This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Oak Creek Canyon, Ariz. • Hundreds of firefighters are pouring into northern Arizona to battle a wind-whipped wildfire burning in scenic Oak Creek Canyon near Slide Rock State Park.
Coconino National Forest officials say 200 firefighters are already assigned to the fire, including five Hotshot crews.
An additional 15 Hotshot crews are on order, as well as 10 additional firefighting crews plus dozens of fire engines.
The Slide Fire has forced the evacuations of 100 threatened businesses and homes in a 2-mile stretch north of the state park, and 15 people stayed at a shelter in Flagstaff.
There are no reports so far of injuries or structures burned. Slide Rock State Park is a popular recreation area because of its natural rock water slides.