ROAD TRIPS

Dry summer: Fire restrictions are back on in AZ national forests. Here's what that means

Shaena Montanari
Arizona Republic

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? 

The Bush Fire continues to burn on the eastern side of Mount Ord in the Tonto National Forest on June 24, 2020.

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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