‘Double Fire’ & ‘Haywire Fire’ merge as nearby Pipeline Fire rages on

FLAGSTAFF, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) -- Two out-of-control wildfires merged Monday evening in northern Arizona as crews are already dealing with the fast-growing Pipeline Fire

Coconino National Forests say a third fire called dubbed the “Double Fire” was burning not far from the Haywire Fire which had burned about 1,600 acres. The “Double Fire” had been estimated at 500 acres and originated about 2 miles south and southwest of where the Haywire Fire originated. While investigators are still working to learn what caused that fire, they are suspecting it started from a lightning strike in a storm that happened sometime in the last few days. The forest is closed north of Interstate 40.

How close is the Haywire Fire?

The Coconino National Forest says the Haywire Fire is burning about four miles east of the Sunset Crater Volcano. multiple fire crews are responding. Officials are still working to learn what started the fire. Nearby evacuations had already been ordered for those living in Crater Estates. Forest officials say those living along Sunset Crater-Wupatki Loop Road should prepare to leave their homes. Investigators believe embers from the Pipeline Fire might have sparked this new fire, which is likely to merge at some point.

Three wildfires are burning near each other around the Flagstaff area. — Three wildfires are burning near each other around the Flagstaff area.(Arizona's Family)

Evacuations were also ordered for the Alpine Ranchos community. Those evacuation orders include those living west of Leupp Road, south of the Navajo Reservation boundary, north of Forest Road 244a, and east of Sunset Crater Road. Coconino County Sheriff’s deputies are going door-to-door and asking families to leave. An evacuation shelter has been set up at Sinagua Middle School. Animals that need shelter should go to the Ft. Tuthill County Park.

Two out-of-control wildfires are burning near Flagstaff early Monday.

WILDFIRE WATCH: Pipeline Fire near Flagstaff grows to 4,500 acres

Fire activity in Northern Arizona

NASA's fire activity map shows how close the two wildfires are burning in northern Arizona. — NASA's fire activity map shows how close the two wildfires are burning in northern Arizona.(Arizona's Family)

Arizona’s Family First Alert weather team has issued a First Alert weather day for northern Arizona as gusty winds and dry conditions are making the firefight especially difficult throughout the high country. Southwesterly winds could gust up to 55 miles per hour.

Stay with Arizona’s Family for updates.

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