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What caused the Maid Fire? Rare blaze in northern Arizona forces road closures and concern among neighboring cummunities

The human-caused wildfire situated approximately 100 miles north of Phoenix's city center near Stoneman Lake has consumed 543 acres as of Monday

PHOENIX, ARIZONA: A rare wildfire, known as the Maid Fire, has been causing havoc in northern Arizona, leading to road closures and concerns among local residents.

The human-caused wildfire was first reported at 5:11 am on November 4, Saturday by a member of the public, and the specific cause is under investigation.

The wildfire situated approximately 100 miles north of Phoenix's city center near Stoneman Lake, has consumed 543 acres as of Monday, November 6, as reported by the Coconino National Forest.

Due to the fire, an urgent shutdown has been implemented in Sedona's Red Rock Ranger District. A comprehensive list of the affected roads can be found online. This closure is set to persist until the end of the month unless it is revoked earlier.

Where did the Maid Fire start?

The Maid Fire reportedly ignited on Apache Maid Mountain, situated approximately 17 miles to the northwest of Clints Well, on November 4.

On Monday, firefighting crews were still striving to control a wildfire that had spread over 200 acres in the area northwest of Clints Well. The initial report of the Maid Fire came in on Saturday from Apache Mountain, located within the Coconino National Forest, per Knau. 

What efforts are being taken to contain the Maid Fire?

The wildfire, which was caused by human activity, was first reported around 5 am on Saturday.  As of Monday, the fire, which is blazing through a landscape characterized by rocky and rough terrain, had not been contained at all (0% containment).

Approximately 80 staff members are currently engaged in combating the fire.

According to a Twitter update from the Coconino National Forest, firefighters are persistently striving to contain the Maid Fire, which is located on Apache Maid Mountain, just southeast of the Stoneman Lake exit on Interstate 17. 

"Firefighters also used a drone yesterday to conduct burnout operations in steep and difficult terrain on the west side of the mountain, while hand ignitions were conducted on the southern side, using a forest road as a control feature," the post read. 

It continued, "Crews plan on focusing their efforts today on the west and southwest sides of Apache Maid mountain, connecting burnout operations from forest roads to the fire itself to increase control."

"Weather and wind will be a determining factor as to whether they are able to continue burnout operations and how much they are able to accomplish today."

What is the movement of smoke?

Coconino National Forest has forecasted that smoke is expected to drift towards the northeast and could be dense today if the burnout operations persist. In addition to weather and wind factors, the rugged, stony, and steep landscape poses difficulties for ground-based firefighting efforts.  

Where is the Maid Fire visible?

The wildfire is clearly visible to nearby regions including Camp Verde, Sedona, and Rimrock. It can also be seen by those traveling on Interstate 17 between mileposts 285 and 310. 

We will be updating the story as it is developing.