The Museum Fire grew to 1,000 acres overnight and continues to endanger areas throughout Flagstaff as of Monday, according to wildfire officials.

The fire was reportedly very active Sunday night, causing crews to cancel the planned burnout operations. Crews then took to indirect suppression tactics where they could, Coconino National Forest officials said.

The fire was reported around 11 a.m. on Sunday by fire lookouts and multiple calls from the public. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Fire managers will be using direct and indirect tactics to suppress the fire, officials said.

A heavy air component will be used throughout Monday in an effort to keep the fire east and south of Forest Road 420, west of Highway 89 and north of the Pipeline Road.

Drones of any kind are prohibited from flying in the area.

Heavy smoke will be visible from Flagstaff and other local communities. The public should use extreme caution when driving on U.S. Highways 180 and 89 north of Flagstaff and stay out of the fire area, officials said. 

Coconino County says all areas, including the upper east-side neighborhoods of Flagstaff, in Cedar Hills, Shadow Mountain, Christmas Tree, Skyline, Swiss Manor and Upper Greenlaw should be in the “prepare now” stage. 

Other pre-evacuation notices in the “set” stage are in place for Mt. Elden Lookout Estates, north and west of Highway 89 and Silver Saddle, Hutcherson Acres, McCann Estates and all of Timberline communities including Black Bill Park, Wupatki Trails and Pine Mountain Estates. 

At this point there have been no home evacuations ordered although the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office has gone door-to-door to contact people in neighborhoods about the pre-evacuation in place, Coconino County officials said in a release.

Residents are encouraged to pack any emergency items during this notice. 

The American Red Cross has set up a shelter at Sinagua Middle School, 3950 E. Butler Ave. in Flagstaff. 

Current closures near the wildfire area include Little Elden campground and hiking trails including a portion of the Arizona Trail. 

The National Weather Service in Flagstaff warns there is limited moisture expected for Monday, which means storms will produce little rainfall and will have the potential for strong outflow winds.

Breaking news intern Aubrey Carpenter can be reached at [email protected] and can be followed on Twitter at @aubreycarp1.

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