ARIZONA NEWS

Coconino, Kaibab forests to close indefinitely while fire risk is high

Jun 21, 2021, 2:43 PM | Updated: 3:59 pm

(Twitter Photo/@azstateforestry)...

(Twitter Photo/@azstateforestry)

(Twitter Photo/@azstateforestry)

PHOENIX – In response to an elevated fire risk caused by dry conditions, officials announced an indefinite full closure of the Coconino and Kaibab forests starting Wednesday.

The closure for Coconino National Forest will begin at 8 a.m. and remain in effect until the area sees enough rain to reduce the threat, the Forest Service said Monday.

The public won’t be allowed on any part of Coconino National Forest during the closure.

Kaibab National Forest will have similar restrictions, closing Wednesday at 8 a.m. with no public allowed on the forest at any time until the closure is lifted.

The Forest Service is asking all campers already there in both places to leave by Wednesday morning and for anybody making plans for the areas to hold off for at least several weeks.

Individuals caught violating closures or fire restrictions are subject to a fine of up to $5,000 and up to six months in prison, according to the Forest Service.

There were multiple active wildfires burning in Coconino National Forest on Monday, including portions of the Backbone and Rafael fires.

The 2,812-square-mile forest, a popular area for camping, hiking, boating and fishing, has only partially closed in recent years because of wildfire danger, but officials are concerned about resources running low.

“We have limited resources, and we’re tapped right now,” Coconino National Forest spokesman Brady Smith said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Detectives are looking for the suspect in a fatal shooting at a Phoenix apartment complex....

Kevin Stone

Police seek suspect after fatal shooting at west Phoenix apartment complex

Detectives are trying to find a suspect after a fatal shooting over the weekend at a west Phoenix apartment complex.

58 minutes ago

A man was stabbed to death near the Arizona Capitol complex in Phoenix over the weekend....

Kevin Stone

Man stabbed to death at bus stop near Arizona Capitol in Phoenix

A man was stabbed to death near the Arizona Capitol complex in Phoenix over the weekend, authorities said.

2 hours ago

Phoenix forecast rain...

Kevin Stone

Phoenix could see its heaviest rainfall in months later this week

The metro Phoenix forecast calls for a warm start to the week followed by a quick cooldown, with a good chance for the heaviest rainfall in months.

3 hours ago

Integrated Biometrics Chandler Arizona 2025...

Serena O'Sullivan

Integrated Biometrics expanding its Chandler research facility

Companies curious about incorporating biometrics into their workflows can now visit a Chandler research facility to test new technologies through interactive exhibits.

5 hours ago

arizona state parks and trails...

Lance Hartzler

Arizona State Parks and Trails fees to increase at more than 30 locations

Arizona State Parks and Trails is increasing fees on entrances, camping and tour tickets for 33 locations to support park operations.

5 hours ago

fentanyl pills, fentanyl bust Phoenix...

KTAR.com

Weekend Wrap: Here are the biggest Phoenix news stories from Feb. 7-9

Here are some of the top Valley news stories from Feb. 7-9, including a Phoenix man being pulled over with more than 100,000 fentanyl pills.

17 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to save money on retirement planning following 2024 election

PHOENIX -- With the 2024 election over, economic changes could impact how people plan for retirement as 2025 is on the horizon.

...

Sanderson Ford

Sanderson Ford’s Operation Santa Claus: Spreading holiday cheer through pickleball

Phoenix, AZ – Sanderson Ford, a staple in the Arizona community, is once again gearing up for its annual Operation Santa Claus charity drive.

...

Schwartz Laser Eye Center

Don’t miss the action with this game-changing procedure

PHOENIX -- The clear lens exchange procedure has emerged as a popular alternative to LASIK eye surgery.

Coconino, Kaibab forests to close indefinitely while fire risk is high