The visitors who were trapped at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon by the Warm Fire have been led out via escorted caravan, home and business-owners have returned to the Oak Creek Canyon area near Sedona, but wildfires and the threat of wild fires continues to mean that visitors must check first before heading to wooded areas for a vacation, especially in dry Arizona. Since this information changes quickly, we have provided you with direct links for updates on each of the areas.

Coconino Forest Update: The entire Coconino National Forest, which surrounds Flagstaff south to the Mogollon Rim, and parts of Kaibab, Prescott, Tonto and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are closed. The Coconino closure affects at least 500 campsites. Updates

Tonto National Forest: No fires are burning in the Payson, Arizona area, but the Tonto National Forest, which surrounds the town, has closed an area along the base of the Mogollon Rim that is the northern edge of the Tonto. Updates

Pinal Mountains south of Globe: Closed

Grand Canyon North Rim and Kaibab: The Warm Fire forced closure of the entire North Kaibab Ranger District. The North Rim and north Kaibab National Forest are closed. Updates

Prescott National Forest: Parts of the Bradshaw Mountains, including Horsethief Basin near Crown King and along the Verde River near the towns of Cottonwood and Clarkdale have been closed. Updates

Apache-Sitgreaves: Closed areas near the Rodeo-Chediski burn of 2002 between Arizona 260 and the Mogollon Rim. Updates

More... Arizona and New Mexico Wildfire Updates - Southwest Coordination Center.

New Mexico

Bandelier National Monument: Most of the Bandelier backcountry will be closed due to extreme fire danger. Most trails north and east of Frijoles Canyon will be available for day hiking; hikers must sign in at trailheads, and no overnight backpacking will be available. Juniper and Ponderosa campgrounds will remain open, as will the popular short trails around the Visitor Center. Updates

Nevada

Reno and Carson City: Nevada Gov. Kenny Guinn declared a state of emergency due to fires around the state including Carson City, the Capitol. Lightning has sparked dozens of fires in Nevada, from a 57,000-acre blaze burning out of control largely in uninhabited rangeland in northeast Nevada to a complex of a dozen smaller fires around Reno and Carson City that forced evacuations at the town of Mound House along the historic Pony Express Trail. Updates

For Areas without Active Fires: Restrictions are in place in most areas that are not closed. Many have banned campfires. Visitors are asked to be extremely careful. Do not smoke in the area or throw cigarettes from your car if you are driving through forested areas or areas with dry brush.

Fireworks are prohibited in most areas.

Photo: Sedona Fire Department