Local officials and those leading the effort to fight the fire also spoke alongside the governor.

Rick Nieto, who is heading up the type one team now managing the fire, said while the type one team is in control of the fire at the moment, he applauded the efforts made by the local agencies to manage the blaze prior to their arrival.

He said the type one team was only able to take over management of the fire so quickly because of the cooperation and relationships between his team and the local agencies.

That message was echoed by Coconino National Forest Supervisor Laura Jo West.

West said when the fire started on Sunday, the Coconino National Forest quickly put as many resources as they had available on the fire and requested the type one team.

“That team arrived quickly -- in fact, uncharacteristically quickly -- and we transitioned without missing a beat. We are very proud of those initial efforts that our local resources made towards suppressing this fire,” West said.

West also thanked local residents who have been understanding that the efforts to suppress the fire take time. West added the fire should not dissuade the forest restoration efforts that had been taking place in the current burn area.