Fire Restrictions Begin in Coconino National Forest and Flagstaff
With rising temperatures and drier conditions, both Coconino National Forest and the city of Flagstaff are set to enforce their inaugural fire restrictions of the year starting Friday at 8 a.m. This precautionary measure is aimed at minimizing the risk of devastating wildfires in the region.
The stage 1 fire restrictions limit the use of campfires, charcoal, wood stoves, and smudge pots to designated recreation areas. Smoking is also confined to vehicles or designated forest locations only. However, devices powered by pressurized liquid petroleum, propane, or LPG fuels may still be used, provided they are situated in areas devoid of overhead and surrounding materials within a three-foot radius.
Authorities have indicated the possibility of intensifying fire restrictions should conditions deteriorate further. Meanwhile, the city of Flagstaff is also initiating its stage 1 restrictions on the same day.
Within Flagstaff’s city limits, open burning permits will not be issued, and the use of charcoal and wood-fired grills will be banned in parks and open spaces. Additionally, fire pits and other open-flame devices without an on-off switch will be prohibited during red flag days, alongside the sale of fireworks.
In recent weeks, fire bans have been enacted on federal and state lands across much of Arizona. Stage 2 fire bans, which disallow nearly all open flames, are currently enforced in western Arizona, the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests in the east, and most of the southeastern part of the state.
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