Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests officials say four areas in the two jointly-administered forests in eastern Arizona are now closed to the public because of elevated wildfire conditions.
Fire restrictions are continuing to go into effect across Arizona as the entire Southwest contends with historically dry conditions and increased wildfire danger.
The Rattlesnake Fire burning in a remote area of the White Mountains has reached nearly 20,000 acres and is 25 percent contained.KNAU’s Ryan Heinsius reports, more than 500 personnel are fighting the blaze.
Authorities have scaled back the search for a man accused of setting fires in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests and shooting at a federal officer earlier this week.
