We believe it’s time for the U.S. Forest Service to significantly reduce the risk of a catastrophic wildfire in Flagstaff by acting proactively and closing the Coconino National Forest. We recognize that many (including all of us) recreate in the forest and that recreating in the forest has taken on new meaning during the pandemic. But when we balance the risk of a catastrophic wildfire with the reward of being able to enjoy the forest now, we come out on the side of closing the forest before, rather than during and after, a catastrophic wildfire. According to the Daily Sun, there were over 30 illegal fires over the Memorial Day weekend in the Coconino National Forest. (We think that the actual number of illegal fires was probably higher.)

Source: Daily Sun June 25, 2020 21:56 UTC