Roosevelt Lake Bermuda Flat Closure

Temporary Bermuda Flat Closure due to High Fire Danger
Popular Area on Roosevelt Lake

PHOENIX, April 19, 2019-For Immediate Release. The USDA Forest Service, Tonto National Forest will temporarily close vehicle access to the Bermuda Flat Shoreline Area on Tuesday, April 23, 2019. The temporary closure is necessary for public safety and resource protection due to the high concentration of campers in a small area with a high potential for fire starts in the tall grass as it dries out, with limited and restricted vehicle access making rapid evacuation in the event of a fire very difficult.

The abundant winter rains have brought Roosevelt Lake up to almost 75% full. The lake waterline has risen above the area devoid of vegetation when camping normally occurs, causing people to move into areas with established vegetation including tall, continuous grass that will ignite very easily and carry fire rapidly.

The temporary closure will be lifted once the lake recedes to expose enough shoreline area void of vegetation that is large enough to accommodate the expected number of campers and RVs without parking in and driving over dry grass. The Tonto National Forest wants the public to enjoy their camping experience without wildfires, and appreciates the public’s cooperation with this temporary closure.