Prescott National Forest Plans to Enters Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on May 5, 2022, at 8:00 AM

The Prescott National Forest is planning to enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective May 5, 2022, at 8:00 a.m. due to increasing fire activity and dry conditions. The increased fire danger is due to insufficient moisture and dry fuel conditions across the forest.

Fire officials use several criteria to determine when to modify fire restrictions, including current and predicted weather, fuel moistures, fire activity, and available firefighting resources. These restrictions reduce the risk of unwanted human-caused wildfires during periods of high fire danger and elevated fire weather conditions.  Fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices are ALWAYS prohibited on National Forests. 

Stage 1 fire restrictions prohibit the following:

1. Igniting, building, maintaining, or using a fire, including charcoal and briquettes outside a fire structure that is provided by the Forest Service within a designated area. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(a).
2. 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).
3. Discharging a firearm, except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal, or tribal laws and regulations. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(m).

Exemptions to the restrictions include the following:

1. Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. §261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from the provisions in this Order:
2. Holders of Forest Service Special Use Authorizations are exempt from Prohibition #1 above, provided such fires are within a fire structure and they are within their permitted area.
3. Persons engaged in legal hunting activity are allowed to discharge a firearm while taking wildlife
4. Persons using a stove or grill that is solely fueled by liquid petroleum or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels.
5. Persons using a stove fire in a designated area.
6. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of official duty.

Violators of the above restrictions are subject to fines and/or imprisonment.

To view Forest Order 03-09-00-22-03: Prescott National Forest Emergency Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, please go to Alerts & Notices.

For fire information please call (928) 925-1111; or stay up to date on Prescott National Forest news by checking the Prescott NF website and following us on Facebook and Twitter.