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Afternoon Wildfire/Forest Closure Updates, 06/23/21: Rafael, Wyrick, Rock Butte

KNAU

Several major wildfires continue to burn in the northern half of state, and national forests close public access due to extreme fire danger. Here are the latest updates:

RAFAEL FIRE 

Some ranches west of Sedona remain evacuated, and several Flagstaff area neighborhoods are on SET Status for evacuation as the Rafael Fire continues to burn north of Perkinsville. A spokesperson for the Prescott National Forest earlier today said the fire has crossed Sycamore Canyon and is moving east to Casner Mountain. The neighborhoods of Kachina Village, University Heights, Mountain Dell, Pine Del, Forest Highlands, Garland Prairie and Pine Aire Estates, plus Woody Mountain Road south of I-40 are on ‘SET’ status and should be prepared to evacuate if necessary. Volunteers with the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office are going door to door in the SET zone informing residents about the READY/SET/GO evacuation system and encourage them to register with the county for emergency notifications.

WYRICK FIRE

Evacuations remain in place for some areas near the Wyrick Fire, burning on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Areas in GO Status are Heber-Overgaard north of Hwys 260 and 277, Antelope Valley and Despain Ranch. Areas in SET Status are other areas of Heber not in GO status, Chevelon Ranches and Retreat, and communities of Overgaard south of Hwy 277 and north of Hwy 260.  

ROCK BUTTE FIRES

The Rock Butte Fires burning north of Paulden and west of Hwy 89 on the Prescott National Forest are now 19% contained, according to InciWeb. The cluster of lightning-caused fires has burned less than 1,000 acres with moderate fire activity reported. The community of North Paulden and Drake remain in SET Status.

FOREST CLOSURES

The Coconino, Kaibab and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest all closed to public use this morning as wildfires burn across Arizona forests. The Prescott National Forest will follow suit Friday. National Forest officials say the closures will be in effect until significant precipitation lessens wildfire danger.

FLAGSTAFF STAGE 4

The City of Flagstaff imposed State Four fire restrictions today. The new mandate adds on to existing restrictions the ban of propane grills within city limits. Open fires, and smoking in public places are also prohibited. The mandate closes sections of Flagstaff’s Urban Trail System to public use. Coconino County today imposed Stage Three fire restrictions.