Kaibab

Monsoon rains last night in the Mangum Fire area caused flash flooding, resulting in three forest roads being washed out. Power had also been out at Big Springs but has been restored. Roads affected and associated closures are in effect for:

As of 6:00 a.m. today, July 6, Coconino County has moved back to Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in coordination with the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests.

This decision was made due to the cooler temperatures and recent rainfall which has reduced the risk of wildfire.

Even with the rain and lower temperatures, Coconino County remains in a drought and therefore fire danger remains. The following restrictions apply on County public lands, as well as private lands in the unincorporated areas of the County:

1.    Campfires and open fires

2.    Fireworks

As the July 4th holiday approaches, the public is reminded that the entirety of the Kaibab National Forest is closed and will remain as such over the weekend.  Entering any part of the forest at any time is prohibited during the closure. Those with private properties within forest boundaries are allowed to access their property.

Fire behavior on Monday was less erratic than the previous day.  The Rafael Fire was active with considerably less growth than the day before.  At 24,064 acres, the Rafael fire spans the Prescott, Kaibab, and Coconino National Forests as well as the Yavapai and Coconino County lines. Reconnaissance from the air is the best approach for fire managers to assess fire management strategies in the remote terrain in and around Sycamore Canyon Wilderness. Steep canyons walls and dense vegetation are driving the options for fire management.

Last night, fire personnel began a firing operation starting at the intersection of state routes 260 and 87 near the communities of Strawberry and Pine. Crews plan to spend today holding and improving this line. Firefighters and equipment continued to construct and improve the community protection line around Strawberry. Structure protection crews worked to protect values at risk and assess hazards in the communities of Strawberry and Pine. Crews were inserted into Hardscrabble Canyon to construct direct line on the fire.

Coconino County will be entering Stage 3 Fire Restrictions at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, June 23, in coordination with the Kaibab and Coconino National Forest closures. This ordinance applies on County public lands, as well as private lands in the unincorporated areas of the County.

Due to fire danger, dry conditions, and persistent wildfire activity during a time when firefighting resources are sparse, the entirety of the Kaibab National Forest will close for public safety, beginning Wednesday (June 23) at 8 a.m.

On Friday May 14, 2021 at 8 a.m. the entire Kaibab National Forest will enter Stage 1 campfire and smoking restrictions in an effort to protect public health by reducing the number of preventable human-caused wildfires.

Under Stage 1 restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal, and wood stoves are prohibited, except within a developed recreation site. Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building or a developed recreation site.