Wildfire smoke could delay I-17 over Memorial Day weekend
May 24, 2016, 4:24 PM
(Twitter Photo/@CoconinoNF)
(Twitter Photo/@CoconinoNF)
PHOENIX — Motorists driving on Interstate 17 in northern Arizona are being urged to use caution over the holiday weekend as wildfire smoke could reduce visibility.
The Cowboy, Mormon and Pivot Rock fires are burning along I-17 and State Route 87 in the Coconino National Forest.
The U.S. Forest Service is allowing them to burn out naturally. The Arizona Department of Transportation warned that smoke could drift over the highways.
The Cowboy Fire is burning just east of I-17 and north of Munds Park. Flames will be visible from the road until Tuesday evening.
Smoke from the Mormon Fire can be seen east of Munds Park and along State Route 87.
Smoke from the Pivot Rock Fire will also be visible from State Route 87 at mile marker 284 just south of Clints Well.
Drivers should also be aware of fire personnel and vehicles which may be in the area.
Despite the fires up north, Maricopa County isn’t expected to have any fire restrictions for the holiday weekend.
