Update: Leupp Road fire started by Navajo Nation contractor clearing brush Law enforcement officials say that a fire off Leupp Road, which has burned more than 20 acres of light fuels near the border of Coconino County and the Navajo Nation, was started by a private contractor trying to clear tumbleweeds this afternoon. The contractor was hired by the Navajo Nation to build new fencelines along the border, according to the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office. The man admitted to starting the blaze on county lands, which then quickly spread into the Navajo Nation. Sheriff’s Office officials say the man contacted the county and would like to be taken to them to face potential charges for his actions. He reportedly was trying to expedite clearing some brush. No arrest has been made and no citation has been issued at this time. The fire is burning in the San Francisco Wash. No structures are threatened.
Posted on: Thu, 29 May 2014 00:24:52 +0000