4 national forests in Arizona to begin fire restrictions

Restrictions on campfires and smoking at Coconino, Kaibab, Prescott and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests in order to protect public health and reduce preventable human-caused fires will begin at 8 a.m. Wednesday.

According to Deputy Public Affairs Officer of the Forest Service George F. Jozens, the restrictions have fires, campfires, coal, charcoal and wood stoves only allowed in developed campgrounds. Those campgrounds are run by concessionaires or hosts of the campground.

Preventing unwanted or human-caused fires is the reason the restrictions are in place, as well as limiting the exposure of those using the items to dangerous fire conditions.

Smoking is only allowed in enclosed vehicles, buildings, or developed campgrounds under the restrictions.

The press release notes that these restrictions remain in effect until there’s “significant precipitation,” which leads to them being lifted. Officials would also like those planning on building and maintaining a campfire while these restrictions are in effect is a violation that carries a mandatory appearance in federal court.

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