Despite rainfall throughout the greater Flagstaff region, fire restrictions remain in place. The following news releases has been issued by officials at the Coconino National Forest.
A high volume of recreational traffic is expected in the forest through the Fourth of July week and upcoming weekend, and forest users are reminded to be safe and to abide by the current restrictions in place across the forest.
Additionally, the Fossil Creek area is closed due to extreme fire danger and will not be open until the area receives significant moisture. More information and a detailed map of the closure area can be found at http://tinyurl.com/o76cqmf. Campsites will fill up quickly, so visitors should call the nearest ranger station to inquire on status, keeping in mind that most federal offices throughout the state will be closed on the Fourth of July. Crowding and traffic is expected at popular creek-side locations near Sedona, so consider rim campgrounds near Flagstaff and Happy Jack as an alternative.
Stage II fire restrictions prohibit the following:
1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or stove fire, including fires in developed campgrounds and improved sites.
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
3. Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun, except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal, or tribal laws and regulations.
4. Operating any internal combustion engine from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (See Exemptions below for further explanation)
5. Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
Exemptions to the restrictions include the following:
1. Using a device fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the device.
2. Operating generators with an approved spark arresting device within an enclosed vehicle or building or in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the generator.
3. Operating motorized vehicles in compliance with forest Travel Management regulations.