Arizona national forests to close due to wildfires. Here's what visitors should know
Apache-Sitgreaves, Coconino, Kaibab, and Tonto National Forests in Arizona are reopening due to recent rain. Prescott is still closed.
www.azcentral.com
If you’re thinking of heading to the Coconino National Forest in Northern Arizona to escape the sweltering summer heat, put those plans on hold.
According to a press release, the entirety of Coconino National Forest will close to the public beginning at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, June 23. Kaibab National Forest officials have announced that the forest will close at 8 a.m. Wednesday as well.
Coconino National Forest officials cited the ongoing wildfires, dry conditions and lack of manpower as reasons for the closure.
According to the website wildfiretoday.com, the Rafael fire, a lightning-caused fire near Sedona, spread east-northeast on Sunday and by Monday morning was 12 miles southwest of Flagstaff.
Full closure means that all public recreation, including camping, hiking and other activities within the boundaries of the forest will be prohibited. Officials have not given an end date to the closure but told The Republic that reopening will depend on conditions, including enough rain to reduce the risk of wildfire, in the coming days and weeks.
As of Monday afternoon, Tonto National Forest is not scheduled to close.
What if you are currently camping?
The Forest Service said it will attempt to reach as many campers and campsites as possible to let people know to vacate the forest before the beginning of the closure. Only those who have private property within Coconino will be allowed inside along with authorized personnel such as Forest Service officials and firefighters.
According to the June 21 press statement, all restoration projects will stop and concessionaires and outfitters who work within the forest will also be prohibited from entering. Violators of the closure and restrictions will be fined.