Arizona Outdoorsman / AZOD

AZOD Navigationè Home | Fishing | Fly Fishing | Hunting | Gun Dogs | Shooting | Off-Highway | Camping

NEWS RELEASE

USDA Forest Service

Coconino and Kaibab National Forests

www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino

www.fs.fed.us/r3/kai

Northern AZ National Forests Implement Fire and Smoking Restrictions

Flagstaff, Ariz. – The Kaibab and Coconino National Forests will have campfire and smoking restrictions beginning Thursday, June 26 at 8 am. The North Kaibab Ranger District located north of the Grand Canyon will not go into restrictions because they have received more moisture and have a lower fire danger than other forested areas in northern Arizona.

The Kaibab and Coconino National Forests remain open for recreation.

The restrictions mean that campfires will be prohibited except in developed recreation sites. A developed recreation site has established campfire rings or grills and typically has picnic tables. Smoking will only be allowed in an enclosed vehicle or building or developed recreation site.

The City of Flagstaff is collaborating with the Forest Service to reduce the likelihood of human caused fires in the greater Flagstaff area. They will implement restrictions the same day as the Forest Service that include limiting smoking to buildings, vehicles and within designated smoking areas. Open fires will also be prohibited in Thorpe and McPherson Parks. Existing open burning permits issued by the Flagstaff Fire Department will be rescinded until further notice. Camping and campfires within city limits are always prohibited.

Fire Restrictions 2

Factors forest managers consider when determining the need for campfire and smoking restrictions include: fire behavior and the potential for fire spread; weather conditions and forecasts; risks to firefighter and public safety; ongoing fire activity and suppression resource availability; social, political and economic impacts; increase/decrease in recreation use. Weathers forecasts for the next few days call for very strong winds. Forest managers would like to remind people that while restrictions do not go into effect until next Thursday, they should be extremely cautious with fires when it is windy. People are discouraged from having fires and should use propane stoves for cooking. Fires should be extinguished by mixing them with water and should be cold enough to touch with the back of the hand before they are left. Strong winds can easily fan smoldering embers.

Fireworks are always prohibited on public in Arizona.

People can get additional fire information at www.fs.fed.us/r3/fire. For other local fire restrictions for any public lands in the southwest, call toll free 1-877-864-6985.