Within three days the fire has scorched more than 10 000 acres, and is reported to be major disasters caused by fire, investigators concluded the fire was caused due to very high temperatures.

Emergency Operations Center spokeswoman Stephanie Smith said the Schultz fire was started by an abandoned campfire. Officials are asking the public to come forward with any information about how the blaze started.

As flames ripped quickly through Ponderosa pine, conifer, pinyon and juniper trees, they caught some locals off guard.

The dangerous conditions spurred officials at the nearby Coconino, Kaibab and Prescott national forests to implement fire restrictions starting Wednesday "to protect public health and safety and prevent human-caused wildfires."

The restrictions will prohibit fires, campfires, charcoal, coal or wood stoves outside of developed campgrounds and limit smoking to within enclosed vehicles or buildings or in developed campgrounds. Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns, and heaters meeting safety specifications will continue to be allowed.

"You hate to see fire restrictions because we like to camp," Flagstaff resident Patti Tencza told CNN affiliate KTVK-TV on Monday. "We like fires. But you have to be responsible. To let this happen -- this much destruction -- it's just bad news."