A new wildfire was reported late Wednesday night about 12 miles west of Strawberry. The Coconino National Forest reports the Backbone Fire is burning near the old Child’s power plant.
It’s estimated to be around 150 acres in size currently and is burning above the area where Fossil Creek and the Verde River converge. Campers near the powerplant were evacuated last night. The Fossil Creek recreation area has been closed due to fire danger. The closure includes the Waterfall Trail, Ivring/Flume, Tonto Bench, Fossil Creek Bridge, Homestead, Sally May, Purple Mountain and Mazatzal. The cause of the Backbone fire is under investigation.