1. News
 / Modified sep 17, 2018 2:19 p.m.

4 Believed Dead After ATV Plunges off Arizona Cliff, Starting Wildfire

The fire was preventing early efforts to reach the scene, authorities said.
by Associated Press

CCSD search and rescue A search and rescue crew participates in recovery efforts following an ATV crash and fire.
Coconio County Sheriff via Facebook

Coconino Crash VIEW LARGER Fire can be seen at the top of a cliff as well as downslope, in this photo released by the Coconino County Sheriff's Department regarding rescue efforts following an ATV crash in the Blue Ridge area.

FLAGSTAFF — Authorities say a northern Arizona wildfire started by a weekend ATV crash is preventing them from reaching the scene, where the bodies of four people are believed to be.

Coconino County Sheriff's deputies say tracks indicate the ATV went off a Forest Service road and plunged 400 feet down a cliff near Blue Ridge Saturday.

Sheriff's office spokesman Jon Paxton said Monday that investigators don't know why the vehicle veered off the road.

The four people riding in the ATV were reported overdue Saturday afternoon.

Authorities are treating the scene as a recovery operation.

Paxton says the accident is likely what started the 10-acre blaze.

MORE: Fire, News, Public Safety
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