FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — With the potential for continued warm, dry and windy conditions throughout Northern Arizona, Coconino County will enter Stage 1 fire restrictions in alignment with area National Forest decisions. Locations and dates for restrictions are listed below.

County fire restriction stages are:

Stage 1 restrictions for Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest begin on Tuesday, May 19 at 6 a.m. Restrictions include all unincorporated lands within the boundaries of Apache-Sitgreaves and the community of Forest Lakes.

Stage 1 restrictions for Coconino National Forest begin on Thursday, May 21 at 8 a.m. Restrictions include all unincorporated lands within the boundaries of the Coconino National Forest.
No restrictions for the unincorporated lands within the boundaries of Kaibab National Forest.
Fire restrictions are implemented to help prevent human-caused fires and to limit the exposure of visitors during periods of potentially dangerous fire conditions. Decisions about fire restrictions are a collaborative effort with area land management entities and are based on a combination of carefully measured factors. Criteria used to determine when to implement restrictions include current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, fire activity levels, enduring drought and available firefighting resources.

During Stage 1 restrictions include igniting, building, maintaining or using a fire fueled by combustible materials such as wood, charcoal, briquettes and/or coal is strictly prohibited, except within a developed site. Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or a developed site. The use of tracer or incendiary rounds of ammunition or explosive targets is also strictly prohibited.

Using a device that is solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is allowed only in a developed site. A developed site is defined in the County’s Wildfire Defense Ordinance as an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding vegetation and combustible materials within a 15-foot radius of the device.

Additional restrictions could be forthcoming if conditions are warranted. Fire restrictions typically remain in effect until the region receives significant, widespread precipitation.

The public is reminded to always be extra cautious when recreating on public lands, regardless of restrictions. Violations could result in fines and/or jail time.