The entirety of Coconino National Forest will be closed starting Wednesday June 23, 2021 at 8:00AM due to the fire dangers and wildfire activity because of the dry conditions of the forests.
This is for the safety of the public as well as the safety of the emergency and fire personnel in the area. Violating the Closure Order can result in arrest, fines up to $5,000(for individual), $10,000 (for organization), or up to 6 months in prison. Or both. (National Forest links can be found at the bottom of this page)
“The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety from fire activities in the Restricted Area” – United States Department of Agriculture
Emergency Closure Area due to Backbone Fire
Emergency Area Closure of Forest Lands, Roads, and Trails in and around Coconino, Prescott, and Tonto National Forests. Please click the link below for more details of this particular closure.
Click this link to Read the Order and Restrictions, as well as view a map of the Restricted Area
Coconino National Forest Closure
Critical Stage III Full Forest Closure Date(s): Jun 22, 2021 – Sep 1, 2021
To protect public health and safety due to extreme fire danger, all areas within the Coconino National Forest are closed. This Order will be in effect at 8:00 AM on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, and shall remain
in effect until September 1, 2021, or until rescinded.
Click Here to Read the Order
Click Here to See the Closure Map
Kaibab National Forest Closure
Beginning Wednesday June 23, 2021 at 8:00AM the Kaibab National Forest will be closed due to fire dangers, dry conditions, and for the safety of visitors.
Officials are currently making their way through the forests to alert any campers and anyone else that the forest is closing and it’s currently not safe for them to be there.
You can read the News Release here
Prescott National Forest
As of this posting(6/22/21) there is no solid information about Prescott National Forest closures. It doesn’t look like there are any aside from some trails and forest roads but please still be mindful of the fire dangers and potentials when out enjoying our national forest.
The current fires are lightning caused. Stay up to date by visiting the PNF Facebook page or their website. All links are at the bottom of the page.
As always, be responsible and be safe:
-no fireworks, no campfires, no smoking outside of vehicles or building’s
–make sure tow chains are NOT touching the ground and have plenty of clearance
-if you have to pull off the road for ANY reason i.e. overheating vehicle(usually on I-17), flat tire, someone needs a break, gotta grab a quick snack from the back, etc..) – watch the weeds, grass, and other brush where you pull off. The hot undercarriage, exhaust, brake drum or rotors of a vehicle can ignite them regardless of the height of the weeds.
-DO NOT throw cigarette/cigar butts (anything smokeable) out the window
-OHV’s & Dirt Bikes must be equipped with spark arrestors
-Drone Pilots, Professional or Hobbyist, DO NOT FLY NEAR THE FIRES. TFR’s are in place. That stands for Temporary Flight Restrictions. If ANY drone of ANY sort gets within the Fire Aircraft’s space, they have to land all aircraft. Period. So even a tiny little drone can and will bring all air support efforts to a grinding halt. It doesn’t matter if you “don’t plan on getting near the planes”. If you’re in their airspace, you’re interfering and they get grounded.
The Facebook pages for each National Forest have quick accessible information and can sometimes more up to the minute info than their .gov pages.
Facebook – Kaibab National Forest
Facebook – Coconino National Forest
Facebook – Prescott National Forest
Facebook – Tonto National Forest
National Forest Service Websites
Inciweb is another great website to view information on active/current fires in Arizona and the rest of the U.S. It’s easier to use and navigate than some of the other fire sites.
Clicking the map below will open a new window for the National Fire Situational Awareness website with interactive map.
National Fire Situational Awareness – Interactive map of active fires, hot spots, smoke movement, and more.