Firefighters Make a Big Stride in Boundary Fire Containment

WILLIAMS – Monday afternoon, forecasted isolated thunderstorms brought gusty winds and light precipitation to the Boundary Fire. Crews made a big stride today securing private property parcels and fire lines which increased containment from 18% to 30%. Cloud cover and increased relative humidity allowed fire to move along the ground, promoting healthy consumption of dead and down fuel returning nutrients to the soil.

In the morning, minimal but noticeable smoke may impact the following communities of Flagstaff, Baderville, Tuba City, Cameron, Timberline/Doney Park, and Bellemont. Smoke will disperse east of Flagstaff towards Leupp and hazy smoke will be drifting near Doney Park and Timberline as temperatures increase throughout the day. For more information on smoke and air quality, visit www.azdeq.gov.

Smoke will continue to impact US 180, especially at night. US 180 has reopened north of Flagstaff between mileposts 236 and 248 after visibility along the highway has increased due to reduced smoke impact from the Boundary Fire, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Though the road is open for travel, there will be lower speed limits through the affected area as firefighting operations continue and personnel and equipment enter and exit the highway. While the smoke impact has lessened enough to safely reopen US 180, ADOT personnel will continue to monitor visibility conditions along the highway.

US 89 remains open and may see light smoke impacts during the day. Interstate 40 may experience impacts in the evening and at night. The forest service advises drivers slow down and use caution when driving through these areas.