UPDATE from Coconino County Website:
On May 20, 2014, the Slide Fire began in Oak Creek Canyon north of Slide Rock State Park along State Route 89A north of Sedona. The fire charred about 22,000 acres and displaced many residents and business owners within the Canyon.Coconino County, in collaboration with Yavaipai County, the City of Sedona, the US Forest Service and other partners are working to assess the damage from the fire and any potential for flooding within the Canyon.
This page will provide residents information on returning to their homes and how to prepare themselves for the potential for post-fire flooding.
For additional information call 928-679-7144.
Resources for Oak Creek and Sedona Residents and Businesses
Slide Fire FAQ - Information to general questions on returning after the Slide Fire.
What to do after a fire?
Pets and animals after the fire
Health Effects of Smoke from Wildfire
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality - Cleaning up after a wildfire
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality - Wildfires Fact SheetPost-Fire Flood Information
Flood Risk After Fire
Wildfire and Flood Risks
UPDATE 5/30 8:45 A.M.
The Slide Fire is located in Oak Creek Canyon just north of Slide Rock State Park and burned northward, predominantly on the west side of the canyon.
Size: 21,217 acres
Containment: 75 percent
Date Reported: Tuesday, May 20 at approximately 4 p.m.
Cause: Human caused, under investigation.
Current Resources: Approximately 511 personnel.
Cost: 8.6 million dollars.
Yesterday: Crews worked along Highway 89A to chip woody material for removal and patrolled containment lines.
Today: Crews on all areas of the fire perimeter will continue chipping, patrol, and rehabilitation efforts. Internal areas of yet unburned fuel may continue to smolder, producing light to moderate smoke.
Restrictions & Closures: The Coconino and Kaibab National Forests have implemented Stage II fire restrictions effective Friday (5/30) at 8 a.m., for additional information please visit Arizona Fire Restrictions http://firerestrictions.us/az/
The Coconino National Forest has issued an emergency closure on all National Forest System lands within the area of the Slide Fire on the Coconino National Forest, in Coconino and Yavapai Counties. To view the Order and map of the fire closure area, visit: http://tinyurl.com/mzja5rd
Evacuations UPDATE: The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office has opened US 89A at Slide Rock State Park to residents only. Only verified residents will be allowed past the roadblock. For information regarding re-entry of residents to the Oak Creek Canyon area please see www.coconino.az.gov
Closed Roads: Highway 89A from Sedona to Vista Overlook, Forest Road (FR) 535 at Highway 89A, FR 533 at Highway 89A, FR 231 at Rogers Lake, FR 527 and 530 (west side; Volunteer Canyon area) and Casner Mountain is closed to all vehicles. The roadway will remain closed at the Pine Flats campground north to the overlook at the switchbacks for undetermined time.
Air Quality: For information on air quality, please visit the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality website at: http://www.phoenixvis.net/PPMmain.aspx
UPDATE 5/29 8:00 A.M.
Morning update for May 29, 2014
Size: 21,067
Containment: 55%
Today: Crews on all areas of the fire perimeter will continue chipping, patrol, and rehabilitation efforts. Internal areas of yet unburned fuel may continue to smolder, producing light to moderate smoke.
Restrictions & Closures: Due to increasing fire danger, the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests will implement Stage II fire restrictions effective Friday (5/30) at 8 a.m., for additional information please visit Arizona Fire Restrictions http://firerestrictions.us/az/
Click to enlarge. Latest progression map provided by the USFS.
The Coconino National Forest has issued an emergency closure on all National Forest System lands within the area of the Slide Fire on the Coconino National Forest, in Coconino and Yavapai Counties. To view the Order and map of the fire closure area, visit: http://tinyurl.com/mzja5rd
Evacuations UPDATE: The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office will reopen US 89A at Slide Rock State Park to residents only at 1 p.m. May 29. Only verified residents will be allowed past the roadblock. For additional information please call the Coconino Information Center (EOC) at (928) 679-4173 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Closed Roads: Highway 89A from Sedona to Vista Overlook, Forest Road (FR) 535 at Highway 89A, FR 533 at Highway 89A, FR 231 at Rogers Lake, FR 527 and 530 (west side; Volunteer Canyon area) and Casner Mountain is closed to all vehicles.
Air Quality: For information on air quality, please visit the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality website at:http://www.phoenixvis.net/PPMmain.aspx
UPDATE 5/28 10:00 P.M.
Evacuation of Oak Creek to be Lifted at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 29
US 89A to be opened at Slide Rock State Park to residents, businesses only
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with area federal and local agencies, will lift the mandatory evacuation order for residents evacuated north of Slide Rock State Park at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 29.
Oak Creek Canyon residents and businesses along US 89A north of Slide Rock State Park were placed under mandatory evacuation after the Slide Fire began May 20. The lifting of the evacuation order was announced during a community meeting Wednesday evening at Red Rocks High School in Sedona.
“This has been a trying time for not only our Northern Arizona residents, but for everyone around the state,” said County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Ryan, whose district includes Oak Creek Canyon and the Slide Fire. “Today our focus is on and supporting those who were evacuated since the onset of this fire.”
Beginning at 1 p.m. Thursday, US 89A will reopen to residents and business owners only to allow them to assess their individual properties. The afternoon opening is being done to ensure maximum public safety as APS is utilizing aircraft to transport materials needed to restore power to the area.
