UPDATE - Slide Fire
LOCATION: The
Slide Fire is located in Oak Creek Canyon north of Slide Rock State
Park and burning northward, predominantly on the west side of the
canyon.
SIZE: Approximately 13,423 acres; 10% containment
AIR QUALITY: Sedona experienced very high levels of particulates in the morning hours on Sunday. The public is advised that
if they feel ill as a result of wildfire smoke to take necessary
precautions including to stay indoors, use a HEPA filter, limit your
activities and contact your health care provider for additional
information. Residents
and motorists are asked to use caution as visibility may be limited at
times. For information regarding the health impacts of wildfire smoke,
visit the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s (ADEQ) website for Wildfire Support, http://www.azdeq.gov/function/
EVACUATIONS: As of mid-day on Sunday, there are no new evacuations. Evacuations remain in place in Oak Creek Canyon from Slide Rock State Park to Sterling Springs Hatchery. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office has announced the lifting of the pre-evacuation warning, effective at noon on Monday, May 26
for residents impacted by the Slide Fire in the Kachina Village and
Forest Highlands sub-divisions. This action is dependent on fire
activity. An
evacuation center is located at Sinagua Middle School at 3950 E Butler
Ave. in Flagstaff. A shelter for pets has been set up at the Coconino
Humane Association 3501 E. Butler Ave.
Coconino County is reminding people to register their cell phone number with the CodeRed system at www.coconino.az.gov/emergency. Only registered phone numbers will receive notifications about any pre- or mandatory evacuation order.
FIRE ACTIVITIES: On Saturday,
efforts to suppress the fire were hindered by smoke that prohibited the
use of aerial observation aircraft. Helicopter activity supporting
firefighters on the line was also significantly reduced. Late in the day
a helicopter was able to complete a mission dropping ignition devices
(PSD) to burnout fuels between the West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon and the
fire line along Forest Road (FR) 535. High moisture levels over the
fire during the night time hours prohibited further burnout operations. A
230KW power transmission line was re-energized located northwest of the
fire. Another APS line was also energized heading east from the Arizona
Department of Transportation maintenance facility near the overlook on
Hwy 89.
On
Sunday, burnout operations will continue along Woody Mountain Road FR
231 depending on weather conditions and the outcome of nightshift
operations. Crews will continue to mop up and reinforce completed
containment lines on the perimeter of the fire. Fire personnel will also
work with APS in Oak Creek Canyon to repair power lines damaged in the
area. While burning conditions on Sunday will be tempered by weather
conditions, a warmer and dryer period is expected for early this week.
Although
numerous burnout operations have occurred over the fire, the overall
impact is very similar to those of a controlled burn. Sensitive
application of fire is utilized to minimize impact on the forest.
Because
of fire conditions Coconino County has instituted a ban on open burning
on County public lands and private lands in the unincorporated areas of
the County. The ban went into effect at 10:30 a.m. Friday May 23 and
will remain in effect until fire danger conditions subside. Further
information on this ban may be found at www.coconino.az.gov.
CLOSURES:
Hwy 89A from Sedona to Ft. Tuthill, Forest Road (FR) 535 at Hwy 89A, FR
533 at Hwy 89A, FR 231 at Rogers Lake, FR 527 & 530 (west side,
Volunteer Canyon area), and Casner Mountain closed to all vehicles.
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