Q&AZ: Where In Arizona Can I Start A Campfire When I Go Camping With Fire Restrictions?

By Vaughan Jones
Published: Monday, August 16, 2021 - 5:05am
Updated: Monday, August 16, 2021 - 8:51am
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During Arizona’s peak wildfire season, the state’s Department of Forestry and Fire Management puts restrictions in place to prevent campers from accidentally starting fires.

Through KJZZ's Q&AZ project, a listener asked: Where in Arizona can I have a campfire when I am tent camping?

Even during wildfire season, there are still ways to stay warm on camping trips.

Tiffany Davila is with the state Department of Forestry and Fire Management. She says if Stage 1 restrictions are in place, campers can build a fire at an established campground. 

If Stage 2 restrictions are in place, which is often the case during wildfire season, a certain type of fuel is needed to start a fire.

“Stage 2 fire restrictions, no campfires are allowed. If they’re using something based solely off liquid petroleum that turns on and off, they can have that,” said Davila.

Davila says that while fire restrictions from her department are no longer in place for this year, it’s important to research an area before you camp. 

She says some areas previously burned by wildfire still have regulations from local forestry jurisdictions.

Q&AZ Wildfires