Coconino Forest Imposes Level 2 Fire Restrictions

The Coconino National Forest will implement Level 2 fire and smoking restrictions starting at 8 a.m. Friday, June 21, as the threat of unwanted wildfires increases due to hot weather conditions , dry and windy.

Under Stage 2 restrictions, the following are prohibited throughout the forest:

o Light, construct, maintain, or use a fire, including charcoal and briquettes, anywhere in the Coconino National Forest, including developed recreation sites. This ban also concerns pots and wood stoves.

o Smoking outdoors, except smoking in an enclosed vehicle or building, in a developed recreational site, or while stationary in an area at least three feet in diameter that is sterile or cleared of all flammable material.

o Sandblasting, welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame

o Operate a generator, chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine during industrial or firewood gathering operations, except generators equipped with an approved spark arrestor in an area sterile or cleared of any flammable material in the air and surroundings. within three feet of the generator.

o Additionally, motorized vehicles will be prohibited on several specific roads in the Flagstaff Ranger District, including roads near the San Francisco Peaks Area, Pumphouse Wash Area, and Marshall Lake Area.

This is the first year that motor vehicle restrictions will be implemented during Stage 2 restrictions as part of a pilot program. “We took the decision two years ago to restrict motor vehicle access to particularly sensitive areas during phase 2 restrictions in order to prevent human-caused wildfires,” said the district ranger Matt McGrath. “It is notoriously difficult for firefighters to quickly extinguish spot fires in certain areas of the District due to topography, high wind speeds and other geographic challenges. »

Over the past decade, 90 percent of human-caused wildfires in the Flagstaff Ranger District have occurred within 500 feet of a Forest Service road.

“Limiting motor vehicle use in these areas is the best way we have found to balance community safety and access to public lands,” McGrath added. “Restricting motor vehicle use on a small part of the district for a small part of the year appears to be the best way to significantly reduce the 90% of human-caused wildfires. »

Stoves or grills fueled by propane, pressurized liquid petroleum, or pressurized liquid petroleum gas may be used during Stage 2 fire restrictions.

Historical data shows that Phase 2 restrictions typically last between 28 and 35 days in the Coconino National Forest. Stage 2 restrictions end either when conditions warrant a move to Stage 3 restrictions – a complete closure of the forest – or when the area receives significant, widespread rainfall and restrictions can be reduced or removed .

Violations can result in a mandatory appearance in federal court, fines, or jail time.