Coconino National Forest officials say Fossil Creek recreation area will remain closed at least through the rest of the year because of post-fire hazards.
Crews are continuing to assess damage and conduct restoration work following this summer’s Backbone Fire and that flash floods, debris flows and dead trees remain a threat. Forest roads 708 and 502 also remain impassable.
Following the wildfire, a Burned Area Emergency Response Team recommended a variety of repair projects and treatments. All recreation permits issued for Fossil Creek have been canceled.
The 42,000-acre lightning-caused Backbone Fire burned a majority of Fossil Creek in June. The area could stay closed into 2022.
