Stage 2 fire restrictions begin Wednesday evening on Coconino National Forest
The Coconino National Forest will implement Stage 2 fire and smoking restrictions beginning 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 18 as the threat of unwanted wildfires increases due to hot, dry and windy weather conditions.
Under Stage 2 fire restrictions, the following are prohibited at all times forest-wide:
- Igniting, building, maintaining, or using a fire (including charcoal and briquettes) anywhere within the Coconino National Forest, including developed recreation sites. This prohibition also includes smudge pots and wood stoves.
- Smoking outside (with the exemption of smoking within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material).
- Blasting, welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
- Within specific areas of the Flagstaff Ranger District motorized vehicles will be prohibited on forest roads of the San Francisco Peaks area, Pumphouse Wash area and Marshall Lake area.
The following is prohibited from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. forest-wide:
- Operating a generator, chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine for felling, bucking, skidding, processing, road building and woodcutting during industrial operations or firewood gathering capable of igniting a fire. (with the exemption of generators equipped with an approved spark-arresting device in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the generator).
Stoves or grills fueled by propane, pressurized liquid petroleum or pressurized liquid petroleum gas may be used during Stage 2 fire restrictions.
Fire restrictions are implemented to help prevent human-caused fires and to limit the exposure of visitors during periods of potentially dangerous fire conditions. Decisions about fire restrictions are based on a combination of carefully measured factors. Criteria used to determine when to implement restrictions include, current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, fire activity levels, enduring drought and available firefighting resources.
Violating a campfire restriction is a Federal Class B Misdemeanor, which may incur fines up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment up to six months with civil restitution.
The public is reminded to always be extra cautious when recreating on public lands, regardless of restrictions.
Additional Resources for Statewide Fire Restrictions
National forest fire restrictions can differ from local, county, and state fire restrictions, so be sure to check the location of where you are recreating or camping for specific fire restrictions. Below are resources for many different locations across Arizona: