Increased wildfire threats prompt officials to close portions of national forests

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - Several national forests are closing parts of the forest to the public, due to an increased wildfire threat, with dry conditions not seen in years.

Starting 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, six large areas of the Coconino National Forest will be closed, including San Francisco Peaks, Mount Elden, Kelly Canyon, Fisher Point, the Mormon Mountain areas near Flagstaff, the Mogollon Rim south of State Route 87 and the Fossil Creek area in the Red Rock Ranger District.

"Closing these beautiful places is not something anybody likes, but people who love the forest understand," said Brady Smith with the U.S. Forest Service.

Fire danger-related closures at Arizona's national forests

Coconino: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/coconino/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD580817
Kaibab: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/kaibab/alerts-notices/?aid=46421
Tonto: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd581181.pdf
Apache-Sitgreaves: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd580390.pdf
Prescott: https://www.fs.usda.gov/prescott