| The Coconino National Forest is still working to contain the 5,000-acre Slate Fire located 23-miles northwest of Flagstaff along Highway-180. Officials say portions of Highway-180, from mileposts 235 to 248 will remain closed for the foreseeable future while crews work to suppress the fire. Crews are currently working to manage the fire spread both east and west of 180, with containment still at 0-percent. Crews plan to spend today conducting burnout operations west of the highway to secure the northwestern flank of the fire, while using hand crews and dozers east of the highway to direct the fire northeast and away from Cedar Ranch. This will help herd the fire toward fuels and terrain that will be more effective in containing that section of the fire, rather than allowing the fire to move south toward the Kachina Peaks Wilderness. While there have been no structures damaged due to the fire, crews will continue to implement structure protection around Cedar Ranch as well as several archaeological sites in the area. Recreation sites in the area are closed. The cause of the fire is under investigation. |
