Full forest closure for the Kaibab National Forest to begin Wednesday morning
Williams, Arizona, June 21, 2021 — FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., June 21, 2021 — 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. A full forest closure means that the public is prohibited from entering any part of the Kaibab National Forest at any time. Those with private inholdings will be allowed access to their property, as well as personnel providing utility support where necessary, and firefighters performing their duties. In addition, work on thinning and other forest and watershed restoration projects will cease. Forest Service personnel will attempt to reach as many people as possible to begin vacating campsites and informing individuals who are camping in the forest currently. Campers and visitors to the national forest should vacate their campsites before the closure begins, and the public should cancel any plans for visiting the Kaibab National Forest for the next several weeks. Though parts of the national forest may receive rain from sporadic storms over the next couple of weeks, this closure will not be rescinded until sufficient precipitation is received to adequately reduce the risk of wildfire, and hot, dry weather conditions are no longer forecast to continue. In short, this closure will continue until conditions are such that the closure can be lifted. The violation of closures and fire restrictions carries a mandatory appearance in federal court, punishable as a Class B misdemeanor with 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. Stay up to date on Kaibab National Forest news by checking the Kaibab NF website and following @KaibabNF on Facebook and Twitter.


Kaibab National Forest
www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
Forest Service News Release
Media Contact: Brienne Pettit, Forest Public Affairs Officer
928-310-6035 SM.FS.KaibabPAO@usda.gov

 Coconino NF going into full closure on Wednesday at 8 a.m. FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., June 21, 2021 — Due to fire danger, dry conditions, and persistent wildfire activity during a time when firefighting resources are sparse, the entirety of Coconino National Forest will close for public safety, beginning Wednesday (June 23) at 8 a.m.A full forest closure means that the public is prohibited from entering any part of Coconino National Forest at any time. Only those with private inholdings will be allowed access to their property, as well as personnel providing utility support where necessary, and firefighters performing their duties.Forest Service personnel will attempt to reach as many people as possible to begin vacating campsites and informing individuals who are camping in the forest currently. Campers and visitors to the national forest should vacate their campsites before the closure begins, and the public should cancel any plans for visiting the Coconino National Forest for the next several weeks.Though parts of the national forest may receive rain from sporadic storms over the next couple of weeks, this closure will not be rescinded until sufficient precipitation is received to adequately reduce the risk of wildfire, and hot, dry weather conditions are no longer forecast to continue. In short, this closure will continue until conditions are such that the closure can be lifted.Work on thinning and other forest and watershed restoration projects will cease. Partner agencies, organizations, concessionaires, outfitters, permit holders, and contractors, are all prohibited from entering the national forest.Violating closures and fire restrictions is a violation that carries a mandatory appearance in federal court, punishable as a Class B misdemeanor with 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.Official news release at https://conta.cc/3zJQOG7

Due to the Rafael Fire, all areas south of I-40, west of I-17, including University Heights, Kachina Village, Forest Highlands, Pine Dell, and Woody Mountain Road are now in SET status.  Begin preparing for possible GO order to EVACUATE.  THIS IS NOT AN EVAC NOTIFICATION.
Click here for an accompanying map: bit.ly/3wLBaZ5 

Per Coconino County Sheriff's Office: South Garland Prairie, Pine Aire Estates and residents in between are upgraded to SET status. Begin preparing for GO / EVACUATION order.

Click to sign up for Coconino County Emergency Notifications and alerts: bit.ly/3tVlGAf

  

Wildfire Update – Rock Butte Fires & Rafael Fire

June 21, 2021

The six fires being managed by the Arizona Central West Zone Type 3 Incident Management team are the following [from north to south - all acreages are approximate and current as of 6/20, 2000]:

Rock Butte Fires:

·       Red Hat Fire - 75 acres 

·       Limestone Fire - 43 acres

·       Spring Fire - 425 acres

·       Rock Butte Fire – 144 acres

·        Silent Fire - 45 acre

Location: North of Paulden, AZ and west of HWY 89

Rafael Fire – 20,000 acres

Location: 4 miles North of Perkinsville, AZ and east of HWY 89

Percent Containment: 0%

Cause: Lightning

High winds and dry conditions challenge firefighters

Type Three Incident Management Team assisting Prescott National Forest with the management of six fires

 

Prescott, Ariz. [June 21, 2021] – Firefighters were challenged by high winds and continued dry conditions throughout the day yesterday.  The Spring Fire, part of the Rock Butte Fires, was driven by winds and expanded to over 400 acres. Today fire crews will be working on developing future fire tactical options. The other four smaller fires under the Rock Butte Fires showed minimal to no new changes and will have crews on the ground through the day yesterday.

