Schultz Fire Update

Flagstaff, AZ –   The fire is currently more than 8,859 acres and growing with 0 percent containment.   No structures have been lost. 

New evacuation orders are in effect for Hutchinson Acres located west of North Highway 89 and South Campbell to Government Tank Road.  Other evacuations still in effect include Timberline Estates, Wupatki Trails, Sunset Crater and Wupatki National Monuments.

North Highway 89 remains closed at Silver Saddle Road to milepost 433.

The Type I Incident Management Team for the Schultz fire has scheduled a community meeting for Monday, June 21, 2010, at 7:00 PM.  The meeting will take place at Coconino High School located at 2801 N. Izabel in Flagstaff.  The meeting will include updates on the Schultz fire and the Hardy fire.

Press conference and incident update are scheduled for 5:00 PM at 911 Sawmill Road, Flagstaff.

Multiple resources have responded including the U.S. Forest Service and surrounding fire departments.  Over 400 firefighters are on the scene of the Schultz Fire.  Air tankers are temporarily grounded due to high winds.  Entities assisting with the effort include the United States Forest Service, the Coconino County Sheriff’s office, the Flagstaff Fire Department, Northern Arizona University and the State of Arizona.  A Type One Incident Management Team is currently managing the incident. 

The Schultz Fire started at approximately 11:09 am on Sunday and is located west of north Highway 89, east of Flagstaff, and north of Mount Elden.  The Sheriff’s office is recommending that evacuation kits include prescription medications, important paperwork, pet care products, a change of clothing and water.   

DPS is suggesting alternative routes of State Route 64 through the East Entrance to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park (no commercial vehicles are permitted in the park) or State Route 160 through Tuba City to State Route 264 to State Route 87 onto Interstate 40.  Travelers who choose not to take one of these alternative routes may stay at the Red Cross Shelter at Mount Elden Middle School located at the northwest corner of Linda Vista and Fourth Street in Flagstaff.  

Residents can expect smoke from both the Schultz and the Hardy fires to settle into neighborhoods overnight, including areas outside the immediate evacuation areas.  Anyone who can see, taste or smell smoke should curtail outdoor activity.  People with heart disease, lung disease or asthma should avoid outdoors entirely, as should children and the elderly. If you are in the areas with heavy smoke and have not been instructed to evacuate, you are advised to remain indoors or to leave the area if you experience breathing difficulties.  Please consult the Coconino County Health Department website at http://www.coconino.az.gov/health.aspx?id=6564 regarding potential hazards dealing with smoke inhalation.

The Red Cross has set up a shelter at Mt. Elden Middle School at 3233 North Fourth Street, Flagstaff.  Evacuees are encouraged to register at Mt Elden Middle School to ensure information can be relayed. 

The Salvation Army is reporting that no material donations are needed at this time.  However, if individuals are interested in volunteering or financial donations, please call United Way of Northern Arizona at (928) 773-9813.

Residents are encouraged to register for Ready Coconino at www.readycoconino.az.gov.  Additional information on the Schultz fire can be obtained at 1-888-679-8393.  Information is posted at www.coconinoforest.us and on twitter.com/CoconinoNF

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