Fire danger closes Fossil Creek beginning July 1

Verde Valley, Ariz. – The Coconino and Tonto national forests will be implementing a closure of the Fossil Creek area Monday (July 1) in order to protect the public and area from wildfire risk given the extremely dry conditions, entrapment potential and remoteness.

This closure area includes the entire Fossil, Hackberry Mountain and Childs area from SR 260 junction of FR 708 to Strawberry and south to the Verde River.  

 

Individuals recreating and camping within the closure will be asked to leave and no additional entrance will be allowed until the area receives considerable precipitation and the fire danger lessens. 

The public can call the Fossil Creek hotline at 928-226-4611 for any updates about the area and closure information.  Fire prevention is a priority, and forest officials are adopting a zero tolerance policy. Citations will be issued for all entry and fire and smoking violations.