Motorists are being asked to slow down on I-17, south of Camp Verde today and be cautious of firefighting crews mopping up the Copper Fire. Prescott National Forest spokesperson Debbie Maneely says they expect to have the fire fully contained by the end of the day today. The blaze shut down I-17 between Highway-260 and Highway-169 Tuesday afternoon. The fire began as 2 to 3 different fires and then combined into one, which was named the Copper Fire. Maneely says the interstate was immediately shut down. The fire charred an estimated 106 acres. I-17 was reopened by about 8:30 Tuesday night. Maneely says the fires were likely caused by a vehicle dragging a chain or having brake trouble.
