Increase in Reports of Possible Norovirus Prompts Precaution Recommendations

Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) has recently received an
increase in the number of reports of gastrointestinal illness consistent with norovirus.

Symptoms of norovirus include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, body aches, and mild fever. 

CCHHS is investigating the circumstances surrounding the illnesses and is encouraging individuals to take precautions to prevent infec...

Tunnel Fire closure area reduced, allows Lockett Meadow access

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., May 16, 2022 – The Coconino National Forest has reduced the size of the closure area for the Tunnel Fire to allow for increased access and recreation in areas that access Lockett Meadow and the inner basin via Forest Road 552.

USFS on-forest sediment reduction project underway in Museum Flood Area

A Coconino County Flood Control District (District) project to reduce on-national forest sediment production and transport above and below Mt. Elden Estates is underway.

The U.S. Forest Service Museum Fire Sediment Reduction Project broke ground in late April and is expected to be completed this fall.     

Funded by the U.S. Forest Service, the $3.5 million project includes grade stabil...

Sandbags available for residents impacted by Museum Fire flooding

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz – The City of Flagstaff and the Coconino County Flood Control District are helping residents in neighborhoods downstream of the Museum Fire burn scar prepare for the 2022 monsoon season.

The City of Flagstaff and the Coconino County Flood Control District are helping residents in neighborhoods downstream of the Museum Fire burn scar prepare for the 2022 monsoon season by placing pallets of new sandbags and trash bins throughout neighborho...

Burned Area Emergency Response team completes Soil Burn Severity map for Tunnel Fire

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., May 3, 2022 – Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) specialists recently completed their field data evaluation to produce the Soil Burn Severity (SBS) map for the approximately 19,075-acre Tunnel Fire.

Burned Area Emergency Response Team assessing Tunnel Fire damage

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., May 2, 2022 – A Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team began surveying the fire-affected areas within the Tunnel Fire perimeter this past Saturday.

Fire restrictions to begin May 5 on Kaibab and Coconino National Forests

April 29, 2022 – Beginning Thursday, May 5 at 8:00 a.m., Stage 1 fire and smoking restrictions will be in effect on the Williams and Tusayan Districts (aka “South Zone”) of the Kaibab National Forest and the entirety of the Coconino National Forest.

Under Stage 1 restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal, and wood stoves are prohibited, except within a developed recreation site. Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building or a developed recreation site. Fireworks are ...

Tunnel Fire Evacuation Status Downgrade from "SET" to "READY"

The communities along the Highway 89 corridor, north of Flagstaff, from Campbell Avenue to the north entrance of Forest Service Road 545 (Wupatki National Monument) will be downgraded from “SET” (Pre-evacuation) to “READY” status.

“READY” status means- you are aware of and monitoring fire activity in your area. You should have basic plans in place for yourselves, important documents, medications, pets and livestock in the event that a “GO” me...

NEWS RELEASE: Tunnel Fire Morning Update – Thursday April 28, 2022

Current Situation: Containment on the Tunnel Fire increased to 43% on Wednesday evening due to firefighters' continued hard work to mop up and secure the fire’s perimeter in the Sunset Crater National Monument and Black Mountain areas.

NEWS RELEASE: Tunnel Fire Morning Update – Wednesday April 27, 2022

Current Situation: Firefighters continued to make progress on the Tunnel Fire Tuesday. As a result, containment of the fire increased to 30 percent.

NEWS RELEASE: Tunnel Fire Morning Update – Tuesday April 26, 2022

Current Situation: Containment of the Tunnel Fire increased to 20 percent on Monday evening as firefighters continued to secure the fire’s perimeter and remove any heat near the control lines.

Board of Supervisors Tunnel Fire Update this morning at 8 am

Tuesday, April 26 2022 - An Emergency Management update for the Board of Supervisors will be held in Special Session this morning at 8 a.m. to provides updates regarding the Tunnel fire and possible action or direction regarding the Tunnel Fire.

The Board of Supervisors’ meeting will be held via webinar technology using Zoom. To join the webinar, please use the following url: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/95955954306

 Or Telephone: Dial 833 548 0282 (Toll Free), Webinar ID: 959 5595...

NEWS RELEASE: Tunnel Fire Morning Update – Monday April 25, 2022

Current Situation: Fire crews’ diligence and hard work have resulted in an increase in containment to 15% on the Tunnel Fire. Yesterday residents were able to re-enter the previously evacuated neighborhoods. US Hwy 89 was re-opened yesterday afternoon.

Tunnel Fire Damage Assessments

Coconino County Community Development, in coordination with the Arizona Department of Emergency Management is conducting property damage assessments in the Tunnel Fire burn area.

This is an important process that is necessary for recovery services and for emergency declaration documentation purposes. If they approach you or your residence, then you can request to receive proper identification and they will explain their activity t...

