The Tinder Fire is nearly 80 percent contained, but winds that are expected for Thursday and Friday could cause it to grow. The fire has already wiped out 33 homes, 54 minor structures and burned more than 16,000 acres.

George Jozens is with the Coconino National Forest.

"That fire could actually move out of where it’s at," he said. "We’re hoping we got to where its not going to move at all. Firefighters have been working very hard to make sure it doesn’t get into Leonard Canyon which is the next canyon over, which would also allow it to spread into a different forest."

Jozens said similar wind conditions last week led to those homes and structures being destroyed. The Tinder Fire was started by an illegal campfire that was abandoned.

In a statement, the Coconino National Forest said the public will likely see residual smoke from this fire for several weeks, as tree stumps and other forest fuels will continue to smolder until a significant amount of rainfall extinguishes them completely.

Coconino County has issued a “Set” stage for the southeastern-most division of Mogollon Ranchettes, and local residents are reminded to remain prepared for any “Ready, Set and Go” event which could be implemented by Coconino County in the case of an emergency evacuation.

Stage II Fire Restrictions are in effect across the entire Coconino National Forest, which prohibit a list of activities. 

Fire Restrictions