Fire restrictions restarted in Coconino, Yavapai counties due to lack of rain

PHOENIX — Fire restrictions in parts of Coconino and Yavapai counties are back into effect due to the lack of rain from the monsoon season.

Coconino County, south of the Grand Canyon, and all of Yavapai County state lands returned to Stage I fire restrictions beginning Friday at 8 a.m., the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management said in a press release Wednesday.

The state land south of Grand Canyon National Park had its restrictions lifted on Aug. 2, while Yavapai’s were removed a few days later on Aug. 4.

Stage 1 fire restrictions are put in place to prevent wildfires caused by campfires and smoking.

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.

The Kaibab and Coconino national forests are also under Stage I restrictions beginning Friday.

State lands in Coconino County, south of the Grand Canyon, remain at Stage II fire restrictions. The county’s restrictions mirror Gila, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave and Yuma Counties.

Stage 2 restrictions encompass activities such as using tools with an internal combustion engine, welding or using a tool with an open flame, detonating fireworks or other incendiary devices and discharging a firearm when not engaged in lawful hunting activities.

The state has experienced a busy wildfire season this year.

Almost 700,00 acres have burned in Arizona this season, leading the country and more than doubling California, the state with the second-most acres burned.

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