- Current size: 11,012 acres
- Containment: 16 percent
- Reported: 3 a.m. June 7, 2021.
- 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, nine engines, three water tenders, two dozers, two helicopters and misc. overhead. Total personnel: Approximately 190.
- Predicted smoke impacts: Winds will continue to move in a northeast direction Monday and into Tuesday.
- Current closures: A portion of the Arizona Trail from mile 603.3 to 616.2, Slate Mountain and Red Mountain trailheads and Kendrick Cabin. A Forest Order was issued Saturday closing parts of the forest located near the fire for safety reasons.
- Recent and current operations: Crews are tending to spot fires, conducting bucket work with helicopters and securing lines. A line of retardant was dropped and crews continue to secure Cedar Ranch.
Tag Archives: Slate Fire
Slate Fire at 6,248 acres, 17 percent containment
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.
Slate Fire grows to 100 acres, leads to closures along Hwy 180
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.
Coconino NF responding to 20-plus-acre Slate Fire
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest is responding to the 20-plus-acre Slate Fire located in the northern part of the Flagstaff Ranger District near Highway 180 and the border of the Kaibab National Forest.
Roughly 50 personnel — including four engines, two crews, a water tender and a dozer — have been dispatched to the fire.
Traffic along Highway 180 may be affected.
The fire was called in at about 4 a.m. and the cause is still under investigation.