>Thunder and lightning caused fire Road closure in two canyons

Thunder and lightning caused road closure in two canyons (Alberta Times) On July 1, Highway 87 leading to Coconino National Forest Park was closed again due to wildfires. …

Thunder and lightning caused roads to close in two canyons (Alberta Times) On July 1, Highway 87 leading to Coconino National Forest Park was closed again due to wildfires. Last Friday, the forest near the Blue Ridge Reservoir, about 15 miles northeast of the park, was struck by lightning, causing a fire. The flames covered more than 5,000 acres. The fire once burned across the road in the Forest Park. The authorities urgently closed Highway 87 on Saturday and once unblocked it on Sunday. Because the thick smoke was detrimental to driving and people, the authorities quickly closed the road again. Authorities did not order an evacuation of residents. Highway 87 is the only way to the Coconino National Forest, Salada and Fort Montezuma National Monument. It has beautiful scenery and is the best tourist route in the state. On July 2, a wildfire about 11 miles southwest of Safford continued to burn, and the fire had scorched 60 acres of forest. The fire is between Frye Canyon and the Ashe River. The fire department has closed hiking roads including the Ring Mountain, Frye Canyon, Ashe River and Dead Man. Campgrounds near Forest Road 307 and the Ashe River have also been closed, and people with respiratory illnesses are advised to avoid this area. The Safford wildfire was caused by lightning last Thursday. Currently, 140 firefighters, four engines, and four helicopters are involved in fighting the fire. Safford is located in the southeastern part of the state.