The Latest: Flash flood warning for areas below wildfire

The Latest on a wildfire in northern Arizona (all times local):

4:20 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for Flagstaff communities in the shadow of a wildfire.

The weather service says up to an inch of rain already has fallen over the fire. Flooding is expected near downtown Flagstaff and along parts of Route 66.

The warning expires at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Meteorologist Darren McCollum says the runoff is expected to be more intense because of the wildfire that’s been burning around Mount Elden since Sunday.

———

3:30 p.m.

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has declared a state of emergency for a wildfire burning in northern Arizona.

The fire that began Sunday now has charred an estimated 4 square miles (10 square kilometers) in a mountain pass that’s a prime spot for recreation within minutes of downtown Flagstaff and is 10 percent contained.

Ducey’s declaration directs that $200,000 from the state’s general fund be made available to the director of the Arizona Division of Emergency Management.

The funds can be used to reimburse eligible emergency response and recovery costs and ensures first responders have the resources they need.

After surveying the fire Tuesday afternoon and receiving a briefing from emergency officials, Ducey later met with displaced residents at a shelter in Flagstaff.

—————

8 a.m.

Fire crews are using trails and roads to try to corral a wildfire burning near Flagstaff to keep it away from homes.

Operations chief Todd Abel says the fire has burned more intensely because of sometimes gusty winds that quickly can change the fire’s direction. He says that will pose a challenge to firefighters Tuesday.

Rain in the forecast this week could bring some relief.

The fire has burned 2.8 square miles (7.2 square kilometers) in the Dry Lake Hills area near Mount Elden. About 600 people are working the fire, along with aircraft that can drop water and retardant to slow the fire’s spread.

Incident commander Rich Nieto says the fire is the top priority for resources in the region.

Source link