FLAGSTAFF — The Slate Fire which began early this morning is located approximately 23 miles northwest of Flagstaff on the west side of U.S. Highway 180 and has grown to roughly 100 acres throughout the day.

Portions of Highway 180 will be closed throughout the remainder of the day and into the evening as responders work to contain the fire and conduct burnout operations.

About 100 personnel — including three Hotshot crews, six engines, a helicopter, water tender, and dozer — are currently on scene.

Motorists should avoid Highway 180 north of Kendrick Park, and visitors to the Grand Canyon National Park should use Highway 64 from Williams in order to access the entrance to the Park.

Though no structures are threatened at this time, recreation sites in the area, including the Red Mountain and Slate Mountain trailheads and Kendrick Cabin, have been closed.

The fire was called in by a Coconino County Sheriff’s Officer at 3 a.m.