Hundreds of people were evacuated when a 4.500-hectare conflagration was called
Coconino National Forest officials say the pipeline fire was reported by a fire station at 10.15am, and had burned about 4.000-5.000 acres (24 km) by late Sunday.
Forest Service detectives have arrested and indicted Matthew Riser, 57, over the fire, on charges of natural resource violations.
The precise cause of the conflagration is under investigation.
Sheriff’s officials ordered the evacuation of the Arizona Snowbowl skiing area, areas west of Schultz Pass Road and areas of residential area on both sides of US Route 89 around Sacred Mountain.
People in Doney Park and in the area surrounding Mount Elden were counselled to prepare for their departure.
Euelda King and her family were evacuating their home this year due to wildfires.
