RAFAEL UPDATE
Containment of the Rafael Fire burning southwest of Flagstaff has reached almost 90%. The Southwest Incident Management Team says recent rainfall has helped crews conduct mop up operations and suppression repair work on all flanks of the fire, including below the Mogollon Rim in and around Sedona and Loy Canyon. A Type 3 Incident Command Team will shadow members of the Southwest Area Type 1 team today and assume management of the fire beginning Friday at 6 a.m. Full containment is expected by July 15th, according to the Bureau of Land Management. All communities affected by the Rafael Fire are in READY evacuation status. The Coconino, Kaibab and Prescott National Forests remain closed to the public due to extreme fire danger.
MUSEUM FIRE FLOOD RISK
Officials with Coconino County Public Works traveled yesterday to the Museum Fire burn scar in Flagstaff over concerns about possible flooding. Runoff was observed, but no flooding was reported as of yesterday. The county has identified the scar left by the 2019 Museum Fire as an area susceptible to flooding. Heavy rains this week prompted the inspection.
ZION FLOODING
Zion National Park in southern Utah has reopened with modified operations after a massive flash flood hit the area. Park officials urged visitors on Wednesday to exercise caution and to expect delays as clean up efforts continue and damage is assessed following Tuesday’s flood. Park officials closed Zion’s canyons and The Narrows after a flash flood warning was issued. No injuries were reported. Several buildings in the area allowed people to take shelter and avoid getting hurt by the water and debris. Roads have been cleared in the park, allowing cars and park shuttles to get around.
