Although there is potential for precipitation this weekend, fire danger in Coconino County remains significantly high. Representatives from both Coconino and Kaibab National Forests have indicated their intent to move to Stage 2 fire restrictions Friday, June 21 at 8 a.m. Per Coconino County Ordinance 2024-01, Coconino County Emergency Management (CCEM) will implement Stage 2 fire restrictions in all unincorporated areas of the County at the same time.
Under the County’s Stage 2 restrictions the following activities are prohibited at all times, in all County jurisdictions:
- Igniting, building, maintaining, or using a fire, including fires fueled by combustible materials such as wood, charcoal, briquettes, and/or coal.
- Smoking outdoors.
- Use of internal combustion engines for common household-only activities, such as landscaping or property maintenance and repair.
- Use of explosive targets, tracer rounds, or incendiary ammunition.
- Outdoor mechanical and industrial operations such as welding and/or the use of acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
Using a stove, wood pellet smoker, grill, fire ring, or other manufactured device that is fueled solely by pressurized liquid petroleum or pressurized liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuel that can be turned on and turned off (for example, a gas grill) is permitted provided the devices are located within a Developed Site as defined by the County’s Wildfire Defense Ordinance. The use of fireworks is always prohibited on all National Forest and State lands.
Fire restrictions are implemented to help prevent human-caused fires and to limit the exposure of visitors during periods of potentially dangerous fire conditions. Decisions about fire restrictions are based on a combination of carefully measured factors. Criteria used to determine when to implement restrictions include current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, fire activity levels, enduring drought, and available firefighting resources.
Additional restrictions could be forthcoming if conditions warrant. Fire restrictions typically remain in effect until the region receives significant, widespread precipitation. The public is reminded to always be extra cautious when recreating on private or public land, regardless of restrictions. Violations could result in fines and/or jail time.
For information on Coconino County’s Stage 1, 2, and 3 fire restrictions please visit: www.coconino.az.gov/firerestrictions.
Information about all Arizona state and federal fire restrictions, including an interactive map, can be found at www.coconino.az.gov/firerestrictions. Additional information about the stages of fire restrictions, Forest Orders, and general forest conditions are available for the Kaibab National Forest at fs.usda.gov/kaibab and the Coconino National Forest at fs.usda.gov/coconino.
Awesome, thanks for helping raise awareness!