Overview
- The Papa Fire ignited on June 8 and has grown to roughly 100–135 acres about 13 miles east of Flagstaff while moving north-northeast.
- Incident commanders deployed multiple hotshot and hand crews, engines, dozers and water tenders and are using a full suppression direct-attack strategy to hold the perimeter.
- Sustained gusty southwest winds and single-digit humidity have made air tanker operations unsafe and less effective, so crews are working from the ground during calmer evening periods to dig lines and cut vegetation.
- Containment figures reported by agencies vary from 0% to 25%, reflecting changing conditions and timing of updates, but the fire remains active under Red Flag Warning conditions.
- The cause is under investigation with no lightning reported and officials are prioritizing protection of nearby gas pipelines and a Western Area Power Administration power line while urging the public to obey fire restrictions and avoid flying drones in the area.