FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Firefighters continue to battle the Papa Fire, a fast-moving wildfire burning approximately 13 miles east of Flagstaff. As of late Monday evening, the fire had grown to 133 acres and remains active in grass and timber fuels.
The fire was reported Monday afternoon and is being managed by the Coconino National Forest under the command of Type 3 Incident Commander Preston Mercer. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
According to fire officials, crews are using a direct attack strategy and are working to keep the fire contained to the smallest possible perimeter. Firefighters are actively engaging the fire front when conditions allow and are utilizing nearby roads and other natural holding features to help limit its spread.
Resources assigned to the incident include a hotshot crew, a hand crew, 11 engines, a dozer, two water tenders, and overhead personnel. Additional resources are en route.
The fire is exhibiting active fire behavior, including flanking and short crown runs, driven by dry fuels and windy conditions across northern Arizona. Officials reported a total of 75 personnel assigned to the incident as of Monday night.
Despite the fire’s growth, officials said there are currently no immediate threats to structures or other values at risk. However, smoke will remain visible in the area as suppression efforts continue.
Weather conditions remain a concern, with warm, dry, and windy weather expected through Tuesday. A Red Flag Warning remains in effect for much of northern Arizona, creating favorable conditions for wildfire growth.
The public is asked to avoid the fire area for both public and firefighter safety.
Papa Fire at a Glance (Tuesday Morning):
- Location: 13 miles east of Flagstaff
- Size: 133 acres
- Personnel: 75
- Cause: Under investigation
- Fuels: Grass and timber
- Fire Behavior: Flanking and short crown runs
- Threats: No immediate threats to infrastructure or structures reported
- Strategy: Direct attack and perimeter containment
Flagscanner will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.
