Then I realized it wasn't a car, it was the forest on the other side of the freeway. And it was close, close enough I could see the flames clearly from the window. It had me worried, while the wind was coming from the Southwest it was blowing strong today with gusts over
Since the power was cut my work day was done I headed home. I tried to take a back road to get around the fire but police had already shut down the way due to smoke. In the end, I took I-40 into town and up Milton into Downtown. Until I realized the whole Westside was without of electricity, traffic was snarled without traffic lights functioning. I stopped around Route 66 and Milton and took these pictures of the fire.
Since taking these pictures and based on the news reports it seems like they have it under control. Overhead I hear the constant drone of aircraft and I am thankful for the sound. A friend with a nearby fire department has confirmed they are sending more resources to ensure it stays contained.
The fire started just North of the I-40 Freeway between Flagstaff Ranch Road and Woody Mountain Road. It seems so far to be contained South of Route 66. I drive past this area every day on my way to work and while AZ fire experts on tv talk about it being part of the thinned section of forest but I don't believe so. I don't think they had gotten to that section as of yet. In fact I was a bit worried about the potential for a fire in that location. Luckily the area due East of the fire had been recently cleared for new home construction, which I suspect helped in gaining early containment on the fire. If the trees in that area hadn't been cleared, like last year at this time, I think the situation would have been far worse.
To speculate I suspect the fire was started by a cigarette from a passing car, but that is just my guess based on how close the fire was to the roadway.
Last and certainly not least a big thank you to those firefighters out there helping to protect my favorite mountain town. I appreciate their efforts. Thank you!
Flickr Picture Feed
Updates - While reports continue about power outages most of the town has had electricity back for a while (around 6pm), but I am not sure about where I work.
Good fire coverage over at the Irish Trojan Blog
Current television report says occasional spot fires North of Route 66, but no structures have been lost as of yet.
Current evacuated neighborhoods are Railroad Springs, Hidden Hallow, and Woody Mountain Campground. Pine Springs was evacuated with the other neighborhoods.(Pine Springs Update 9:10pm)
I can smell the smoke from the fire coming into my house with the breeze.
TV Update - APS says the Woody Mtn power station was not damaged by the fire, contrary to television reports.
NBC Photos and if you look closely at photo 2 and 7 you can see what I said about how close the fire was to the I-40 roadway. (Hattip Brendon)
