Prescott National Forest Plans to Enter Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on Thursday, May 26 at 8:00 A.M.

Due to increasing fire danger the Prescott National Forest is planning to enter Stage 2 fire restrictions on Thursday, May 26, 2022, at 8 a.m.

The Forest has been under Stage 1 fire restrictions since May 5, which prohibits recreational target shooting and campfires across the forest; and limits them to developed campsites only. However, warmer, and windy weather, as well as key criteria are being met, which merits implementation of increased fire restrictions.   These additional fire restrictions will remain in effect until forest officials determine that conditions have changed sufficiently to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfire.

Stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit the following:

1.     Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, including charcoal, coal, and briquettes.

2.     Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three (3) feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material.

3.     Welding, or operating any acetylene or other torch with an open flame.

4.     Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun.

5.     Operating a chainsaw or other equipment operated by an internal combustion engine between the hours of 9:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Know Before You Go! The public can obtain current state and federal fire restrictions information across Arizona on the Arizona Interagency Wildfire Prevention and Information website .  The map is a culmination of work from federal, state, and local agencies who hope to explain to the public where it is safe to have fires and where it’s not. The map shows all fire restrictions in New Mexico and Arizona, regardless of jurisdiction.

For fire information please call (928) 925-1111; or stay up to date on Prescott National Forest news by checking the Prescott NF website and following us on Facebook and Twitter.