription glasses and dentures

Personal toilet articles and sanitary needs

Sleeping bag or blankets

Coats

Special dietary needs

Baby food, diapers, etc.

Checkbook, credit cards, cash

Additional items to take if time permits include:

Flashlight and extra batteries

Portable radio and extra batteries

Change of clothing for each person

Food: non-perishable, ready to eat

Water: one gallon per person

Reading material/Recreational items

First aid kit

Up to date information may be obtained from local radio stations.