Sheriff’s deputies will continue to man the roadblock at Slide Rock State Park, but residents will be required to present an ID to verify their residency before being allowed to enter.
Access to US 89A north of Slide Rock will be restricted until 6 p.m. Friday to allow residents time to assess their properties and begin cleanup of household debris, including food left sitting in refrigerators without power since last week. The roadway will remain closed at the Pine Flats Campground north to the overlook at the switchbacks for an undetermined time.
While the evacuation order will be lifted tomorrow, many returning residents may not have electricity.
More than 150 APS personnel are working to restore electric service to those impacted by the Slide Fire. Of the 236 Oak Creek Canyon customers impacted by the fire, 90 customers who reside in the Junipine Resort area had their electric services re-activated today.
APS expects to have the remaining 146 customers restored late Friday afternoon. These estimated restoration times assume smoke and wind conditions provide for a safe working environment for poles to be flown into their locations and APS personnel to complete their work.
Because of the remote locations where APS is working, poles and other equipment are being transported via helicopter. In the interest of safety, APS asks residents stay inside as much as possible while equipment is being transported via helicopter over the next few days.
A dedicated call center line for customers impacted by the Slide Fire has been created. Customers can call 602-371-6885 to speak with APS about the status of their power.
Smoke will also continue to be an immediate issue for many Sedona-area residents. The County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) advises the public to curtail outdoor activity and to monitor smoke levels.
Based on recent ADEQ particulate monitor reading, CCPHSD advises residents to open up windows during evening hours and close them in early morning hours to lessen the smoke impact.
County residents are encouraged to register their cellphone and landline phone numbers, and e-mail addresses with the County’s CodeRED emergency alert system at www.coconino.az.gov/emergency. Only those phone numbers that are registered will be called during an emergency situation, such as wildfire, severe weather or flooding.
The Coconino National Forest has also issued an emergency closure on all National Forest System lands within the area of the Slide Fire on the Coconino National Forest, in Coconino and Yavapai Counties. To view the Order and map of the fire closure area, visit:
www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/coconino/landmanagement/?cid=stelprdb5331631&width=full.
For additional information, please visit the Coconino County Slide Fire page at www.coconino.az.gov/SlideFireInformation or www.facebook.com/CoconinoCounty.
UPDATE 5/28 8:50 A.M.
Flagstaff, Ariz. – The Slide Fire is located in Oak Creek Canyon just north of Slide Rock State Park and burning northward, predominantly on the west side of the canyon.
Size: 20,369 acres (based on infrared photography) Containment: 45 percent
Injuries: No injuries reported.
Date Reported: Tuesday, May 20 at approximately 4 p.m.
Cause: Human caused, under investigation.
If you have any information that might assist in the investigation of the Slide fire, please contact officials at 928-527-3511.
Structures Threatened: Approximately 300 structures, private homes, vacation resort cabins, and a Forest Service lookout tower. To date no structures have been lost.
Click to enlarge. Latest fire progression map. Courtesy USFS.
Tuesday crews were able to complete burnout operations for the remaining perimeter. Today crews continue to improve the west and south boundary lines and continue to mop-up and patrol the east and north sides of the fire.
Weather conditions are expected to be hot and dry with increasing winds today.
Coconino County will hold a community meeting at 6 p.m. today at the Red Rock High School in Sedona to discuss procedures for residents and business owners to re-enter their properties in Oak Creek Canyon.
Current Resources: Approximately 884 personnel including 22 crews, 29 engines and 9 helicopters.
Closures: The Coconino National Forest has issued an emergency closure on all National Forest System lands within the area of the Slide Fire on the Coconino National Forest, in Coconino and Yavapai Counties. To view the Order and map of the fire closure area, visit:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/coconino/landmanagement/ cid=stelprdb5331631&width=full
Closed Roads: Highway 89A from Sedona to Fort Tuthill in Flagstaff, Forest Road (FR) 535 at Highway 89A, FR 533 at Highway 89A, FR 231 at Rogers Lake, FR 527 and 530 (west side; Volunteer Canyon area) and Casner Mountain is closed to all vehicles.
Evacuations: Evacuations remain in place in Oak Creek Canyon from Slide Rock State Park to Sterling Springs Hatchery. Campers who left behind camping gear at Pine Flat and Cave Springs Campground can call the Coconino Information Center (EOC) at (928) 679-4173 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to arrange to pick up their property.
For information on air quality, please visit the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality website at: http://www.phoenixvis.net/PPMmain.aspx
UPDATE 5/27 3:45 P.M.
Per the Coconino National Forest, Flagstaff is experiencing smoke from un-burned islands from within the interior of the fire area as expected. Fire line is holding fine.
Oak Creek Canyon Community Meeting 6 p.m., Wednesday, May 28 on#SlideFire update
Fire update and re-entry plans to be shared at Red Rock High School
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Coconino County will hold a community meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 28 at Red Rock High School in Sedona to discuss procedures for residents and business owners to re-enter their properties in Oak Creek Canyon.
Red Rock High School is located at 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Road in Sedona.
Several residents and businesses in the Canyon along US 89A, between mile post 381 north to Forest Highlands subdivision, remain under a mandatory-evacuation order since the Slide Fire broke out about 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 20.
During the meeting, residents, business owners and members of the public will be provided an update on the fire. They will also learn of how the County, Sheriff’s Office, APS and other agencies are preparing for when residents are allowed to re-enter their properties.
