It’s Friday, June 11. A warming trend is set to continue this weekend, according to the National Weather Service. Excessive heat warnings will be in effect beginning Saturday and Sunday for communities including Prescott and Grand Canyon Village. Forecasters say temperatures could surpass 110º next week in lower elevation regions of Yavapai County.
‘Progress’ On Slate Fire Near Flagstaff, Forest Officials Say
Crews are still working to contain a fire 23 miles northwest of Flagstaff. The Slate Fire has grown to about 5,000 acres according to the Coconino National Forest. No containment has been reported per the Bureau of Land Management; a stretch of Route 180 remains closed.
A wildfire burning about 20 miles north of Flagstaff has grown to 5,000 acres with no containment. It’s burning in dry pine and juniper as firefighters
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The wildfire was reported Monday near the top of Slate Mountain in steep terrain. The flames eventually crossed the highway and progressed toward private property at Cedar Ranch. About 150 firefighters, including four hot shot crews and a helicopter, are working to keep the fire within a 3,000-acre perimeter.
Forest spokesperson Randi Shaffer says crews have seen mostly low-to-moderate fire behavior but that could pick up as winds and temperatures rise. We’ll be seeing some increased fire activity because we’re moving out of those pine sources like timber and pine sources into the juniper and pinyon which burn a lot faster and hotter, Shaffer says.