FLAGSTAFF, AZ — Arizona's national forests and some local governments and land management agencies are implementing stricter campfire and smoking restrictions because of the heightened wildfire threat.
Heightened restrictions ordered by the Apache-Sitgreaves, Coconino, Coronado, Kaibab, Prescott, and Tonto national forests took effect Thursday.
Stage 1 fire restrictions were implemented for most of Arizona's National Forests in early May.
Along with restricting campfires and smoking, the forests' heightened restrictions prohibit or impose limits on various activities.
Those include shooting, welding, using chain saws, running generators and driving motor vehicles off roads.
An Apache-Sitgreaves statement said the restrictions "are necessary to reduce human-caused wildfires during periods of high fire danger and persistent severe fire conditions."
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Prohibitions
- Building maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove including fires in developed campgrounds or improved sites is prohibited. Persons using a device fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is permitted. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the device.
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, is prohibited.
- Discharging a firearm except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal, or tribal laws and regulations is prohibited.
- Mechanical and Industrial prohibitions:
- Operating any internal combustion engine.
- No chainsaw use from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M.
- Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.
- Using an explosive.