There is currently no indication when residents or the public will be allowed to re-enter Oak Creek Canyon. US 89A north of Slide Rock State Park and south of Forest Highlands subdivision remains closed.
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UPDATE 5/27 1:00 P.M.
Flagstaff, Ariz. – The Slide Fire is located in Oak Creek Canyon just north of Slide Rock State Park and burning northward, predominantly on the west side of the canyon.
Size: 20,328 acres (Acres are based on infrared photography 5/26/14) Containment: 35 percent
During Memorial Day crews burned out along the Woody Mountain Road, completing the final perimeter burnout around the fire. Over the course of the fire, fire personnel constructed approximately 40 miles of line to form a containment perimeter around the fire. Work was also completed in the removal of hazard trees along Highway 89A. These trees were damaged by the fire and deemed a safety risk to travelers.
On Tuesday crews will work on holding the containment line along the west edge of the fire and burn out patches of unburned land within the fire line. All firing will be conducted to create low intensity fire on the landscape in a manner where fire managers have more influence on the ultimate outcome. Crews will also be patrolling and mopping up other parts of the fire line to assure the fire stays within containment boundaries. No threats to the fire line are anticipated today.
Click image to enlarge. Courtesy of USFS.
In addition to holding the fire line within containment boundaries, crews will begin implementing fire rehabilitation guidelines provided by the Coconino National Forest. These guidelines provide direction in mitigating the impact of fire line construction across the fire.
Weather conditions will continue to warm and dry out as the high pressure ridge intensifies into Wednesday. Work was completed on the installation of two Remote Automated Weather Stations (RAWS). The placement locations were designed to provide additional weather date for fire managers to help them understand weather conditions across the fire and the impact those weather conditions will have on burning conditions.
Location: Originated just about 4 to 5 miles north of Sedona, just north of Slide Rock State Park.
Date Reported: Tuesday, May 20 at approximately 4 p.m.
Cause: Human caused, under investigation.
Law Enforcement is seeking any information the public may have regarding the start of the Slide Fire and anyone of suspicion in the area on the day the fire started between Slide Rock State Park and Half Way Picnic Area. The public should call Forest Service Law Enforcement at 928-527-3511if they have any information that might assist law enforcement in the investigation.
Structures Threatened: Approximately 300 structures, private homes, vacation resort cabins, and a Forest Service lookout tower. To date no structures have been lost.
Injuries: No injuries reported.
Current Resources: Approximately 1081 personnel including 28 crews, 58 engines, 9 helicopters, 2 air attack planes, and other resources which are not assigned but available to the incident such as heavy air tankers.
Latest boundary of fire. Click to enlarge. Courtesy of USFS.
Closures: The Coconino National Forest has issued an emergency closure on all National Forest System lands within the area of the Slide Fire on the Coconino National Forest, in Coconino and Yavapai Counties. To view the Order and map of the fire closure area, visit:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/coconino/landmanagement/ cid=stelprdb5331631&width=full
Highway 89A from Sedona to Fort Tuthill in Flagstaff
Forest Road (FR) 535 at Highway 89A
FR 533 at Highway 89A
FR 231 at Rogers Lake
FR 527 and 530 (west side; Volunteer Canyon area)
Casner Mountain is closed to all vehiclesEvacuations: Evacuations remain in place in Oak Creek Canyon from Slide Rock State Park to Sterling Springs Hatchery. Campers who left behind camping gear at Pine Flat and Cave Springs Campground can call the Coconino Information Center (EOC) at (928) 679-4173 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to arrange to pick up their property.
Coconino County is reminding people to register their cellphone number with the County’s CodeREDemergency notification system at www.coconino.az.gov/emergency. Only those residents whose numbers are registered will receive a direct phone call about any type of pre- or mandatory evacuation order.
For information on air quality, please visit the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality website at: http://www.phoenixvis.net/PPMmain.aspx
Also from Coconino County…
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Heavy smoke from the Slide Fire is causing air quality issues for residents in the Sedona area, according to Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ).
ADEQ air monitors indicate that air quality in Sedona and immediately surrounding areas has ranged between “unhealthy for selective groups” and “very unhealthy.” Conditions may cause respiratory issues for some area residents.
Anyone who can see, taste or smell smoke should curtail outdoor activity, according to the Coconino County Public Health Services District. Additionally, those with heart disease, lung disease or asthma should avoid the outdoors entirely, as should children and the elderly. People with pre-existing conditions should avoid exposure to the smoke as much as possible, and consult their physician if they have any questions.
Typical symptoms of exposure to smoke include burning eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat, headaches, dizziness and nausea. Residents and businesses are advised to close windows and turn off evaporative coolers when smoke is present to help to reduce exposure to the smoke.
When smoke levels are high, the appropriate protective measures should be followed.
• Stay inside with windows and doors shut.
• Use the recycle or re-circulate mode on the air conditioner in your home or car.
• Avoid cooking and vacuuming, which can increase pollutants indoors.
• Avoid physical exertion.
• Place towels at windows and cracks of doors to prevent smoke from entering indoors.
Visit www.coconino.az.gov/health for more information. To monitor air quality reports from ADEQ, visit www.phoenixvis.net/PPMmain.aspx.
For additional information, contact the Coconino County Call Center at 928-679-4173. For questions about the fire, call 928-774-1947.
UPDATE 5/26 11:20 A.M.
Flagstaff, Ariz. – The Slide Fire is located in Oak Creek Canyon just north of Slide Rock State Park and burning northward, predominantly on the west side of the canyon.
