Coconino National Forest officials are implementing additional fire restrictions. Under these restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal or wood stoves continue to be prohibited on the forest, including in developed campgrounds. The restrictions also limit smoking to within enclosed vehicles or buildings. Fireworks are always prohibited on National Forest System lands.
Additional restrictions prohibit:
- chainsaw use from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m,
- discharging a firearm unless engaged in a lawful hunt,
- welding,
- use of explosives,
- operating a motorized vehicle off National Forest system roads, which includes Cinder Hills OHV.
- using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order.
Pressurized liquid or gas stoves and lanterns that can be turned off are allowed.
“These restrictions are necessary in order to protect the public and the national forest due to high fire danger,” said Earl Stewart, Coconino National Forest supervisor. “We thank the public for their continued cooperation.”
The fire restrictions will remain in place until the forest receives significant precipitation. Violation of the prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000, imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.
The City of Flagstaff’s Kimberly Ott issued this statement today:
Coconino National Forest officials announced today that they will implement additional fire restrictions beginning Wednesday at 8 a.m.
The City of Flagstaff will also implement Stage 2 fire restrictions on Wednesday morning. Those include removing or covering all grills at all City parks. All open fires/flames including wood or charcoal grills and outdoor fireplaces will beprohibited throughout the community. Gas grills and other devices with an On/Off switch are permitted for use on private land. The Flagstaff Police Department will activate the Woods Watch Group, as part of the additional fire restrictions.
Stage 1 restrictions already in place in the City of Flagstaff include No Smoking on or near the Thorpe and McPhearson Disc Golf Courses, at Buffalo Park and on all FUTS trails.
The use of consumer fireworks are prohibited within the City of Flagstaff.
A July 4th display utilizing “close-proximity fireworks” (not to be confused with consumer fireworks) is planned, at this time, at the Mall. This event will be conducted by licensed and insured pyrotechnic professionals, is supported by the City and will be hosted by the Flagstaff Mall & Marketplace. The “close-proximity” show or low altitude fireworks display keeps sparks and embers within a very small and safe area instead of launching them into the air where embers could be carried over much larger areas.
