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Fire restrictions begin on Coconino and Kaibab National Forests

Signs like this one located through the Kaibab National Forest alert visitors to the prevailing fire danger of the day.
Erin Ford/WGCN

Signs like this one located through the Kaibab National Forest alert visitors to the prevailing fire danger of the day.

WILLIAMS, Ariz. - Campfire and smoking restrictions, also known as Stage I fire restrictions, will begin at 8 a.m. June 15 across the entire Kaibab and Coconino National Forests. The goal of the fire restrictions is to protect public health by reducing the number of preventable human-caused wildfires.

Under the restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal and wood stoves are prohibited, except within a developed recreation site. Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building or a developed recreation site. Using a device that is solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is allowed in areas that are barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the device. Fireworks are always prohibited on all national forest lands.

The national forests use fire restrictions to help prevent unwanted, human-caused fires and to limit the exposure of visitors during periods of potentially dangerous fire conditions. Implementation of fire restrictions normally occurs based on a combination of factors that are carefully measured. Criteria used to determine when to implement restrictions include things such as current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, fire activity levels and available firefighting resources. Additional restrictions may be applied as conditions warrant. An explanation of the different stages of fire restrictions and what is typically prohibited during those stages can be found online at tinyurl.com/firestagesexplained. Fire restrictions typically remain in effect until the forests receive significant precipitation, at which time they will be rescinded.

Forest officials would also like to remind visitors that having a campfire on the national forest while under fire restrictions is a violation that carries a mandatory appearance in federal court. Visitors should use extra caution when recreating on all public lands during fire season.


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