Stage 2 Fire Restrictions include recreational shooting restrictions

Beginning at 8 a.m., today, Thursday, May 26, 2022 Stage 2 Fire, Smoking and Recreational Shooting Restrictions took effect on the entire Prescott National Forest.  Stage 2 Fire Restrictions extend fire and smoking restrictions to include developed recreation sites.

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. 

PROHIBITIONS:

1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, including charcoal, coal, and briquettes. 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. Welding, or operating any acetylene or other torch with an open flame. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(i).
4. Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(m).
5. THE FOLLOWING ACTS ARE PROHIBITED FROM 9:00 A.M. TO 8:00 P.M.: Operating a chainsaw or other equipment operated by an internal combustion engine. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(h), (j).

EXEMPTIONS:

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. §261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from the provisions in this Order:

1. Persons with a written Forest Service authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order.
2. Persons using a device solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or pressurized liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels that can be turned on and off. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three (3) feet of the device.
3. Persons operating generators with an approved spark arresting device in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials with three (3) feet of the generator.
4. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of official duty. 
5. Persons engaged in legal hunting activity pursuant to state, federal, or tribal laws and regulations are allowed to discharge a firearm while taking wildlife.

For Prescott National Forest 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.