Gladiator Fire closes parts of Prescott National Forest

Hikers,

You should re-think any plans to hike  Groom Creek, Wolf Creek, Poland Creek and Mt Union in the Bradshaw Ranger District.  That's because the Gladiator Fire burning near Crown King is still raging and smoke is very heavy. Review  the closure notice below and steer clear of the area!

View of the Bradshaw range from Spruce Mtn lookout

(From the National Forest Service press release:) An expanded Closure Order is in effect, as of May 20, 2012 at 6 p.m., for all Prescott National Forest, Bradshaw Ranger District land south of the following: Beginning at the southwest corner, Township 12 North, Range 3 West, Section 33; south of River Pasture, along Forest Road 72 west to FS Road 667, following Middlewater Creek to the south of Maverick Mountain, east to Forest Road 9403C and onto Forest Road 52B connecting to the Senator Highway (County Road 56). Senator Highway east continuing to FS Road 261 east of Mount Union Lookout towards County Road 58 through Breezy Pines, extending to Poland Junction. All roads leading into the community of Crown King are closed. Cleator – Crown King Road (County Road 59) is closed at Cleator. Senator Highway to Crown King (County Road 52) is closed at the junction with Poland Rd. (County Road 58). Mayer-Bolada Road (County Road 177) is closed at the Forest Boundary. Forest Road 711 is closed south of the Forest boundary at Cow Creek Forest Road 362 is closed south of the Forest boundary at Wagner. Forest Road 192 is closed. A Yavapai County fire ban is in effect across all fire ban zones. Prescott National Forest Campfire and Smoking Restrictions are also in effect. For AZ Fire Info & Restrictions Information call 1-877-864-6985 or visit http://wildlandfire.az.gov.