Wildfire near Flagstaff, Ariz., reported to be 5 percent contained

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., May 23 (UPI) -- A wildfire that has burned over 7,500 acres in a canyon south of Flagstaff, Ariz., is 5 percent contained, fire officials said Friday.

Firefighters had been able to hold the line overnight in Oak Creek Canyon, keeping the Slide Fire from moving north, Flagstaff Fire Capt. Bill Morse said.

While no buildings had burned by Friday morning, officials said at least 300 were in harm's way. They included houses, rental cabins at resorts and a Forest Service fire tower.

Residents of Kachina Village and other areas north of the fire were notified earlier in the week to be prepared to leave on a moment's notice.

The fire was reported Tuesday afternoon near Slide Rock State Park. The blaze grew to 4,800 acres by Wednesday and 7,500 by early Thursday evening.

Investigators believe the blaze was started by human activity.

While the fire jumped a forest road that had become a containment line, with Hot Shot crews bulldozing strips next to the road, firefighters were able to put out the hot spots on the wrong side Thursday evening.