The Backbone Fire was a wildfire that started near Payson, Arizona on June 16, 2021. The fire burned 40,855 acres (16,533 ha) was fully contained on July 19, 2021.[1][2]
The Backbone Fire was first reported on June 16, 2021, at 11:30 pm MST.[1] The cause of the fire is believed to be due to lightning.[1] On July 19, 2021, the Backbone Fire reached 100% containment.[1][2]
Fossil Creek Recreation Area was closed on June 17, 2021, due to wildfire danger.[3] On June 19, 2021, the USDA Forest Service Coconino National Forest issued an Emergency Area Closure of areas around the Backbone Fire on the Coconino and Tonto National Forests.[3] The Coconino National Forest was fully closed on June 23, 2021, due to fire danger, dry conditions, persistent wildfire activity, and limited availability of firefighting resources.[3] The Coconino National Forest was reopened on July 6, 2021.
