Joint
News Release Coconino National Forest: Brady Smith, (928) 527-3490
bradysmith@xxxxxxxxx
Kaibab National Forest: Jacqueline Banks, (928) 635-8314
jcbanks@xxxxxxxxx
Prescott National Forest: Adriane Ragan, (928) 925-1111
aragan@xxxxxxxxx
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests: Marta Call, (928) 333-6336
martaicall@xxxxxxxxx
Fire restrictions to begin Wednesday on four National Forests
Flagstaff, Ariz., June 13, 2016, For Immediate Release —
Campfire and smoking restrictions will begin 8 a.m. Wednesday (June 15) on the Coconino, Kaibab, Prescott and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests in order to protect public
health and reduce preventable human-caused fires.
Under the restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal and wood stoves are allowed in developed campgrounds only, which are managed by concessionaires or have campground
hosts. The restrictions also limit smoking to within enclosed vehicles or buildings or in developed campgrounds. Using a device that is solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is allowed in areas that are clear of flammable
materials. Fireworks are always prohibited on all National Forest lands. On the Prescott National Forest, Stage I restrictions will not allow shooting firearms due to the drier conditions. However, this activity will be allowed on the other National Forests.
The forests use fire restrictions to help prevent unwanted, human-caused fires and to limit the exposure of users during periods of dangerous fire conditions.
Implementation of fire restrictions normally occurs based on a combination of factors that are carefully measured. Criteria used to determine when to implement restrictions include things such as current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, fire activity
levels and available firefighting resources. Additional restrictions may be applied as conditions warrant. In-depth details and criteria for implementing fire restrictions can be found online at
http://tinyurl.com/firerestrictionscriteria.
Additionally, an explanation of the different stages of fire restrictions and what is typically prohibited during those stages can be found online at
http://tinyurl.com/firestagesexplained.
Fire restrictions typically remain in effect until the forests receive significant precipitation, at which time they will be rescinded.
Forest officials would also like to remind forest users that building and maintaining a campfire on the National Forest while under fire restrictions is a violation that
carries a mandatory appearance in federal court. Visitors should use extra caution when recreating on all public lands during fire season.
Know Before You Go!
The public can obtain additional fire information via the following:
·
Arizona Fire Restrictions
http://firerestrictions.us/az/
·
Arizona Fire Prevention & Information (fire restrictions & red flag alerts)
http://wildlandfire.az.gov/
·
Fire Restrictions on Public Lands in Arizona and New Mexico 1-877-864-6985.
·
To learn the latest information about the forest you intend to visit, go to its website:
•
www.coconinonationalforest.us
•
www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
•
www.fs.usda.gov/prescott
•
www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
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George F. Jozens
Deputy Public Affairs Officer
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Forest Service
Coconino National Forest, Supervisors Office
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p: 928-527-3412
gjozens@xxxxxxxxx
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1924 S. Thompson St
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
www.fs.fed.us
  
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Caring for the land and serving people
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