Highway 89

Fire managers with the Coconino National Forest are making use of a lightning-caused fire to benefit the landscape and maintain a healthy ecosystem by allowing the fire to fulfill its natural role and consume forest debris.

The Flagstaff Ranger Station, Mountainaire project and the Mormon Lake work center have produced piles of debris from the thinning of trees, which will be burned today and Friday near Flagstaff and will produce smoke visible to surrounding visitors and residents.

Fire managers on the Bradshaw Ranger District are planning to start ignitions beginning Monday September 28 through Sunday October 4 in the Prescott Basin pending favorable weather conditions.  Specific days to burn will be determined by current and expected weather patterns allowing fire managers to make every effort to minimize smoke impacts to nearby communities.

State Route 89A remains closed between Sedona and Flagstaff due to a wildfire that began Tuesday afternoon, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Drivers are urged to avoid the area.

The 24-mile-long closure (mileposts 375-397) affects most of the highway between Sedona and Flagstaff as crews battle the Slide Fire in Oak Creek Canyon. ADOT is working with fire officials to ensure the safety of drivers and is assisting with traffic control.

The Slide Fire, reported just before 4 p.m. today, is located in Oak Creek Canyon just north of Slide Rock State Park and burning north up the canyon.

An approximate 2-mile stretch of area from Slide Rock State Park north toward Junipine has been evacuated, as well as the East Pocket Forest Service Lookout Tower. Evacuees are being relocated to Sinagua Middle School in Flagstaff.

Approximately 100 structures are currently threatened north of Slide Rock State Park, which include private homes as well vacation resort cabins and a Forest Service Lookout tower.

The Slide Fire, reported just before 4 p.m. today, is currently estimated to be 20 acres, burning on the north side of Highway 89 in Oak Creek Canyon near Slide Rock State Park.

Multiple firefighting units are responding, including two Hotshot crews, four engines, two helicopters, an air attack unit and Sedona Fire.

Highway 89 may close to traffic near the Slide Rock area, and evacuations are being ordered for areas just north of Slide Rock State Park. It is unknown whether there are any structures threatened at this time.