Updated at 9:16 a.m. MDT June 22, 2021
The Rafael Fire 12 miles northwest of Sedona, Arizona was not as active Monday as in previous days. A satellite overflight at 4:12 a.m. Tuesday found heat along the eastern three-fourths of the fire perimeter, but the growth was incremental, advancing less than a mile to the north, east, and south. It has advanced on the eastern side to the bottom of Sycamore Canyon and Tule Canyon just southwest of Sycamore Point.
To see all articles on Wildfire Today about the Rafael Fire, including the most current, click HERE.
A mapping flight at 2:38 a.m. Tuesday determined the Rafael Fire had burned about 24,000 acres.
Updated at 7:40 p.m. MDT June 21, 2021
The latest satellite overflight Monday at 3 p.m. MDT showed that the Rafael Fire continued to be active along portions of the north and south sides during the previous 12 hours, but at that time had not made any large runs. Later in the afternoon fire activity increased substantially.
We expect to have more detailed information including an updated map Tuesday morning.
The Coconino County website has evacuation information.
12:56 p.m. MDT June 21, 2021
The lightning-caused Rafael Fire 12 miles northwest of Sedona, Arizona grew substantially Sunday while being pushed by strong winds. After spreading to the east-northeast, early Monday morning it was about 12 miles southwest of Flagstaff. The Incident Management Team reported Monday morning it was mapped at about 20,000 acres.
The blaze began as four fires ignited by lightning last week that burned together during the wind event Sunday. It now spans across three National Forests (Prescott, Kaibab, and Coconino) and two counties (Yavapai and Coconino).
A Type 1 Incident Management Team has been ordered.
For the most current evacuation information visit the sites below:
