Payson Roundup | Payson, AZ

Flagstaff – The Coconino National Forest is reducing the size of the

emergency fire closure around the Schultz Fire area to allow more

recreational access to areas that have been deemed safe.

Though the new closure order is currently in effect, Forest Service

personnel are in the process of repositioning the closure signs according

to the new boundaries through today and should be finished by tomorrow.

One of the greatest safety concerns within the fire area is the hazard of

dead trees falling over, which will be a safety issue for a long time. In

addition, because of the severity of the burn and lack of vegetation, loose

rocks are rolling down the hillside posing a safety concern, say Forest Service officials.

The following trails and roads fall under the new reduced closure area:

Schultz Pass Road (FR 420, fromSchultz Pass to the north); Lockett Meadow Road (FR 552); Waterline Road (FR 146);  Elden Springs Road (FR 556); Little Bear Trail; Little Elden Trail; Deer Hill Trail; Inner Basin Trail; Lockett Meadow Campground and Little Elden Springs Horse Camp

Fire closures are implemented as standard fire operations procedure for

public safety and firefighter safety. This modified closure to public

access is in force until Sept. 15, or later if necessary.

The U.S. Forest Service is still seeking information concerning the person

or persons responsible for causing the Schultz Fire. To date, no arrests

have been made in connection with the Schultz Fire. The Forest Service is

offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and

conviction of those responsible. The Schultz fire was caused by a campfire

that was abandoned without being properly extinguished in the area of

Schultz Tank, Little Elden Trail, and Forest Road 420.

Please call the Schultz Fire Investigations hotline at (928) 527-3508 if

you have any information.