Size: 16,365 acres (Acres are based on infrared photography 5/25/14) Containment: 25 percent
On Sunday, significant progress was made in completing the burnout operation between the West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon and the northern boundary of the fire along Forest Road 535. Crews assisted by helicopters dropping ignition devices (PSD) burned out the remaining parts of this area which will help prevent the further movement of the fire to the north. During the evening crews continued to burn out lines along the Woody Mountain Road (FR231) on the southwest side of the fire.
On Memorial Day crews will continue burnout operations between FR 231 and the south side of the West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon. Crews will begin rehabilitation work along Highway 89 and the developed areas on the southeast corner of the fire in Oak Creek Canyon. Vegetative debris created earlier during firefighting efforts will be chipped and hauled from the area.
The weather over the next three days will change significantly as the low pressure over the fire during the weekend moves east and is replaced by high pressure bringing warmer and dryer air. Temperatures are anticipated to rise 5 to 8 degrees a day to mid-week with an accompanying drop in humidity. To allow fire managers to better assess weather conditions over the fire, two Remote Automated Weather Stations (RAWS) will be installed within and near the fire area to measure local weather conditions.
Considering the steep rugged terrain associated with this fire, the incident has had an excellent safety record. Although there have been some minor injuries, all firefighters returned to work. Medical issues have included treatment for poison oak and ivy exposure.
Location: Originated just about 4 to 5 miles north of Sedona, just north of Slide Rock State Park.
Date Reported: Tuesday, May 20 at approximately 4 p.m.
Cause: Human caused, under investigation.
Law Enforcement is seeking any information the public may have regarding the start of the Slide Fire and anyone of suspicion in the area on the day the fire started between Slide Rock State Park and Half Way Picnic Area. The public should call Forest Service Law Enforcement at 928-527-3511 if they have any information that might assist law enforcement in the investigation.
Structures Threatened: Approximately 300 structures, private homes, vacation resort cabins, and a Forest Service lookout tower. To date no structures have been lost.
Injuries: No injuries reported.
Current Resources: Approximately 1,236 personnel including 35 crews, 61 engines, 9 helicopters, 2 air attack planes, and other resources which are not assigned but available to the incident such as heavy air tankers.
Closures:
NEW: The Coconino National Forest has issued an emergency closure on all National Forest System lands within the area of the Slide Fire on the Coconino National Forest, in Coconino and Yavapai Counties. To view the Order and map of the fire closure area, visit:
Slide Fire Emergency Coconino NF Closure Area
· Highway 89A from Sedona to Fort Tuthill in Flagstaff
· Forest Road (FR) 535 at Highway 89A
· FR 533 at Highway 89A
· FR 231 at Rogers Lake
· FR 527 and 530 (west side; Volunteer Canyon area)
· Casner Mountain is closed to all vehicles
Evacuations: The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office has announced the lifting of the pre-evacuation warning, effective at noon on Monday, May 26 for residents impacted by the Slide Fire in the Kachina Village and Forest Highlands sub-divisions. This action is dependent on fire activity. Evacuations remain in place in Oak Creek Canyon from Slide Rock State Park to Sterling Springs Hatchery. No new evacuations are in place at this time.
Coconino County is reminding people to register their cellphone number with the County’s CodeREDemergency notification system at www.coconino.az.gov/emergency. Only those residents whose numbers are registered will receive a direct phone call about any type of pre- or mandatory evacuation order.
For information on air quality, please visit the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality website at: http://phoenixvis.net/ppmmain.aspx
UPDATE 5/25 9:00 A.M.
Flagstaff, Ariz. – The Slide Fire is located in Oak Creek Canyon just north of Slide Rock State Park and burning northward, predominantly on the west side of the canyon.
Size: 13,423 acres (Acres are based on infrared photography 5/24/14)
On Saturday, efforts to suppress the fire were hindered by smoke which prohibited the use of aerial observation aircraft. Helicopter activity supporting firefighters on the line was also significantly reduced. Late in the day a helicopter was able to complete a mission dropping ignition devices (PSD) to burnout fuels between the West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon and the fire line along Forest Road 535. High moisture levels over the fire during the night time hours prohibited further burnout operations. Yesterday a 230KW power transmission line was re-energized northwest of the fire. Another APS line was also energized heading east from the Arizona Department of Transportation maintenance facility near the Overlook on Highway 89.
Latest fire boundary map. Click to enlarge. Courtesy USFS.
On Friday Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick and Arizona Representative Bob Thorpe visited the Incident Command Post. They were briefed by members of the Incident Command Team on fire strategy, potential fire impacts, and evacuations in the fire area.
Burnout operations will continue today along Woody Mountain Road FR231 depending on weather conditions and the outcome of nightshift operations. Crews will continue to mop up and reinforce completed containment lines on the perimeter of the fire. Fire personnel will also be working with APS in Oak Creek Canyon to repair power lines damaged in the area. Although burning conditions today will be tempered by weather conditions, a warmer and dryer period is expected for early this week.
Although numerous burnout operations have occurred over the fire, the overall impact is very similar to those of a controlled burn. Sensitive application of fire is utilized to minimize impact on the forest.
The Incident Management Team expresses their sincere thanks for donations which were received in support of our firefighters. However they request that future donations be made to charities like the Salvation Army, United Way, the American Red Cross, Coconino and Yavapai Search and Rescue, or other local charitable organizations. Firefighters working the Slide Fire are well supplied and need no further clothing and food items. Individuals wanting to donate their time should contact the Northern Arizona United Way at (928) 773-9813 or nazunitedway.org.
