Gentry Fire: Hunt Continues For Man Who Shot At Fire Crew

Several law enforcement agencies are joining the Coconino County Sheriff's Office as they hunt for a man suspected of setting several fires and shooting at a fire crew on Tuesday morning.

The FBI, the Department of Public Safety SWAT, and the Navajo County Sheriff's office have all joined the hunt.

The Canyon Point Campground in Coconino County was as officials hunted for the man.

They fire crew was among nearly 200 personnel who were on scene battling the Gentry Fire. The fire, which started last Wednesday and grew to 641 acres, was more than 60 percent contained by Tuesday morning.

Officials say that the man, who they say is between 5'8" and 5'10" and was wearing a camouflaged backpack, blue jeans, tan boots, and blue hat, was carrying a rifle and a pistol.

A fire crew approached him around 10 a.m. on Tuesday.

He responded by firing shots. (Subscribe to local news alerts on Patch).

No one was hurt but he fled and has not been located.

"He appears to be familiar with the forest and may be on the move," said officials.

The Forest Lakes Fire District says to assume that he is armed and dangerous and do not approach him. Call 9-1-1 immediately, they say.

They say that man is considered a "person of interest" in the fire, which had been believed to be started by lightning. He is believed to have set several smaller fires in the area, which were extinguished fairly quickly.

There are 187 personnel assigned to the fire, including two hot shot crews, a helicopter, two water tenders, and three hand crews.

Photo Fire Lakes Fire District