A wildfire erupted in the mountainous city of Flagstaff, Arizona, that prompted the evacuation of campers, residents of rural areas in Coconino County. Called the "Rafael Fire," the incident also prompted the closure of Coconino National Forest in Flagstaff to preserve the resources in putting out the fire.

Associated Press reported that the wildfire in Flagstaff sparked when lightning struck the west of Sedona, starting a blaze 31sq-miles moving towards Flagstaff. Coconino County Sheriff spokesman, John Paxton, confirmed that hundreds of people in Flagstaff would be affected if the wildfire continues its northeastern push.

Wildfire in Flagstaff Arizona Closes Coconino National Forest Completely

Because of the wildfire, Coconino County announced to the residents of certain areas to prepare for a "GO" order to evacuate.

"Due to the Rafael Fire, all areas south of 1-40, west of I-17, including University Heights, Kachina Village, Forest Highlands, Pine Dell, and Woody Mountain Road are now in SET status," said the Coconino County in a Tweet.

As of Monday, the wildfire was moving parallel to interstate 40 along the Yavapai and Coconino County lines.

Apart from the evacuation, the Coconino National Park will also be closed to the public, beginning at eight in the morning on Wednesday. The closure of the forest was done due to fire danger, dry conditions, and persistent wildfire activity, according to a 12 News report.

Aside from Coconino National Forest, the Kaibab National Forest will also be closed in the same time frame. National Forest Service confirmed that the complete closure will prohibit the public from entering any part of the national forests. However, those who have private inholding inside the forests will be allowed to enter, as well as firefighters and those who provide utility services.

"This closure will not be rescinded until sufficient precipitation is received to adequately reduce the risk of wildfire," said the officials in FOX10.

Those who would violate the closure will face up to six months imprisonment. Individuals could face a fine amounting to $5,000 while organizations would pay up to $10,000.

The wildfire in Coconino County has already burned 20,000 acres. Firefighters have yet to contain any of the wildfire's perimeter.

Other WIldfires in the West

The wildfire in Coconino County occurred as the western states of the U.S. experienced scorching heat. It can be remembered that on June 17, the heatwave in the region made Phoenix reach a historic 118 degrees, and prompted other states like California in preserving energy to avoid power disturbances.

Furthermore, Coconino County is not the only one that experienced wildfires in the west, amplified by the scorching heat in the region. In California, firefighters faced a difficult task in containing a forest fire in the rugged coastal mountains south of Big Sur. The fire prompted evacuation from a campground and a Buddhist monastery.

Utah also experienced the same dilemma as several wildfires burned due to bone-dry conditions.

But aside from the Coconino County wildfire that prompted the closure of Coconino National Forest on Wednesday, Arizona took another blow as another wildfire burned near Superior. The wildfire in superior was determined to be human-caused and was nearly 70 percent contained as of Monday.

WATCH: Multiple Fires Burning in Arizona, Evacuations Ordered - From ABC15 Arizona