Drive carefully on SR 69 with firefighting still underway

PHOENIX – While State Route 69 has reopened between Interstate 17 and State Route 169 near Prescott, drivers need to use caution as crews in the area continue fighting the Goodwin Fire, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Those using SR 69 through the affected area should slow down and watch out for vehicles and equipment entering and exiting the highway. In addition, windblown smoke can reduce visibility.

Other options for reaching the Prescott area from the Valley include taking SR 169 west from Interstate 17 or taking SR 89 north from US 93 via US 60 through Wickenburg. Because both SR 169 and SR 89 are one lane in each direction most of the way, heavy traffic can lead to slowing on those routes.

SR 69 closed Tuesday between Cordes Junction and SR 169 as the Goodwin Fire burned near Mayer. It reopened to all traffic Friday morning.

Initial assessments by ADOT suggest that only minimal fire damage occurred along SR 69. Approximately 20 guardrail posts were damaged when fire crossed the highway near Mayer. ADOT will conduct a full assessment once firefighting operations wind down.

For the most current information about highway closures and restrictions statewide, visit ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, follow us on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511.

Red Cross Greater Phoenix Chapter attending National Council of La Raza Annual Conference

PHOENIX — Phoenix is hosting the National Council of La Raza Annual Conference, July 8-11, at the Phoenix Convention Center and American Red Cross Greater Phoenix Chapter will be in attendance to promote awareness on emergency blood donations and disaster preparedness, specifically the Home Fire Campaign, an effort to help reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by home fires. The American Red Cross Greater Phoenix, Latinos Preparados volunteers will be providing smoke alarm installation demonstrations and will also help families develop a home fire escape plan.

The Red Cross responds to nearly 64,000 disasters a year, the majority of which are home fires. Working smoke alarms in a home cut the risk of death by half and having an escape plan further improves the odds of survival. The Red Cross wants to end these tragedies and save lives, that’s why we launched the Home Fire Campaign in 2014. As of July 7, 2017, the Red Cross and our partners across the country have saved at least 235 lives.

For interviews with volunteers, visit our booth at the National Council of La Raza Annual Conference or to learn more about the Home Fire Campaign visit redcross.org. Please help us by volunteering to install smoke alarms, making a financial contribution, or taking steps to protect your own family from home fires.