ST. GEORGE — The “Wildcat Fire” — located in the Saddle Mountain Wilderness in northern Arizona — has grown to 1,507 acres. The North Kaibab Ranger District in Arizona announced two new trail closures Sunday.
The North and South Canyon trails have been temporarily closed for the purpose of protecting the safety of both the public and firefighters engaged in suppression of the blaze.
The North Canyon Trail closure is from Forest Road 631 to the Arizona Trail on the west — approximately .75 miles from Forest Road 611.
The South Canyon Trail closure begins at Forest Road 211 and extends to the west side trailhead near the junction of Forest Road 610 and Forest Road 2599.
A public notice will be release when the closure is rescinded.
The fire has been burning since a thunderstorm passed through the area on Monday. Currently, 297 personnel are involved in suppression efforts of the blaze, including engine crews, hand crews, air support, water tenders and dozers. The fire is estimated at 40 percent containment.
With soaring temperatures Saturday, two fire team members were treated for heat-related illnesses.
The Saddle Mountain Wilderness is located north of Grand Canyon National Park and east of Arizona state Route 67.
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This map doesn’t show much that is recognizable. Is the red road Hwy. 67? How close is the fire to cutting off access to the North Rim Lodge? Is there any danger of that?