Why is fossil creek closed

The Backbone Fire , a lightning-caused blaze that ignited in mid-June, burned almost 42, acres in the area prior to its containment in mid-July. Forest roads and were "impassable" from fire and monsoon damage as of Friday, the Forest Service said. The public safety closure order "restricts access of any type — by hike, bike, boat or vehicle — in areas where hazards are most likely to be prevalent," the Forest Service said. Restoration plans include clearing roads, treatments to prevent the spread of invasive species and new signage in the area.

The Coconino National Forest will consider reopening the Fossil Creek area to the public "once the elevated post-fire risk to visitors has subsided," the Forest Service said.

All permits issued through recreation. The announcement of the ongoing closure comes just days after Gov. Doug Ducey issued his second declaration of emergency for Coconino County during this monsoon season after the year rainfall event that hit Flagstaff on Aug. The governor's previous emergency declaration came on July 16 after flash floods caused road closures and damaged roads, private properties and drainage systems. Coconino National Forest. Related Content. Residents in the communities of Pine, Strawberry and Hunt Ranch have been allowed to return to their homes after the Backbone Fire forced them to evacuate….

The Southwest Incident Management Team…. Morning Rundown: Wednesday, June Eight years ago today, 19 firefighters died while working to contain the Yarnell Hill Fire.

State flags will fly at half-staff…. Photos taken by Forest Service staff showed burned slopes and trees, toppled power lines, a burned shed, and monsoon runoff. Any permits that were issued for later in the year have been canceled and refunded, the Forest Service said. Several roads, trails, and activities, including hiking, bike riding, driving, and boating, are prohibited within the area where potential hazards remain. You can read the closure order, here. Currently, the restrictions are in place until Dec.

Another popular hiking area, the Havasupai waterfalls in northern Arizona , also remains closed to hikers and tourists until at least February due to the COVID pandemic.