Dry summer: Fire restrictions are back on in AZ national forests. Here's what that means
Thanks to an inactive monsoon, Kaibab, Coconino and Prescott national forests will reimpose Stage 1 fire restrictions at 8 a.m. Friday, Aug. 14.
Tonto National Forest instituted Stage 1 fire restrictions on July 31 after rescinding Stage 3 restrictions put in place earlier in the season.
Forest officials cited the lack of rain and unfavorable fire weather conditions. Currently, 93.6% of Arizona is experiencing drought conditions.
Prescott National Forest said in a statement that “potential commitment of firefighting resources across the region/nation and increased forest visitor use” were other criteria used to reinstate fire restrictions.
Apache-Sitgreaves and Coronado national forests currently have no fire restrictions.
More:Do cactuses survive wildfires? What the Bush Fire could mean for Arizona's iconic saguaro
What are Stage 1 fire restrictions?
Stage 1 fire restrictions prohibit:
- Building, igniting, attending or maintaining any sort of stove fire or campfire with charcoal, coal or wood except within a designated recreation site.
- Smoking outside of an enclosed vehicle, building or developed recreation site. Visitors may smoke while stopped at a location that is barren or has a 3-foot diameter that has been cleared of flammable debris.
The restrictions allow:
- Petroleum-fueled stoves that can be turned on and off and stove fires in designated areas.
- Shooting firearms while following federal rules. Note that in Tonto National Forest, firing a gun is prohibited under Stage 1 restrictions.
- Use of chainsaws.
Violating a fire ban can result in fines and a mandatory appearance in federal court. Check current Arizona fire restrictions at https://firerestrictions.us/az.
Reach the reporter at Shaena.Montanari@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @DrShaena.
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