It’s Tuesday, June 15.
Highs are expected to reach or surpass 110° today in Camp Verde, Bagdad and Black Canyon City as an Excessive Heat Warning continues.
To fend off the heat, Kingman officials are installing public cooling stations in three areas throughout the city during daytime hours. Doctors at Phoenix and Las Vegas burn centers say the high temperatures can increase the risk of asphalt burns.
Minimal Movement Monday For Cornville Fire
A wildfire continues to burn east of Cornville. The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office lifted nearby evacuation orders, though the county is advising area residents to remain prepared. The Cornville fire was burning at about 1,240 acres per a Tuesday morning update from the Bureau of Land Management, with no containment. The BLM says fire movement was minimal Monday but that high temperatures and winds could pose further complications.
BLM said this morning the fire’s forward progress has been slowed or stopped.
Slate Fire At 16% Containment, Route 180 Reopens
The Slate Fire 23 miles north of Flagstaff has reached 11,000 acres — more than 17 square miles — with about 16% containment, as of Monday evening. US Route 180 reopened in the area Monday evening with speed limits cut down to 35 mph.
Crews conducted bucket drops via helicopter and contained spot fires Monday, according to the Bureau of Land Management.
Ducey Unveils Funding For Fire Aid
Gov. Doug Ducey says the state will allocate nearly $100 million to wildfire aid; the State Legislature is slated to meet later today for a special session concerning active fires.
Ducey’s office says $24.6 million will be used for a partnership between the Department of Forestry and Fire Management along with the Department of Corrections for vegetation removal. Another $75 million will go toward suppression and recovery efforts.
The Telegraph and Mescal fires continue to burn east of Superior; the BLM says two recent shelters have been established on the San Carlos Reservation.
Vehicle-Cyclist Collision Leads To One Arrest
The Flagstaff Police Department says a collision occurred between a vehicle and cyclist Monday afternoon near Butler Ave. and Milton Rd. FPD Spokesperson Sgt. Odis Brockman says the cyclist sustained abrasions and chose not to receive medical treatment.
Both the cyclist and driver had a green light, and the collision happened as the driver made a turn, Brockman says. The driver was arrested for leaving the scene of an accident.
Sedona Sees Uptick In Heat Danger
The Sedona Fire District is reporting an uptick in rescues conducted along area trails and in remote areas. Citing high temperatures, SFD says there were two fatalities within the past week. An Excessive Heat Warning remains in effect for Sedona until Friday evening, with highs reaching 108 degrees today.
Bike Advisory Committee Meets
Flagstaff’s Bicycle Advisory Committee met last week as community members push for cyclist and pedestrian safety.
Committee members discussed an implementation of a “low-stress bikeways network,” constituting a connected web of biking spaces throughout Flagstaff. There was also discussion of separation for bike lanes in higher-traffic areas. The committee is scheduled to present findings to the Flagstaff City Council on June 22, according to Transportation Commission member Julie Leid.
An investigation also continues after a California driver struck six cyclistslate last month, killing 29-year-old Joanna Wheaton.