![]() However, the fire did burn through the bottom of the canyon near the spring source - exposing the springs which had been buried under berry bushes. The Waterfall Trail and the wildly popular waterfall largely escaped the flames, said Alicia Keller, a photographer with Rim Country Search and Rescue who documented the impact of the fire. However, the trails and roads by which some 90,000 people a year gain access to the creek got hammered, according to an initial assessment of the damage to the Fossil Creek Wilderness Area. It’s unclear whether the flames have destroyed the lush riparian vegetation along the creek, but erosion from the denuded slopes could smother the creek with mud and debris when and if the monsoon arrives.įossil Creek dodged flaming bullet Fossil Creek suffered only moderate damage from the 42,000-acre Backbone Fire, but silt washing into the creek could affect populations of endangered native fish for years to come. The creek draws more than 100,000 visitors annually, but the fire burned up both sides of the canyon. Fire officials have not yet assessed the damage to Fossil Creek Canyon, one of the most popular recreation areas in the state as well as one of the few remaining refuges for native fish. The fire then charged up the steep walls of Fossil Creek Canyon. The fire started in the area around the Child’s Power Plant substation near Fossil Creek, a nationally recognized Wild and Scenic River. Total personnel: roughly 100.But the Backbone Fire as of early June 21 had charred almost the full length of Fossil Creek, consumed 32,752 acres and forced the evacuation of thousands of people from Pine and Strawberry. Current resources: One Hotshot crew, one hand crew, a fuels module and three helicopters.Fuel types: Pinyon juniper, chaparral, brush, grass, cactus.Origin location: Approximately 12 miles west of Pine and Strawberry.June 16.ĭetails about the Backbone Fire will be posted on InciWeb as well as Facebook and Twitter. The lightning-caused fire was first reported 11:30 p.m. Closures and other changes to recreation site status will be made available on the recreation page of the Coconino National Forest's website. The Fossil Creek recreation area will be closed due to wildfire danger, which includes Waterfall Trail, Irving/Flume, Tonto Bench, Fossil Creek Bridge, Homestead, Sally May, Purple Mountain, and Mazatzal. The fire is currently 0 percent contained and more resources have been requested. ![]() Rough and rocky terrain coupled with limited area access and extreme heat are creating challenges for the roughly 100 personnel assigned to the fire, which includes one Hotshot crew, one hand crew, one fuels module, three helicopters and miscellaneous overhead. Nearby residents can visit the APS website or contact APS for outage information. However, APS may take lines out of service if needed to protect firefighters working on the fire. ![]() While there is electrical infrastructure in the area of the fire, APS does not anticipate a loss of service. ![]() Motorists can contact the Arizona Department of Transportation or visit AZ511 for updates on road closures and traffic. State Route 260 is closed between Camp Verde and State Route 87. Residents and visitors should contact their county or subscribe to emergency alerts for information regarding evacuation status. Hot, dry and windy weather conditions have led to extreme fire behavior.Įvacuation orders are in place for residents and visitors of nearby areas such as Strawberry and Pine. The fire has moved across Fossil Creek with 0 percent containment. ![]() Backbone Fire at 6,000 acres evacuation orders issuedĬAMP VERDE, Ariz., J- Evacuation orders have been issued in communities surrounding the 6,000-acre Backbone Fire, which originated approximately 12 miles west of Pine and Strawberry, and 15 miles southeast of Camp Verde. ![]()
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