The Slide Fire in Northern Arizona is continuing to grow.
Fire spokesman Manny Cordova says the blaze has now blackened 16,365 acres. It remains 25 percent contained as of Monday morning.
Cordova says warming weather will be a challenge as firefighters battle the blaze today.
“It’s going to create drier conditions which can aid in higher fire activity,” Cordova said. “So, the weather is going to be a bit more of a factor today. We’re just staying vigilant and addressing any issues that may arise.”
Cordova says the 1,200 firefighters assigned to the blaze will focus on the west side of the perimeter Monday.
Fire spokeswoman Liza Simmons says some prescribed burns done in the area are helping out.
“The fuels treatments north of the fire have really been helping firefighters,” Simmons said. “There has been some previous fuels treatments by the forest, a couple years ago and those have been really beneficial in preventing the fire from spreading north.”
The Slide Fire is burning in Oak Creek Canyon, between Sedona and Flagstaff.