New Fire in Flagstaff

[fotogirl53]

From the Coconino NF press release:

Flagstaff, AZ —The Hill Fire, reported late this afternoon, is a combination of seven to nine suspicious fires that began simultaneously in the Turkey Hills area, which is approximately 8 miles east of the center of Flagstaff and 2 miles north of Interstate 40. Acreage is currently unknown.

Four firefighting crews, 10 engines, and several water tenders are on scene. Five heavy air tankers have been ordered to respond.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.

The AZ Daily Sun reported an update at 7:30 that 1 home has been destroyed. The area is along the gas pipeline service road near Koch Field Rd. and about 20 fires were set.

This area is near the Turkey Hills ruin and Picture Canyon.

[SuperstitionGuy]

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[azbackpackr]

I was driving my school bus, having just finished dropping off kids, at about 4 p.m., and reported the fire to my dispatcher who called 911. There were no fire people on the scene at the time but just a few minutes later I saw them on 89, on their way. I pick up about 6 small elementary children along through that area. I expect they will have been evacuated. Today is the last day of school. I wonder if Townsend-Winona Road will still be open? If not, I am sure my employer will let me know what I'm supposed to do about picking up kids who live out past the fire.

What a way for these kids to start the summer, being evacuated! I hope their homes don't burn and I hope they are not too scared. How sad the fire was deliberately set by someone.

[chumley]

Police are seeking a person of interest in the case.

They want to speak to a Native American male, about 20 years old, named Obrian Wilson Kee, who is estimated to weigh 140 pounds and is 5-foot-8-inches tall.

He was last seen wearing a red T-shirt, blue jeans and black combat-style boots.

Anyone with information on his location is asked to call 774-4523.

[Jim]

viewtopic.php?f=45&t=6145&p=71806#p71806

[chumley]

A man wanted in connection with multiple suspicious fires near Flagstaff Wednesday evening was arrested early Thursday, authorities said.

Obrian Wilson Kee, who officials said is about 20 years old, was sought in connection to seven to nine fires that ignited about 8 miles east of Flagstaff and 1 mile south of Doney Park, according to the Coconino National Forest. He was taken into custody about 3 a.m. Thursday by the Coconino County Sheriff's Office.

During an interview with officers, Kee "made statements admitting involvement" in the starting of the fires, authorities said. He also mentioned he was in the area where the fire was started and was upset because of an argument he had with his girlfriend, officials said.

Kee has been booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility on a felony count, but officials anticipate more charges to be filed. Bond was set at $100,000; his next court appearance has been scheduled for June 17.

The fires, which are being referred to as the Hill Fire, resulted in the brief evacuation of about 50 homes in a rural subdivision. No injuries were reported, but one unoccupied trailer was destroyed.

Authorities said the fire spanned up to 50 acres, and crews, including 100 personnel and eight engines, have the fire 40 percent contained as of Thursday morning.

Evacuations in the community took place east of Koch Field Road. Part of that road was closed between Camp Townsend Winona Road and Silver Saddle Road.

The fires also forced the closure of Townsend-Winona Road between North Highway 89 and Cosnino Road, according to the Coconino County Sheriff's Office.

There better be mandatory jail time for this.

[hippiepunkpirate]

There better be mandatory jail time for this.

With bond set at a hundred grand, I think it's safe to assume...of course it's never safe to assume

[fotogirl53]

I'm glad there was such a big, quick response in fighting this one and in arresting the arsonist. It could have been much worse!

[Tough_Boots]

I would assume that any arsonist that gets caught in Arizona anytime soon will be getting no mercy.