Location: Originated just about 4 to 5 miles north of Sedona, just north of Slide Rock State Park.
Date Reported: Tuesday, May 20 at approximately 4 p.m.
Cause: Human caused, under investigation.
Law Enforcement is seeking any information the public may have regarding the start of the Slide Fire and anyone of suspicion in the area on the day the fire started between Slide Rock State Park and Half Way Picnic Area. The public should call Forest Service Law Enforcement at 928-527-3511 if they have any information that might assist law enforcement in the investigation.
Structures Threatened: Approximately 300 structures, private homes, vacation resort cabins, and a Forest Service lookout tower. To date no structures have been lost.
Injuries: No injuries reported.
Current Resources: Approximately 1,219 personnel including 38 crews, 62 engines, nine helicopters, two air attack planes, and other resources which are not assigned but available to the incident such as heavy air tankers.
Closures:
· Highway 89A from Sedona to Fort Tuthill in Flagstaff
· Forest Road (FR) 535 at Highway 89A
· FR 533 at Highway 89A
· FR 231 at Rogers Lake
· FR 527 and 530 (west side; Volunteer Canyon area)
· Casner Mountain is closed to all vehicles
Evacuations: The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office has announced the lifting of the pre-evacuation warning, effective at noon on Monday, May 26 for residents impacted by the Slide Fire in the Kachina Village and Forest Highlands sub-divisions. This action is dependent on fire activity. Evacuations remain in place in Oak Creek Canyon from Slide Rock State Park to Sterling Springs Hatchery. No new evacuations are in place at this time.
Coconino County is reminding people to register their cellphone number with the County’s CodeRED emergency notification system at www.coconino.az.gov/emergency. Only those residents whose numbers are registered will receive a direct phone call about any type of pre- or mandatory evacuation order.
For information on air quality, please visit the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality website at: http://wildlandfire.az.gov
UPDATE 1:31 P.M. Midday update:
Slide Fire Midday Update
Incident: Slide Fire Wildfire
Released: 57 min. ago
Slide Fire Midday Update
May 24, 2014
Media Information: 623-252-1782
Public Information:
Information Center: 928-679-4173, 928 774 1947, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
Website: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov
Facebook www.facebook.com/slidefireinfo
Twitter: @CoconinoNF
Flickr (photos and maps): www.flickr.com/coconinonationalforest
Flagstaff, Ariz. – The Slide Fire is located in Oak Creek Canyon just north of Slide Rock State Park and burning northward, predominantly on the west side of the canyon.
Size: Approximately 10,609 acres.
The weather conditions in the area of the Slide Fire remained fairly stagnant this morning. The failure of the air inversion to lift has grounded observation aircraft and prohibited the use of helicopters for aerial ignition. Line crews will continue to burnout by hand the area between the West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon and Forest Road 535. Mop up is continuing around structures in Oak Creek Canyon.
Because of fire conditions Coconino County has instituted a ban on open burning on County public lands and private lands in the unincorporated areas of the County. The ban went into effect at 10:30 a.m. Friday May 23 and will remain in effect until fire danger conditions subside. Further information on this ban may be found at www.coconino.az.gov.
The Incident Management Team expresses their sincere thanks for donations which were received in support of our firefighters. However they request that future donations be made to charities like United Way, the American Red Cross, Coconino and Yavapai Search and Rescue, or other local charitable organizations. Firefighters working the Slide Fire are well supplied and need no further clothing and food items. Individuals wanting to donate their time should contact the Northern Airzona United Way at (928) 773-9813 or nazunitedway.org.
Coconino County is reminding people to register their cellphone number with the County’s CodeREDemergency notification system at www.coconino.az.gov/emergency. Only those residents whose numbers are registered will receive a direct phone call about any type of pre- or mandatory evacuation order.
For information on air quality, please visit the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality website at http://wildlandfire.az.gov
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UPDATE 10:00 A.M. OFFICIAL USFS UPDATE:
The Slide Fire is located in Oak Creek Canyon just north of Slide Rock State Park and burning northward, predominantly on the west side of the canyon.
Size: Approximately 10,609 acres.
Last night crews performed firing operations along the north side of the fire to remove fuel along a power line which supplies electricity to Flagstaff. Night time firing operations were especially effective because lower temperatures, higher humidity, and calmer wind moderated fire behavior.
Much of the terrain in the canyon is steep and rugged, making conditions unsafe for firefighters. An outstanding example of the good work being done by firefighters was the treatment applied to the switchbacks on Highway 89A Thursday night and Friday. Hotshot crews built a containment line across the switchbacks, and brought fire downhill, burning out the west side of Oak Creek Canyon to the bottom. This low intensity backing fire removed fine fuels and ladder fuels, preventing fire from running upslope, and consuming forest vegetation in its path.
Today, firefighters are preparing line on the southwest side in anticipation of additional burnout operations. Along the northern perimeter crews will patrol and continue mop up of last night’s firing operations, while preparing for more burn out operations tonight. Chipping crews will chip brush and slash along the east side of the fire. Along the eastern flank, mop up of last night’s firing operations, monitoring, and structure protection will be the priorities for the day. Aircraft will support ground forces with water drops, and with PSD (perforated spherical device) firing operations.
