By Katelyn Seabury
November 3, 2011. Flagstaff, Az – The Hill Fire, reported late this afternoon, is being called suspicious by officials. The fire is in the Turkey Hills area, 8 miles east of the center of Flagstaff and 2 miles north of I-40. The fire is a combination of seven to nine fires that began simultaneously in the Turkey Hills area. It is currently 20 percent contained. Fire crews optimistic for full containment of the fire by late tonight.
Four firefighting crews, 10 engines, and several water tenders are on scene. Five heavy air tankers have been ordered to respond.
Evacuations are occurring on the east side of Koch Field Road. The Red Cross has reception center at the Fire Station on Hwy 89. All Hill Fire evacuees are asked to register. About 50 homes have been evacuated according to the Coconino National Forest. The fire is 20 percent contained according to a press release by the Coconino National Forest and fire crew are optimistic they will have the fire fully contained late tonight. There are reports of multiple structures threatened and one home destroyed. The start of the fire is under investigation and is said to have been started by humans.