SOUTHWESTERN-NEWS-RELEASE: Coconino National Forest

["Smith, Brady -FS" <bradysmith@xxxxxxxxx>]

NEWS RELEASE                   

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

U.S. Forest Service

Coconino National Forest

www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino                                           

www.twitter.com/CoconinoNF

www.flickr.com/photos/coconinonationalforest

 

For Immediate Release

June 23, 2013

           

Contact:  Brady Smith

Cell:  928-310-6817

 

Freidlein Fire north of Flagstaff

 

Flagstaff, Ariz. – Coconino National Forest personnel responded to the Freidlein Fire yesterday and are currently working to contain the 1-acre fire just several miles north of Flagstaff.

 

The human-caused fire was reported yesterday at 5:30 p.m. and is located off Forest Road 522 near Freidlein Prairie, making the smoke visible from Flagstaff.

 

Resources on scene include a hand crew, one engine, water tender and miscellaneous personnel.

 

The fire is currently under investigation and officials remind the public that the national forest is in Stage II Restrictions.

 

Fire prevention personnel making contacts throughout the forest are finding many people who are not following the restriction rules and building campfires.

 

Stage II restrictions stipulate the following is prohibited:

1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove, including fires in developed campgrounds and improved sites. (This means NO campfires at all).

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.
5. Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with an open flame.

 

The Coconino National Forest will enter a fire danger rating of “extreme” on Monday.

 

“Extreme” fire danger means that fires start quickly, spread furiously, and burn intensely. All fires are potentially serious. Direct attack of fires is rarely possible for firefighters and may be dangerous except immediately after ignition.

 

Visitors to the national forests are urged to comply with the restrictions that are in effect.

 

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Respectfully,

Brady

 

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Brady Smith, MBA

Forest Public Affairs Officer

Coconino National Forest

Tel:  (928) 527-3490

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www.coconinoforest.us

www.flickr.com/photos/coconinonationalforest

 

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