FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - Forest officials are closing multiple areas to the public in the Arizona's national forests because of the fire danger.
State land is all closed, but state parks are all open with fire restrictions.
Closures in the Coconino National Forest began Wednesday at 8 a.m., and the Tonto National Forest began closing areas at 6 a.m. on Wednesday.
In the Coconino National Forest, the six large areas being closed include:
- The San Francisco Peaks/Mt. Elden Area northwest of Interstate 40 and State Route 89
- The Kelly Canyon area north of Munds Park between State Route 89A and Interstate 17
- Fay Canyon/Fisher Point area north of Lake Mary Road
- The Mormon Mountain area west of Mormon Lake
- Mogollon Rim area south of state Route 87, including C.C. Cragin Reservoir
- Fossil Creek area
The Tonto National Forest is implementing two area closures, including:
- All Tonto National Forest land north of Payson up to the Mogollon Rim, between the White Mountain Apache Reservation on the east and the Coconino National Forest on the west.
- All National Forest lands, roads and trails within the Mt. Ord, Four Peaks and Three Bar Wildlife areas.
Recreation sites that are closed include:
- Payson Ranger District
- Ponderosa campground and group site
- Christopher Creek campground and group site
- Sharp Creek campground and group site
- Tonto Creek campground
- Upper Tonto Creek campground
- Horton Creek day use site
- First Crossing day use site
- Water Wheel day use site
- Second Crossing day use site
- Third Crossing day use site
- Pleasant Valley Ranger District
- Haigler Creek campground and day use site
- Valentine Ridge campground
- Colcord Ridge dispersed camping area
- Airplane Flat dispersed camping area
- Upper Canyon Creek dispersed camping area
Closures in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests:
- Black Mesa Ranger District
- Promontory Butte closure area
- Black Mesa and Lakeside Ranger Districts
- South of Arizona State Highway 260 closure area
- Springerville Ranger District
- Pole Knoll closure area
- Alpine Ranger District
- Southwest of Nutrioso closure area
- Southwest of Alpine closure area
All areas outside of the closures in both forests will remain at Stage 2 fire restrictions, which means visitors can’t build campfires or use wood or charcoal burning stoves. Gas and propane stoves that meet the specifications for safety should be used in areas that are barren or cleared of all surrounding flammable materials within three feet.
Visitors are also prohibited from smoking, welding, discharging a firearm— except while engaged in lawful hunting— and operating a chainsaw or other equipment operated by an internal combustion engine between the hours of 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Now that you know the rules, go forth and have fun! But keep in mind, if you violate any of the closures or fire restrictions, you could face a fine of up to $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or up to six months in prison, or both.