Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests moves to Stage 2 fire restrictions

The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests will implement forest-wide Stage 2 fire restrictions at 8 a.m. Thursday, May 26, 2022. The restrictions are necessary to reduce human-caused wildfires during periods of high fire danger and persistent severe fire conditions. Forest Order #03-01-22-10 and Exhibit A are on the forest website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/asnf/alerts-notices

Under Stage 2 fire restrictions the following activities are prohibited:

• Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, including charcoal and briquettes. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(a).
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three (3) feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(d).
• Blasting, welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(i).
• Using an explosive. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(b).
• Possessing or using a motor vehicle off National Forest System roads, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway and except for parking overnight in Forest Service developed campgrounds and trailheads. 36 C.F.R. § 261.56.

Forest managers consider several factors before implementing fire restrictions, including current fire danger and fire activity, local, regional, and national fire preparedness levels, expected weather conditions, availability of firefighting resources, and the economic impacts on businesses and communities. The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests coordinate fire restrictions with federal, state, tribal and local partners.

Violations are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations and/or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months.

Stay up to date on news from the A - S at our website https://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf, on Twitter @A_SNFs and on facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs.