Coconino National Forest moves to Stage 2 fire restrictions

With hot, dry and windy weather ramping up the threat of wildfires, northern Arizona’s Coconino National Forest is cracking down on fire and smoking rules starting this week.

Forest officials announced Sunday that Stage 2 fire and smoking restrictions will go into effect at 8 a.m. Tuesday, June 30.

The tougher rules apply forest-wide and ban all campfires, charcoal and briquettes, even inside developed campgrounds and recreation sites. Wood stoves and smudge pots are also prohibited.

Under the Stage 2 order, smoking is banned outdoors unless you are inside an enclosed vehicle or building, at a developed recreation site or stopped in a cleared area at least 3 feet in diameter.

The restrictions also halt blasting, welding and open-flame torches. Generators, chainsaws and other internal combustion engines cannot be operated for industrial work or firewood gathering.

However, campers can still use generators equipped with approved spark arrestors if the area is clear of flammable materials within 3 feet.

Devices fueled by propane, pressurized liquid petroleum or pressurized liquid petroleum gas remain legal to use.

Motorized closures in high-risk areas

Officials are also shutting down motorized vehicle access along several specific roads within the Flagstaff Ranger District.

The motorized ban targets areas near the San Francisco Peaks, Pumphouse Wash and Marshall Lake.

Forest officials noted that data shows cutting off motorized access to these sensitive zones is highly effective at preventing human-caused blazes. The rugged topography and high winds in these areas make it exceptionally difficult for crews to quickly suppress a fire if one breaks out.

How long will Coconino National Forest fire restrictions last?

If history is any indication, visitors should prepare for these rules to stick around for a while. Stage 2 restrictions in the Coconino National Forest typically last between 28 and 35 days, according to historical data.

The restrictions will remain in place until northern Arizona receives enough rain, or if conditions worsen enough to trigger a Stage 3 full-forest closure.

Ignoring the rules carries heavy penalties. Violators face a mandatory federal court appearance, hefty fines or potential jail time.

Authorities also issued a blanket reminder that fireworks are completely illegal on all National Forest lands year-round and urged everyone to use extreme caution while recreating outdoors.

Related

Remaining Pocket Fire resources focus on repair work as crews move toward full containmentSycamore Fire north of Globe nears full containment as crews focus on repairsTonto National Forest to lift fire restrictions citing lower fire dangerCoconino National Forest to lift fire restrictions MondayGrand Canyon to ease fire restrictions on South Rim due to increased monsoon activityHow badly did the Pocket Fire damage land near Sedona? Crews are finding out