On July 11, lightning strikes caused a wildfire northwest of Oracle near the intersection of Freeman Road and Willow Springs Ranch Road in Pinal County. The Freeman Fire has very heavy fuel load with mesquite and brush and has quickly grown to 37,000 acres. In the interest of pubic safety, Passage 14 (Black Hills) is closed. There is no safe and reasonable detour.

Pinal County has also closed the following roads, which include primary access routes to the Arizona Trail’s Passages 14 (Black Hills) and 15 (Tortilla Mountains).

Road Closures:

• Freeman Road from Hwy 79 to Barkerville Road
• Barkerville from Freeman to Willow Springs Road
• Willow Springs From Barkerville to Hwy 77

Please avoid this area until the fire has been contained and is determined to be safe to visit again.