Fire restrictions will begin Thursday in the Coconino National Forest

PHOENIX — Due to compliance with a number of conditions and factors, Level 1 fire and smoking restrictions will begin throughout the Coconino National Forest at 8 a.m. Thursday.

Fire restrictions are implemented based on certain criteria, including for reasons such as current and forecast weather conditions, fuel moisture, fire activity levels and available firefighting resources .

Under Stage 1 restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, wood stoves and smoking pots are prohibited except in a developed recreation site.

Another exemption is the use of a stove or grill fueled only by pressurized petroleum or pressurized liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is permitted in areas that are sterile or cleared of overhead flammable materials. and surrounding area within three feet of the appliance.

Fire restrictions exist to help prevent human-caused fires and limit public exposure in the event of a dangerous fire. They generally remain in effect until the area receives widespread precipitation.

Any violation could result in a mandatory appearance in federal court, fines or prison time.