Slide Fire Progression Map, released by the USFS Incident Command.
The fire has burned a reported 4,500 acres on the west side of Oak Creek Canyon from north of Slide Rock State Park to the switchbacks.
Approximately 300 structures are threatened at this time north of Slide Rock State Park. Heavy smoke is present in the greater Flagstaff area.
Crews are currently conducting burn out operations off Forest Road 535 to create defensible space between the fire and State Route 89A and Forest Road 535.
Closures include Highway 89A from Sedona to Fort Tuthill in Flagstaff and Forest Road 535 off Highway 89A. Power has been shut off by APS from Slide Rock, north through the canyon.
Extreme fire behavior has been observed.
Coconino County has issued a pre-evacuation warning for residents in Kachina Village and Forest Highlands subdivisions. There has not been a mandatory evacuation given at the time of this release.
Coconino County has set up a call center for the public to obtain general information about the impacts of the Slide Fire. For additional information, call 928-679-4173.
Officials have set up an evacuation center located at Sinagua Middle School at 3950 E Butler Ave. in Flagstaff.
The County is reminding people to please 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.
Due to smoke in the greater Flagstaff area, the public is asked to limit their exposure outside. The County Public Health Services District advises the public that if they feel ill as a result of wildfire smoke to please take necessary precautions. Some tips for those that feel ill would be to stay indoors, use a HEPA filter and limit your activities and contact your health care provider for additional instructions.
For photos of the fire, including exclusive photos from the Incident Command center at Slide Rock State Park and photos submitted by residents and hikers in the area, see the Friday, May 23, edition of the Sedona Red Rock News.