Structure protection will continue in the Kachina Village and Forest Highlands areas.
Containment: 5%
Location: Originated just about 4 to 5 miles north of Sedona, just north of Slide Rock State Park.
Date Reported: Tuesday, May 20 at approximately 4 p.m.
Cause: Human caused, under investigation
Structures Threatened: Approximately 300 structures, private homes, vacation resort cabins, and a Forest Service lookout tower. To date no structures have been lost.
Injuries: No injuries reported.
Current Resources: Approximately 975 personnel including 36 crews, 46 engines, three air tankers, nine helicopters, two air attack planes, and other resources.
Closures:
• Highway 89A from Sedona to Fort Tuthill in Flagstaff
• Forest Road (FR) 535 at Highway 89A
• FR 533 at Highway 89A
• FR 231 at Rogers Lake
• FR 527 and 530 (west side; Volunteer Canyon area)
• Casner Mountain is closed to all vehicles
Evacuations: Evacuations remain in place in Oak Creek Canyon from Slide Rock State Park to Sterling Springs Hatchery. Coconino County issued a pre-evacuation notice to residents of Kachina Village and Forest Highlands subdivisions. Residents are advised to be prepared to evacuate. County Emergency Management encourages those in the affected neighborhoods to begin packing important items they may need for several days. These items include prescriptions, important papers, any special dietary needs and pets. No new evacuations are in place at this time.
Coconino County is reminding people to register their cellphone number with the County’s CodeRED emergency notification system atwww.coconino.az.gov/emergency. Only those residents whose numbers are registered will receive a direct phone call about any type of pre- or mandatory evacuation order.
For information on air quality, please visit the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality website at: http://wildlandfire.az.gov
UPDATE 10:00 P.M. OFFICIAL UPDATE FROM USFS:
Public Information:
Information Center: 928-679-4173, 928 774 1947, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
Website: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov
Facebook www.facebook.com/slidefireinfo
Twitter: @CoconinoNF
Flickr (photos and maps): www.flickr.com/coconinonationalforest
Flagstaff, Ariz. – The Slide Fire is located in Oak Creek Canyon just north of Slide Rock State Park and burning northward, up the canyon into places such as West Fork and Harding Point.
The fire burned with lower intensity today across most of the fire, allowing firefighters to make progress. However the fire was very active in the area of Howard Pocket NW of Oak Creek Canyon. Crews conducted successful burnout operations along the “switchbacks” down Highway 89A to the fish hatchery which, will continue tonight. Firefighters, protecting structures in evacuated areas, were able to allow the fire to slowly back downhill to the containment lines behind the structures. This action will provide more security for evacuated homes. Firefighters held fire lines on the SW flank of the fire adjacent to the Secret Mountain Wilderness. On the north and west side of the fire, crews were able to improve lines along FR 535 to the power line and southeast along FR 231, facilitating burnout operations when weather conditions permit.
A burn out operation will be initiated tonight and is part of the overall containment strategy on the NW section of the fire. The idea is to create an area northwest of the main fire that circles the deep canyons, including West Fork of Oak Creek, keeping firefighters out of very hazardous terrain. When burnout operations are completed, it will halt the main fire as it approaches, because of the lack of fuel. Although this strategy will increase the total fire acreage it also lessens impacts to natural resources and provides for the safety of firefighters. These actions are taking place because firefighter and public safety are our number one priority.
Firefighters plan to conduct burnout operations overnight while atmospheric conditions dampen
fire intensity.
Size: Approximately 8,500 acres.
Containment: 5%
Location: Originated just about 4 to 5 miles north of Sedona, just north of Slide Rock State Park.
Date Reported: Tuesday, May 20 at approximately 4 p.m.
Cause: Human caused, under investigation
Structures Threatened: Approximately 300 structures, private homes, vacation resort cabins, and a Forest Service lookout tower. To date no structures have been lost.
Injuries: No injuries reported.
Current Resources: Approximately 960 personnel including 15 hotshot crews, 51 engines, three air tankers, nine helicopters, two air attack, and other resources.
Closures:
· Highway 89A from Sedona to Fort Tuthill in Flagstaff · Forest Road (FR) 535 at Highway 89A · FR 533 at Highway 89A · FR 231 at Rogers Lake · FR 527 and 530 (west side; Volunteer Canyon area) · Casner Mountain is closed to all vehicles
Evacuations: Evacuations remain in place in Oak Creek Canyon from Slide Rock State Park to Sterling Springs Hatchery. Coconino County issued a pre-evacuation notice to residents of Kachina Village and Forest Highlands subdivisions. Residents are advised to be prepared to evacuate. County Emergency Management encourages those in the affected neighborhoods to begin packing important items they may need for several days. These items include prescriptions, important papers, any special dietary needs and pets. No new evacuations are in place at this time.
Coconino County is reminding people to register their cellphone number with the County’s CodeREDemergency notification system at www.coconino.az.gov/emergency. Only those residents whose numbers are registered will receive a direct phone call about any type of pre- or mandatory evacuation order.
For information on air quality, please visit the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality website at: http://wildlandfire.az.gov
Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Unknown
Date of Origin Tuesday May 20th, 2014 approx. 04:00 PM
Location Oak Creek Canyon, south of Flagstaff
Current Situation
Total Personnel 840
Size 8,500 acres
Percent Contained 5%
Fuels Involved
Timber, past fuel treatments in area
Fire Behavior
Extreme fire behavior has been observed.
