Emergency Information
In light of area closures recreation opportunities abound over Memorial Day weekend
All offices of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests will be closed on Monday, May 28, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. Business will resume Tuesday, May 29, during regular operating hours. Despite the office closure, fire and recreation personnel and law enforcement officers will be on duty over the Memorial Day weekend for the safety of visitors.
Forest officials expect large numbers of visitors to the most popular campgrounds and picnic areas throughout the holiday weekend. The following are tips for safe and enjoyable weekend outings.
Arizona Department of Health Services publishes updated opioid prescribing guidelines
The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) has published the
Coconino National Forest releases revised forest plan
After many years of public input, as well as collaboration with partner agencies and surrounding communities, the Coconino National Forest released its revised Forest Plan that will provide management guidance for its nearly two million acres for the next 10 to 15 years.
Bureau of Land Management fire restrictions remain in effect in western Arizona
The Bureau of Land Management Colorado River District has been in fire restrictions in order to reduce the risk of wildfire on public lands managed by the BLM Kingman, Lake Havasu and Yuma Field Offices, which includes portions of Mohave, La Paz, Yuma and Yavapai counties. These restrictions remain in effect to limit activities that have the potential to start a fire.
American Red Cross shares 20 ways to stay safe this summer
The upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend is the unofficial start of summer when all of us will begin enjoying the outdoors and sunshine. The American Red Cross wants everyone to have fun and offers 20 things you can do to be safe all summer long.
Pinery Fire 100 percent contained; firefighters continue to patrol
Firefighters continue to patrol the fire. Fire activity is minimal, with some smoldering within the fire's perimeter observed. The fire is hung up on cliffs and rocky outcroppings on ridgetops, and has not progressed further north into Chiricahua National Monument. No additional growth is expected. There have been no structures lost and no injuries. This will be the final update unless significant changes occur.
Area closures implemented on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests to protect values at risk of wildfire
Due to increasing drought conditions, very high fire danger and public safety concerns, the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (ASNFs) has implemented four area closures across the forest. Areas outside of the closures with remain in Stage II Fire Restrictions.
Of these areas, two are located in the Black Mesa Ranger District and one of these is shared with the Lakeside Ranger District, one in the Springerville Ranger District, and one in the Alpine Ranger District.
Black Mesa Ranger District
Promontory Butte closure area
Memorial Day weekend on Coronado National Forest
All offices of the Coronado National Forest will be closed on Monday, May 28, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. (The Sabino Canyon Visitor Center will remain open.) Business will resume Tuesday, May 29, during regular operating hours.
Despite the office closure, fire and recreation personnel and law enforcement officers will be on duty over the Memorial Day weekend for the safety of visitors.
Area closures for Coconino National Forest go into effect tomorrow, May 23
Coconino National Forest will temporarily close six large areas to public access beginning tomorrow (May 23) at 8 a.m. due to fire danger and for public safety. All areas of the national forest outside of the closures remain in
Red Flag Warning in effect May 22 for portions of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
The National Weather Service has issued a RED FLAG WARNING for Tuesday, May 22 from 12 pm to 7 pm for portions of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (ASNFs) and parts of eastern Arizona due to strong winds and low relative humidity. Relative humidity levels are expected to drop into the single digits and wind gusts are expected to be between 20 to 30 mph over the White Mountains and Mogollon Rim Country.
Red Flag Warning in effect May 21 for portions of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
The National Weather Service has issued a RED FLAG WARNING for Monday, May 21 from 12 pm to 7 pm for portions of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (ASNFs) and parts of eastern Arizona due to strong winds and low relative humidity. Relative humidity levels are expected to drop into the single digits and wind gusts are expected to be between 30 to 40 mph over the White Mountains and Mogollon Rim Country.
Walnut Canyon National Monument plans for high fire danger
In response to high fire danger, Walnut Canyon National Monument will implement the following actions beginning Wednesday, May 23, 2018 to coordinate with the Coconino National Forest’s Fay Canyon/Fisher Point Area closures:
Areas within Walnut Canyon National Monument to remain accessible during regular operating hours:
Area closures on Tonto National Forest begin Wednesday, May 23 due to extreme fire conditions
Public safety concerns due to drought conditions, hot temperatures and increased fire danger are causing the Tonto National Forest to implement two area closures beginning at 6:00 am, on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Areas outside of the closures will remain at Stage 2 fire restrictions.
The area closures will be in these general areas and will include all Tonto National Forest lands within the boundaries:
Northbound lanes and one southbound lane of State Route 87 reopen
The northbound lanes of State Route 87 have reopened after a brush fire near Sunflower, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. One southbound lane also has reopened. The other southbound lane remains closed near milepost 222.
There are long traffic delays and motorists should consider delaying or altering their travel plans.
State Route 87 was closed in both directions earlier today six miles north of Sunflower due to a brush fire.
Pinery Fire Update: Chiricahua National Monument to reopen Sat., May 19
Date/Time Reported: reported Saturday, May 12th, around 1:30pm
Location: Approximately 29 miles SE of Willcox, AZ. The fire started on private land, and has moved to the north and east onto Chiricahua National Monument and the Coronado National Forest.
Estimated Size: approximately 1,200 acres
Containment: 80%
Cause: human caused, under investigation
Coconino National Forest to close high-risk areas due to fire danger
Coconino National Forest will temporarily close six large areas to public access beginning Wednesday (May 23) at 8 a.m. due to fire danger and for public safety.
Pinery Fire update; minimal fire activity and no additional growth expected
Pinery Fire activity is minimal, with some smoldering observed. The fire is hung up on cliffs and rocky outcroppings on ridgetops, and has not progressed further north into Chiricahua National Monument. No additional growth is expected. There have been no structures lost and no injuries.
Chiricahua National Monument Re-Opens after Pinery Fire
Chiricahua National Monument will open to the public on Saturday, May 19. The park has been closed due to the Pinery Fire and related fire clean-up efforts. This wildland fire began Saturday, May 12th on private land but quickly spread into the park. Some of the burned area overlaps with the 2011 Horseshoe II Fire area. Fortunately, quick response efforts ensured that no park structures were burned.
State Forestry to implement closures to land in Apache and Navajo counties
With fire severity extraordinarily high and much of Arizona in extreme drought conditions, the Department of Forestry and Fire Management will close state lands in two counties to recreational use.
As of 12:01 am, Friday May 18th, Stage III, or full closures, will be implemented on state-owned and managed lands in both Apache and Navajo Counties.
Pinery Fire update: 80% contained
May 17 PM Update
Date/Time Reported: reported Saturday, May 12th, around 1:30pm
Location: Approximately 29 miles SE of Willcox, AZ. The fire started on private land, and has moved to the north and east onto Chiricahua National Monument and the Coronado National Forest.
Estimated Size: approximately 1,200 acres
Containment: 80%
Cause: human caused, under investigation
