2 national forests in Arizona lift fire restrictions as danger decreases

PHOENIX — Two national forests in Arizona dropped fire restrictions Wednesday, citing reduced danger due to recent monsoon activity.

Tonto and Prescott forests lifted their Stage 1 restrictions, while the Bureau of Land Management lifted its for the Phoenix District.

Stage 1 restrictions prohibited igniting, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or stove fire, including use of charcoal or briquettes, outside a U.S. Forest Service fire structure.

Smoking outside of an enclosed vehicle or building, or a developed recreation site also wasn’t allowed.

Apache-Sitgreaves, Coconino and Kaibab shifted from Stage 2 to Stage 1 restrictions on Friday.

Anyone caught violating fire restrictions is subject to a fine of up to $5,000 and up to six months in prison.

Nearly 500,000 acres have burned in Arizona this year.

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