The Rafael Fire which started as 4 small fires after last week’s lightning storm, east of Highway 89 and north of Perkinsville, became one large fire after yesterday’s winds and extreme conditions. The Rafael Fire grew from 400 acres to over 18,000 acres yesterday afternoon engulfing the other adjacent smaller fires. The Rafael Fire now involves the Prescott, Kaibab, and Coconino National Forests and spans the Yavapai/Coconino County line.

Due to the complexity of the Rafael Fire, a Type 1 team has been ordered and will arrive later this week to take over management of the Rafael Fire. Meanwhile the Arizona Central West Zone Team will continue to work with all entities on these fires. The current Incident Management Team is also in contact and coordination with emergency management personnel from both Yavapai and Coconino counties.

EVACUATIONS: Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office have placed the community of Paulden, AZ in a “SET” Status.  The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office have issued a “GO!” notice for Sycamore Canyon and areas SOUTH of Forest Service Road 535 off Forest Service Road 231 and Garland Prairie is reminded to be in READY mode.

WEATHER: Hot very dry conditions through Monday with temperatures peaking in the afternoons around 100 and overnight to early morning temps in the 60’s, relative humidity is about 9%, winds out of the southwest at 10-15 MPH with gusting up to 25-30 mph. There is a 0% chance for precipitation to occur in the area.

CLOSURES: There is currently a closure order for the area surrounding the Rock Butte Fires west of Highway 89. Fire managers are working on developing a closure area for the Rafael Fire Area.

FIRE RESCTRICTIONS: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect on the Prescott, Kaibab and Coconino NFs, and around Arizona, visit: WildlandFire.az.gov/fire-restrictions 

END

 

We have just been informed that the Coconino County and the Coconino County Sheriff's Office has ordered immediate evacuation for areas around Sycamore Canyon and areas SOUTH of Forest Service Road 535 off Forest Service Road 231. Garland Prairie is reminded to be in READY mode.

 Visit Coconino County Facebook for more information: https://www.facebook.com/CoconinoCounty/

 View Forest Order PDF.
View Forest Order Map.

Order No. MBRTB-287-2021, Fire Closure
FOREST ORDER
USDA FOREST SERVICE
ROUTT NATIONAL FOREST
Yampa Ranger District
FIRE CLOSURE
Muddy Slide Fire Area

Pursuant to 16 United States Code (U.S.C.) § 551 and 36 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) § 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on those National Forest Service lands described as the Muddy Slide Fire Area (the “Restricted Area”) and on all roads and trails within the Restricted Area (the “Restricted Roads and Trails”) all within the Yampa Ranger District, Routt National Forest. The Restricted Area and Restricted Roads and Trails are depicted on the attached map hereby incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A and are as follows: the entire fire burn perimeter as noted on the attached map and the physical characteristics on the ground.

Closed roads and trails include: NFRS 227 and portions of the 1174 Morrison-Divide Trail inside the fire perimeter.

The purpose of this Order is to provide for public safety and prevent interference with firefighting and suppression repair operations.

PROHIBITIONS: This Order prohibits the following:

1. Going into or being upon an area. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(e).
2. Being on a trail. 36 C.F.R. § 261.55(a).
3. Being on a road. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).

EXEMPTIONS: Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this order.

1. Any federal, state, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
2. Persons or entities with a written Forest Service exemption specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order.

This Order will remain in effect until June 1, 2022, or until is rescinded, whichever event occurs first.

Done at Laramie, Wyoming, this 14th day of October, 2021. 
LESLIE CROSSLAND
Acting Forest Supervisor Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland

Violations of this prohibition are punishable by a fine of not more than $5000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559 and 3571. 

 View Forest Order PDF.
View Forest Order Map.

USDA FOREST SERVICE
ROUTT NATIONAL FOREST
Yampa Ranger District
FIRE CLOSURE
Muddy Slide Fire Area

Pursuant to 16 United States Code (U.S.C.) § 551 and 36 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) § 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on those National Forest Service lands described as the Muddy Slide Fire Area (the “Restricted Area”) and on all roads and trails within the Restricted Area (the “Restricted Roads and Trails”) all within the Yampa Ranger District, Routt National Forest. The Restricted Area and Restricted Roads and Trails are depicted on the attached map hereby incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A and are as follows: on the north it starts at the junction of Beaver Creek and the Forest boundary and follows the Forest boundary east to NFSR 270 at the Lower Morrison Divide Trailhead. On the west it starts at the junction of Beaver Creek and the Forest Boundary and follows Beaver Creek south to NFSR 285 and then NFSR 285 south to the Forest boundary. On the south it starts at the junction of the Forest boundary and NFSR 285 and follows the Forest boundary east to Hwy 134 and then HWY 134 east to NFSR 275 and then NFSR 275 east to NFSR 270. On the east it starts at the junction of NFSR 275 and NFSR 270 and follows NFSR 270 northwest to Lynx Pass Campground and then west around the perimeter of Lynx Pass Campground back to NFSR 270 and then NFSR 270 northwest to the Lower Morrison Divide Trailhead.

