Wikipedia:Today's featured article/October 14, 2023
The Tinder Fire was a wildfire that burned 16,309 acres (66.00 km2) of the Coconino National Forest in the U.S. state of Arizona during April and May 2018. The 2017 Arizona wildfires had been followed by drought, including a historically dry winter season. The Tinder Fire was detected from a lookout tower of the U.S. Forest Service on April 27, and firefighters began working to contain its spread within the day. Stoked by strong winds, low humidity, and high temperatures, the fire grew rapidly over late April, prompting the closure of Arizona State Route 87 and evacuation orders for 1,000 houses in Coconino County. These orders remained until May 4. Almost 700 firefighters were involved in combating the fire, which was fully contained on May 24. It destroyed 96 buildings, including 33 homes, and cost $7,500,000 to contain and suppress. An investigation determined that the Tinder Fire was caused by an illegal campfire. (Full article...)