FLAGSTAFF — The Slate Fire, located 23 miles northwest of Flagstaff along both the east and west sides of Highway 180, is now at 6,248 acres and 17 percent containment.
Windy and active wildfire conditions, along with burnout operations, are the main factors in the growth of the fire, which is still moving in a northeastern direction.
Crews plan to spend Friday conducting firing operations on the west side of Slate Mountain to bring the fire out to control lines. The firing operations are expected to last 24 to 48 hours, and will allow crews to hold control lines on the west side of Slate Mountain and then shift remaining resources to the east side of the fire. Crews also plan to utilize natural fuel breaks and allow the fire to burn thicker fuels.
Highway 180 remains closed between mileposts 235 and 248 due to smoke impact and crew work in the area. The Arizona Department of Transportation will install a new guardrail, and crews will need to remove potentially hazardous dead trees alongside the road before the stretch of 180 can be reopened. ADOT estimates the earliest the highway could open is Sunday, but that is still to be determined.
Crews continue to secure Cedar Ranch and several archaeological sites in the area. Recreation sites in the area remain closed, including the Red Mountain and Slate Mountain trailheads, Kendrick Cabin and a portion of the Arizona Trail from Kelly Tank (mile 603.3) to Cedar Ranch (mile 616.2).
About 140 personnel are currently assigned to the fire, including three Hotshot crews, two hand crews, seven engines, two water tenders, two dozers, one helicopter and miscellaneous overhead.
The fire was called in by a Coconino County Sheriff’s Officer at 3 a.m., and the cause is still under investigation. Motorists should avoid Highway 180 north of Kendrick Park, and visitors to the Grand Canyon National Park should use Highway 64 from Williams to access the entrance to the Park.
- Current size: 6,248 acres
- Containment: 17 percent
- Reported: June 7, 2021 at 3 a.m.
- Cause: Under investigation.
- Origin location: Roughly 23 miles northwest of Flagstaff. (35.492, -111.847)
- Fuel types: Pine, pinyon, juniper, brush.
- Current resources: Three Hotshot crews, two hand crews, seven engines, two water tenders, two dozers, one helicopter, miscellaneous overhead personnel. Total personnel: Approximately 140.
- Predicted smoke impacts: Southwest winds will push smoke across Highway 180 in the area, as well as impact Cedar Ranch and possibly areas of Kendrick Park and Wupatki National Monument.
- Current closures: Highway 180 from MP 235-248. Portion of the Arizona Trail from mile 603.3 to 616.2.
- Recent and current operations: Burnout operations west of Highway 180 and indirect tactics east of Highway 180, along with structure protection around Cedar Ranch.