Significant Events
Fire retardant was used heavily in steep terrain yesterday along the west flank with good results.
Outlook
Planned Actions
Potential burnout operations along upper 89A ‘switchbacks’ to hold the northeast fire flank. SE winds may increase fire behavior to the NW to Harding Point.
Growth Potential
Potentially active today to the NW near Harding Point.
Terrain Difficulty
Steep slopes, canyon, very difficult terrain
Remarks
Efforts continue today on holding fire west of HWY 89A. Firing operations expected to continue.
Current Weather
Wind Conditions 21 mph SE
Temperature 59 degrees
Humidity 13%
UPDATE 6:45 P.M.: OFFICIAL COMMAND UPDATE:
New size is 8,500 acres burned.
No homes lost
2.2 Million cost estimate to fight the fire so far.
More to follow…
UPDATE 6:00 P.M.
Still no official update from Fire Managers. We’re expecting one very soon. The Associated Press reported a few minutes ago, that Commanders said the fire is expected to TRIPLE in size over the next few days- as crews work to get the upper hand while the fire is in more flat terrain. Commanders say they plan to let the fire burn across the more level lands to the north and west into what they are calling a “catchers mit” defensive tactic. The commander went on to say the number one priority is protecting lives and property right now. Other goals are to keep the fire from pushing into the communities to the east. Instead of placing crews in the steeper canyons that were prone to extreme danger, helicopters dropped explosive chemicals to combat the fire. Fire managers said that despite the planned spike in growth over the next couple days, they are controlling this fire.
The National Weather Service in Bellemont posted the following regarding smoke settling in areas around the fire.
Click to enlarge. Courtesy of the National Weather Service.
UPDATE 1:45 P.M. OFFICIAL USFS MIDDAY UPDATE:
Public Information:
928-679-4173, New 928-774-1947, Hours of operation 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
Website: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov
A community meeting on the Slide Fire will be held this afternoon at 4p.m. in Sedona at the Red Rock High School Performing Arts Center, 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Road.
Work continues along FSR 231 and FSR 535 to prepare for burnout operations. Firefighters are utilizing aerial ignitions by helicopter and continuing ground burnout operations on the north and west flanks. Aerial ignitions are applied to the top of slopes; it creates a low intensity fire that backs slowly down the canyon to prevent fire from gaining momentum upslope. Crews continue to protect structures in Oak Creek Canyon.
Over a hundred spot fires were found last night with an infrared flight north of the fire. Crews were able to line and mop-up the spots easily due to past fuel treatments in the area.
Firefighter safety is our number one priority. Due to the extreme terrain, our suppression strategy is to create containment lines in safer areas far ahead of the fire, reinforcing these lines with low-intensity burnout operations. This means fire managers are expecting the size of the fire’s footprint to greatly increase, but many areas will receive much lighter fire behavior.
For information on air quality, please visit Arizona Department of Environmental Quality at: http://phoenixvis.net/ppmmain.aspx
No new information regarding size and containment at this time.
All closures and evacuations remain the same.
Most recent MODIS MAP
Most recent boundary map:
Click to enlarge.
and
Click to enlarge. Courtesy USFS.
UPDATE 9:00 A.M. Public Meeting this afternoon, Video from this mornings conference
Video from this mornings media briefing with fire managers can be found by clicking here. (Courtesy of our friends at KNXV ABC 15)
Also, a message from command staff, “The Incident Management Team expresses our sincere thank you for donations we have received but asks that future donations be made to charities like United Way, the American Red Cross, Coconino and Yavapai Search and Rescue, or other local charitable organizations. Firefighters working the Slide Fire are well supplied.”
The Incident Management Team for the #slidefire will hold a public meeting this afternoon:
4pm, Friday May 23rd.
Sedona Performing Arts Center located at 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Road in Sedona.
This meeting will be an informational meeting on the firefighting operations currently going on.
UPDATE 8:00 A.M from Incident Command:
Flagstaff, Ariz. – The Slide Fire is located in Oak Creek Canyon just north of Slide Rock State Park and burning northward, up the canyon into places such as West Fork and Harding Point.
Overnight: Crews made good progress overnight conducting burnout operations along the north and east flanks of the fire. Several small spot fires were contained south of FSR 535 through the evening hours. Additional burnout operations were conducted starting near the upper canyon ‘switchbacks’ on Highway 89A southward to the Fish Hatchery.
Today:
Firefighters will continue working in the East Pocket area to the southwest using possible retardant and water drops in the rugged terrain. Prep work will also continue along FSR 231 and FSR 535 in preparation for aerial ignitions and ground burnout operations to the north and west flanks. Forming a ‘catcher’s mitt’ to the northwest, this suppression strategy will significantly increase acreage, but is essential to firefighter safety in extreme canyon terrain. Safety remains the number one priority in all wildfire operations. Fire managers anticipate lower intensity fire behavior within the ‘catcher’s mit’ containment lines. Crews will also work to hold hand and dozer line completed overnight near the Fish Hatchery. If conditions permit, crews may conduct burnouts near Slide Rock State Park to secure the southernmost containment lines.
Size: Approximately 7,500 acres.
Containment: 5%
Location: Originated just about 4 to 5 miles north of Sedona, just north of Slide Rock State Park.
Date Reported: Tuesday, May 20 at approximately 4 p.m.
