Fire Restrictions In Effect Across Northern Arizona

FLAGSTAFF (NAZ Today)– Fire restrictions are in effect on nearly all public lands across northern Arizona.

The Coconino and Kaibab National Forests enacted restrictions at 8 am Wednesday morning, restricting campfires to developed campsites only.  Any types of fire, including (but not limited to) campfires, charcoal, coal, and wood stoves, are prohibited unless they are being used within the campsites.  Additionally, smoking is prohibited unless it is inside of a vehicle, in a building, or in a developed campground.  Violators face up to six months in jail and $5,000 in fines.

Stoves fueled by gas or other pressurized liquids, along with lanterns and heaters that meet safety specifications, are still allowed on public lands.

Following suit, Coconino County enacted similar restrictions within county parks.  Here is the list of restrictions within Coconino County parks:

• Camping is permitted only in the designated campground in Fort Tuthill County Park;
• Smoking is strictly prohibited outdoors and only allowed in designated areas and/or in enclosed vehicles;
• Parking is prohibited on grassy forested areas and only allowed in designated parking areas;
• Open fires are prohibited. This includes campfires, charcoal grills, torches, fireworks, and candles. Only Liquid gas stoves are permitted in improved areas (cleared of all vegetation, typically cinder or gravel surface).

The City of Flagstaff is also enforcing Level 1 restrictions. In addition to all of the above, the Flagstaff Fire Department is:

• Prohibiting cooking and all outdoor fires (including wood/charcoal/gas stoves) in city parks;
• Prohibiting smoking on the Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS), Thorpe and McPhearson Disc Golf Courses and Buffalo Park; and
• Removing grills from Thorpe and McPhearson Parks.

The restrictions will be in place until further notice, according to officials from the various jurisdictions.