Heightened Fire Restrictions Enacted in Coconino National Forest Amid Rising Wildfire Risks
In response to escalating wildfire threats due to current weather conditions, authorities in Coconino National Forest have announced the implementation of heightened stage 2 fire restrictions. These measures will take effect on Wednesday at 6 p.m.
Under the new regulations, the use of campfires, charcoal grills, briquettes, smudge pots, and wood stoves is prohibited, even within developed recreational areas. Additionally, certain areas near Flagstaff, known for their susceptibility to wildfires, will be temporarily inaccessible to motor vehicles. These include regions around the San Francisco Peaks, Pumphouse Wash, and Marshall Lake.
The restrictions extend to activities such as blasting, welding, or using acetylene or other torches with an open flame. Smoking is also restricted except within vehicles, buildings, or designated recreational sites. The operation of generators, chainsaws, and other internal combustion devices will be limited during most daylight hours.
These precautionary steps come as the region faces hot, dry, and windy conditions, heightening the risk of wildfires. Over the weekend, crews successfully contained a small blaze known as the Creighton Fire in the Ft. Valley area north of Flagstaff. Although it only spread across 0.8 acres, the fire generated significant smoke.
Similar fire restrictions have already been put in place across most public lands in western and southern Arizona. Last month, the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests enacted a stage 2 ban while firefighters were engaged in combating the Greer Fire, which ultimately burned over 20,000 acres.
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