Cause: Human caused, under investigation
Law Enforcement is seeking any information the public may have regarding the start of the Slide Fire and anyone of suspicion in the area on the day the fire started between Slide Rock State Park and Half Way Picnic Area. The public should call Forest Service Law Enforcement at 928-527-3511 if they have any information that might assist law enforcement in the investigation.
Structures Threatened: Approximately 300 structures, private homes as well vacation resort cabins and a Forest Service lookout tower.
Injuries: No injuries reported.
Current Resources: Approximately 840 personnel including 15 hotshot crews, 33 engines, three air tankers, five helicopters, two air attack, and other resources.
Evacuations: Evacuations remain in place in Oak Creek Canyon from Slide Rock State Park to Sterling Springs Hatchery. Coconino County issued a pre-evacuation notice to residents of Kachina Village and Forest Highlands subdivisions. No new evacuations are in place at this time.
UPDATE 7:30 A.M. : No official updates yet from fire managers on overnight fire behavior and progress. Expecting one any moment. Heavy air tankers expected to resume drops around 9 a.m. this morning. 900 firefighters, 35 crews, 33 engines, 9 helicopters are now assigned to this fire, making it the number one priority fire in the nation. Erratic winds last night were reported in Oak Creek Canyon but no buildings were lost. Type 1 Team Commander Tony Sciacca says crews are still on edge with winds expected today. Good news? RAIN! Thunderstorms are also expected later in the afternoon. Here’s the latest MODIS map (Fig A.) and Perimeter map (Fig B)
Fig A. Click to enlarge.
fig B. Click to enlarge.
Morning fire weather forecast:
.DISCUSSION...
FOR TODAY...A BROAD AREA OF LOW PRESSURE ALOFT WILL SETTLE OVER
SOUTHWEST ARIZONA. MOISTURE AND MID LEVEL INSTABILITY ARE INCREASING
FROM EAST TO WEST ACROSS NORTHERN ARIZONA THIS MORNING. THUS LOOK
FOR SCATTERED MAINLY HIGH BASED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS TODAY
ACROSS AREAS EAST OF A LINE FROM FREDONIA TO WILLIAMS THROUGH PAYSON
AND ISOLATED COVERAGE ELSEWHERE. ERRATIC WIND ARE PROBABLE NEAR ANY
SHOWERS OR THUNDERSTORMS TODAY AND SATURDAY. MAX TEMPS TO BE AROUND
10 DEGREES BELOW NORMAL. CONVECTIVE ACTIVITY TO DECREASE
TONIGHT...AND REDEVELOP SATURDAY AS THE THE LOW CENTER MOVES THROUGH
CENTRAL ARIZONA. WETTING PRECIP AMOUNTS ARE NOT EXPECTED THROUGH
SUNRISE SATURDAY...WITH A BETTER CHANCE FOR THIS SATURDAY AFTERNOON.
SUNDAY THROUGH TUESDAY...ON SUNDAY CHANCES FOR SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS CONTINUE AS THE UPPER LOW TRACKS SLOWLY INTO NEW
MEXICO. FOR MONDAY AND TUESDAY...WARM AND DRY HIGH PRESSURE TO MOVE
THROUGH THE DESERT SOUTHWEST. MAX TEMPS ARE FORECAST TO BE AROUND 10
DEGREES ABOVE NORMAL.
AZZ115-232345-
WESTERN MOGOLLON RIM (FIRE WEATHER ZONE 115)-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...FLAGSTAFF...WILLIAMS...MUNDS PARK
433 AM MST FRI MAY 23 2014
.TODAY...
SKY/WEATHER.........MOSTLY CLOUDY. AREAS OF SMOKE. ISOLATED RAIN
SHOWERS IN THE MORNING. SCATTERED RAIN SHOWERS
AND THUNDERSTORMS IN THE AFTERNOON.
MAX TEMPERATURE.....59-69.
24 HR TREND......LITTLE CHANGE.
MIN HUMIDITY........11-16 PERCENT.
24 HR TREND......LITTLE CHANGE.
WINDS (20 FT).......LIGHT WINDS...BECOMING SOUTH 10 TO 15 MPH IN
THE AFTERNOON.
10000 FT MSL WIND...SOUTHEAST 15 TO 25 MPH...BECOMING SOUTH 5 TO 15
MPH IN THE AFTERNOON.
HAINES INDEX........4 LOW.
CHANCE OF PRECIP....30 PERCENT.
LAL.................4.
MIXING HEIGHT.......5337 FT AGL...INCREASING TO 11849 FT AGL IN THE
AFTERNOON.
TRANSPORT WINDS.....SOUTHEAST 8 TO 13 KNOTS.
VENTILATION.........EXCELLENT (112906 KNOT-FT).
.TONIGHT...
SKY/WEATHER.........MOSTLY CLOUDY. ISOLATED RAIN SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS.
MIN TEMPERATURE.....35-45.
24 HR TREND......LITTLE CHANGE.
MAX HUMIDITY........39-59 PERCENT.
24 HR TREND......LITTLE CHANGE.
WINDS (20 FT).......LIGHT WINDS.
10000 FT MSL WIND...WEST 5 TO 10 MPH...BECOMING NORTHWEST 5 TO 15
MPH AFTER MIDNIGHT.
HAINES INDEX........3 VERY LOW.
CHANCE OF PRECIP....20 PERCENT.
LAL.................3.
.SATURDAY...
SKY/WEATHER.........MOSTLY CLOUDY. A CHANCE OF RAIN SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS.
MAX TEMPERATURE....