Closed roads and trails include: NFSR 226, NFSR 227, NFSR 282, 1174 Morrison-Divide Trail

Open roads include: NFSR 270 (also known as County Road 16), NFSR 275, NFSR 280, NFSR 284, NFSR 285, Lynx Pass Campground

The purpose of this Order is to provide for public safety and prevent interference with firefighting operations.

PROHIBITIONS: This Order prohibits the following:

1. Going into or being upon an area. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(e).
2. Being on a trail. 36 C.F.R. § 261.55(a).
3. Being on a road. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).

EXEMPTIONS: Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this order.

1. Any federal, state, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
2. Persons or entities with a written Forest Service exemption specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order. 

This Order will remain in effect until December 31, 2021, or until is rescinded, whichever event occurs first. Done at Laramie, Wyoming, this 27th day of August, 2021 
 
RUSSELL M. BACON
Forest Supervisor Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland

Violations of this prohibition are punishable by a fine of not more than $5000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559 and 3571.  

View Forest Order PDF.
View Forest Order Map.

USDA FOREST SERVICE
ROUTT NATIONAL FOREST
Yampa Ranger District
FIRE CLOSURE
Muddy Slide Fire Area

Pursuant to 16 United States Code (U.S.C.) § 551 and 36 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) § 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on those National Forest Service lands described as the Muddy Slide Fire Area (the “Restricted Area”) and on all roads and trails within the Restricted Area (the “Restricted Roads and Trails”) all within the Yampa Ranger District, Routt National Forest. The Restricted Area and Restricted Roads and Trails are depicted on the attached map hereby incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A and are as follows: on the north it starts in the NW corner of the SE corner of Section 18 T3N R84W and follows the Forest boundary east to NFSR 270 at the Lower Morrison Divide Trailhead. On the west it starts at the NW corner of the SE corner of Section 18 T2N R84W and follows the Forest boundary south to the SW corner of the SW corner of Section 33 T2N R84W. On the south it starts at the SW corner of the SW corner of Section 33 T2N R84W and follows the Forest boundary east to Hwy 134 and then HWY 134 east to NFSR 275 and then NFSR 275 east to NFSR 270. On the east it starts at the junction of NFSR 275 and NFSR 270 and follows NFSR 270 northwest to Lynx Pass Campground and then west around the perimeter of Lynx Pass Campground back to NFSR 270 and then NFSR 270 northwest to the Lower Morrison Divide Trailhead.

Closed roads and trails include: NFSR 226, NFSR 227, NFSR 280, NFSR 282, NFSR 284, NFSR 285, 1174 Morrison-Divide Trail

Open roads include: NFSR 270 (also known as County Road 16), NFSR 275, Lynx Pass Campground

The purpose of this Order is to provide for public safety and prevent interference with firefighting operations.

PROHIBITIONS: This Order prohibits the following:

1. Going into or being upon an area. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(e).
2. Being on a trail. 36 C.F.R. § 261.55(a).
3. Being on a road. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).

EXEMPTIONS: Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this order.

1. Any federal, state, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
2. Persons or entities with a written Forest Service exemption specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order.

This Order will remain in effect until December 31, 2021, or until is rescinded, whichever event occurs first. Done at Laramie, Wyoming, this 17th day of August, 2021.

RUSSELL M. BACON
Forest Supervisor Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland

Violations of this prohibition are punishable by a fine of not more than $5000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559 and 3571. 

Media Contact: Aaron Voos, (970) 819-2898

News Release (PDF) Forest Order (PDF) Forest Order Map (PDF)

(YAMPA, Colo.)  July 27, 2021 – Due to decreased fire behavior, the Muddy Slide Fire area closure on the Routt National Forest has been reduced.

Forest Roads 270 (County Road 16) and 275 are open. The area closure now more closely reflects an enlarged fire footprint, west of the 270 Road and north of Highway 134 along the National Forest borders. Specific area closure boundaries are detailed within the Forest Order and area closure map.

Still included within the closed area are the Morrison-Divide Trail, Lynx Pass Campground, and multiple Forest roads.

As of Tuesday, July 27, 2021 the fire is 4,093 acres with no growth in weeks. Information about the Muddy Slide Fire can be found on InciWeb.

Visitors should plan in advance and be aware of conditions and restrictions in place.

Stage I fire restrictions are in effect on the Routt National Forest. Routt County has Stage II fire restrictions in place.

Information about National Forest recreation site status, maps, Burned Area Emergency Response and wildfire management efforts, as well as potential hazards and emergency contacts can be found on our website.

Notices, links to news articles, and additional resources are available on social media: @FS_MBRTB on Twitter or @FSMBRTB on Facebook.

The Forest Service office in Yampa, Colo. can also provide site-specific information.

Yampa Ranger District - Yampa, Colo., (970) 638-4516, 300 Roselawn Ave.

- USDA -