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Telegraph And Slate Fire Updates

NPS

Fire officials plan to hold a public update this evening on the Telegraph Fire burning southeast of Superior. As of today, the blaze has charred nearly 87,000 acres and is 40% contained. Inciweb reports an estimated containment date of June 20th.

Evacuation orders remain in place for some communities. The Red Cross continues to operate evacuation centers at High Desert Middle School in Globe and at Skyline High School in Mesa. Large animal sheltering is currently available at the Birch Stockyard in Globe and the Apache Junction Rodeo grounds. Officials say the fire is human-caused and is under investigation.

The Slate Fire burning northwest of Flagstaff is now 17% contained and has burned more than 6,200 acres, according to fire officials. Burnout operations are underway today as crews work in extreme heat and windy conditions. Highway 180 remains closed between mileposts 235 and 248 due to smoke impact and crews working in the area. Smoke is highly visible today. About 140 personnel are now assigned to the fire, including three Hotshot crews, seven engines, two water tenders and a helicopter. The fire was reported early Monday morning before dawn by a Coconino County Sheriff’s Officer. The cause is under investigation. 

National Forests, cities and counties across northern Arizona moved to Stage II fire restrictions today as record drought continues across the Southwest. The Coconino, Prescott, Apache-Sitgreaves and Kaibab National Forests now prohibit all open fires and stoves, and restrict smoking to within vehicles. A temporary closure has been implemented southwest of Williams to protect the Bill Williams Mountain watershed from severe wildfire and potential post-fire flooding. Current fire restrictions can be viewed at www.coconino.az.gov/firerestrictions.