Highway 89 Reopened

April 24, 2022 - 12:20 p.m. - UPDATE: US 89 has reopened north of Flagstaff. The highway was closed between milepost 425 (Campbell Avenue) and milepost 445 (Wupatki National Monument) due to the Tunnel Fire.

NEWS RELEASE: Tunnel Fire Morning Update – Sunday April 24, 2022

Evacuations have been changed to “SET” for all neighborhoods associated with the Tunnel Fire. Residents returning to the area are reminded that the conditions and status of evacuation levels could change at any time based on fire behavior.

Neighborhoods Along Hwy 89 “GO” Order Downgraded to “SET”

Flagstaff, AZ, April 23, 2022 – The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce that we are lifting the “GO” evacuation order as of 9:00 AM Sunday morning April 24th, 2022, for the residents living in the neighborhoods along Highway 89.

The Tunnel Fire Incident Management Team has determined that the status and condition of the fire at this time is no longer an imminent threat to the neighborhoods along Highway 89 and has recommended allowing residents back into their homes.

Residents ret...

NEWS RELEASE: Tunnel Fire Update - Saturday, April 23, 2022 - Morning

Current Situation: Winds are expected to shift, coming from the north and northeast today and tomorrow. Firefighters are positioned to respond.

Tunnel Fire continues to burn despite rain and snow

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., April 22, 2022 — Crews continued Friday building line around the now 20,924-acre Tunnel Fire northeast of Flagstaff, while battling high winds and welcoming unusual precipitation in the form of scattered rain and sporadic snow showers.

Snow and rain did help douse dry grasses and keep them from igniting more easily, but precipitation levels weren’t high enough to affect large burning logs and extreme hotspots across most of the fire. High winds also resulted in drying out prec...

Overnight Tunnel Fire Activity

Flagstaff, AZ – On April 22, 2022 in the early morning hours a spot fire started in the Timberline Community west of Hwy 89 in the “GO” evacuation area.

Deputies and Officers working overnight security in the evacuated areas recontacted the residents who refused to initially evacuate on Tuesday to notify them of the increased danger and remind them of the “GO” evacuation order. This fi...

Tunnel Fire Evacuation Update

Flagstaff, AZ – On Tuesday April 19, 2022 Sheriff Jim Driscoll ordered the “GO” evacuation of several neighborhoods in the Timberline/Fernwood area north of Flagstaff along Highway 89.

This was in response to an active and fast-moving wildfire in the Coconino National Forest moving towards those neighborhoods.

As deputies were evacuating the area, the fire quickly moved into the vicinity, ultimately burning several properties, outbuildin...

Helicopters, crews make progress with lines around fire

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., April 21, 2022 — Helicopters aided in fire suppression efforts today on the 20,198-acre Tunnel Fire, while crews continued making progress

dowsing hotspots along the fire’s western flank near Forest Road 420 (Schultz Pass Road) and around Timberline Estates and Wupatki Trail subdivisions.

In addition, hand crews continued establishing handline on the southern edge of the fire east o...

Coconino County Thanks Governor Ducey for Declaration of Emergency After Tunnel Fire

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., April 21, 2022 – Coconino County extends its gratitude to Governor Doug Ducey
for declaring a State of Emergency due to the Tunnel Fire’s impact on the County.

The Tunnel Fire, located 14 miles northeast of Flagstaff, started Sunday, April 17 and has spread to over 20,000 acres due to extremely high winds and dry fuels. This declaration will help bring much-needed resources to this emergency.

“Wildfires have beco...

Tunnel Fire Evacuation Update and Shelter Information

This release serves as a correction to an earlier press release distributed at 11:13 a.m. NO changes have occurred as it relates to existing community evacuation status due to the Tunnel Fire at this time.

Updated Tunnel Fire evacuation flyer

As of April 19, 2022 at 11:00 am Evacuation orders were put into effect by the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office for the areas along Hwy 89 from Campbell Rd to Antelope Hills M.P. 434.5 on Hwy 89.

Hwy 89 is closed both directions from Silversaddle road to Antelope Hills until further notice.

Updates Related to the Tunnel Fire

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – The Tunnel Fire, located 14 miles northeast of Flagstaff, started Sunday, April 17 and has spread to over 16,625 acres due to extremely high winds.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office has evacuated many communities in the fire area. Click here for the most current information on evacuation status: https://coconinocounty.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=745e7806b0444387bf3279...

Tunnel Fire Update and Declaration of Emergency

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – The Tunnel Fire, located 14 miles northeast of flagstaff, started Sunday, April 17, and has spread to over 6,000 acres due to extremely high winds.

A U.S. Forest Service Type 3 Incident Management Team is expected to arrive tomorrow evening and a Type 1 team has been requested.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office has evacuated many communities in the fire area. Click here for the most curre...

