Coconino National Forest Implements Stage 2 Fire Restrictions
The Coconino National Forest will implement Stage 2 fire and smoking restrictions beginning Tuesday, June 30 as the threat of unwanted wildfires increases due to hot, dry and windy weather conditions.
Under Stage 2 restrictions, the following are prohibited:
- 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.
- Operating a generator, chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine during industrial operations or firewood gathering (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).
Additionally, motorized vehicles will be prohibited within several specific roads on the Flagstaff Ranger District, including roads near the San Francisco Peaks area, Pumphouse Wash area and Marshall Lake area. Extensive research and data shows that restricting motor vehicle access to these particularly sensitive areas during Stage 2 restrictions have been shown to be extremely effective in preventing human-caused wildfires. These areas have also been chosen for motorized restrictions due to the difficulty for firefighters to quickly suppress fires within them due to the topography, high wind speeds and other geographic challenges.
Stoves or grills fueled by propane, pressurized liquid petroleum or pressurized liquid petroleum gas may be used during Stage 2 fire restrictions.
Historical data shows Stage 2 restrictions typically last between 28 and 35 days on the Coconino National Forest. Stage 2 restrictions end either when conditions warrant a need to move to Stage 3 restrictions—a full-forest closure—or when the area receives significant, widespread precipitation and restrictions can be scaled back or removed.
Violations could result in mandatory appearance in a federal court, fines or jail time.
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:
