Stage 1 fire restrictions start May 5 in Arizona's national forests
Stage 1 fire restrictions will be in place starting May 5 in the Coconino National Forest, the Tonto National Forest and southern parts of the Kaibab National Forest.
That means fires of any kind, including charcoal or wood stoves, are prohibited except in developed campgrounds. And that includes smoking outdoors. Liquid fuels are OK in clear areas.
Kaibab National Forest spokeswoman Brienne Pettit said it’s early for these restrictions but not the earliest she’s seen.
"It is however a sign that our conditions are pretty dry a lot earlier in the year than many of us are used to," she said.
The restrictions follow the two large wildfires now ablaze in Arizona that have burned an estimated 44 square miles of the state and at least 30 homes.
Pettit says she herself has been evacuated twice in previous wildfires.
Stage 1 fire restrictions for Coconino, Tonto and Prescott forests include:
Stage 1 fire restrictions
During Stage 1, the following is prohibited at all times:
- Igniting, building, maintaining, or using a fire, including charcoal and briquettes.
- Smoking.
Exemptions during Stage 1:
- Using a stove or grill that is solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or pressurized liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels.
- Having a campfire within a developed recreation site.
- Smoking within an enclosed vehicle, building, or developed recreation site.
More information on fire restrictions on all state and federal lands are available at wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions.
Stage 1 fire restrictions for Flagstaff include:
- Smoking and use of electronic cigarettes are prohibited in all public places within the city of Flagstaff, including city parks, open spaces, and the Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS).
- The sale or use of consumer-grade fireworks is prohibited.
- The use of charcoal and wood-fired BBQs are prohibited in city parks and open spaces.