CCSO Media Release: Tunnel Fire Evacuations

On April 19th, 2022, at 1100 hours the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office began evacuation operations in the Timberline – Fernwood areas north of Flagstaff along Hwy 89.

Tunnel Fire Information

For information about the Tunnel Fire please go to https://www.coconino.az.gov/2894/Tunnel-Fire or click

Sediment Reduction Project Breaks Ground in Museum Flood Area

A Coconino County Flood Control District project to reduce sediment production and transport on private lands below the Museum Fire burn scar is underway in Lockett Ranches & Mt. Elden Estates.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service and District-funded Emergency Watershed Protection Project will reduce erosion and sediment transport downstream. 

“We are excited to be in construction on these measures, which are so important to Mt. El...

Coconino County Board of Supervisors Adopts Final Redistricting Map

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors adopted map Scenario F on April 12 during their regular meeting as part of the Board’s statutory responsibility to reapportion county supervisory districts.

The Board adopted the final map after beginning the redistricting process in Fall 2021.Every ten years, according to A.R.S. § 11-212, county supervisory districts must be redrawn so that each district is substantially equal in population. The Board adopte...

Coconino School Superintendent Cheryl Mango-Paget Announces Nominations for 2023 Teacher of the Year

The Coconino County Education Service Agency (CCESA) is proud to announce a request for nominations for the 10th Annual Teacher of the Year, 5th Annual Rookie Teacher of the Year, and 2nd Annual Lifetime Achievement Award.

The awards are a distinguished countywide event created to celebrate, honor, and recognize full-time teachers from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade. Even the simple act of nominating a teacher can mean the world to them. Nominating a teacher recognizes them...

Forest Restoration Initiative earns top honors at Arizona Forward’s Environmental Excellence Awards

The Coconino County Flood Control District’s Forest Restoration Initiative (FRI) won both the 2021 Governor’s and President’s awards at Arizona Forward’s 40th Annual Environmental Awards Gala on March 19 in Phoenix.

Arizona Forward has hosted the annual Environmental Awards Gala for over 40 years. The awards, which honor creative programs that foster the economic vitality and long-term sustainability of Arizona’s future, recognized the District’s Forest Restoration I...

Willard Springs Green Waste Station Reopens Friday, April 1 for Free Green Waste-Only Disposal

Coconino County will reopen the Willard Springs Green Waste Station on Friday, April 1, for free green waste-only disposal all season long to support residents' efforts to clean up their properties for wildfire season.

Residents will be allowed to dump acceptable green waste such as pine needles, branches, leaves, and brush free of charge with no load limits on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. through the end of the season on Saturday, October 29, 2022.

&ld...

Summer Ramada Reservations Available for County Parks

Parks and Recreation currently accepting online and in-person reservations.

Coconino County Parks and Recreation is now accepting ramada reservation applications for the 2022 summer season, May 1 through October 31. There are 10 ramadas available for rent at three County parks – Fort Tuthill County Park, Raymond County Park, and ...

Coconino County Announces Updated Masking Requirements in County Facilities

On Friday, February 25, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced new metrics to guide COVID-19 mitigation practices, including mask requirements.

CCHHS has consistently followed CDC guidance throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to follow current recommendations. COVID-19 Community Levels will now be determined based on three pieces of data: new COVID-19 hospitalizations, hospital capa...

Coconino County School Superintendent to Interview Candidates for School Board; Seeks Input

Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget has announced the scheduling of interviews for two Governing School Board Member open seats at Maine Consolidated School District #10.

An advisory committee will be assembled consisting of a district resident, district teacher, chapter official, and two current board members to conduct interviews and advise Superintendent Mango-Paget on the appointments.

 The Superintendent is al...

CDC Updates COVID-19 Metrics to Determine Community Risk Levels

Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced new metrics to guide COVID-19 mitigation practices.

The new metrics will continue to consider caseloads to determine community risk level and will also incorporate the impacts on the healthcare system as indicators to determine appropriate prevention measures for each county. According to the CDC, counties...

Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Hosting Governing Board Informational Sessions

The public is invited to attend local School District Governing Board informational sessions.

The informational sessions, hosted by Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget, will allow time for interested candidates to ask questions and complete required documents. Sessions are free and no appointment is required. 

For additional infor...

Coconino County, City of Flagstaff Respond to Monsoon Flooding in the Museum Flood Area

The Coconino County Flood Control District (FCD) and City of Flagstaff are actively involved in cleanup operations following monsoon storms that dropped in excess of 2 inches of rain on the Museum Fire burn scar.

. Downstream flooding has been reported in Mt. Elden Estates and in Flagstaff from Linda Vista to Route 66. 

More than 0.75 inches of rain fell in 15 minutes over the Museum Fire burn scar, which triggered an Emergency Notification Alert to be iss...