Coconino National Forest Officials Rescind Closure Order For The Museum Fire Burn Area

Coconino National Forest officials are rescinding the closure order for the Museum Fire burn area north of Flagstaff. Lifting this closure order allows public access into the burned area on Mount Elden and Dry Lake Hills, which has been closed since the Museum Fire began back on July 21st, which burned more than 19-hundred acres. Although open again, forest officials say the area still poses many dangers and hazards, so visitors should enter at their own risk and be aware of the possibility of falling trees and rolling rocks in the area. Elden Lookout Road will temporarily remain closed to motor vehicles, but is open to pedestrian, equestrian, and bicycle traffic. Several construction and maintenance projects are planned for Elden Lookout Road in the coming months, which means heavy equipment and construction crews will be using the road frequently. In addition, due to heavy post fire damage, Upper Oldham and upper portions of Brookbank Trails will remain closed until repairs can be made. Visitors are asked to obey posted signs in the burned area, including staying off closed trails.