northern Arizona

Beginning Thursday, May 5 at 8:00 a.m., Stage 1 fire and smoking restrictions will be in effect on the Williams and Tusayan Districts (aka “South Zone”) of the Kaibab National Forest and the entirety of the Coconino National Forest.  

Under Stage 1 restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal, and wood stoves are prohibited, except within a developed recreation site. Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building or a developed recreation site. Fireworks are always prohibited on all national forest and state lands.

Drivers should be prepared to encounter snow and icy road conditions in much of the state’s high country this week as winter storms pass through Arizona.

The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to avoid traveling during any severe winter storm conditions. Motorists should stay up to date on forecasts from the National Weather Service and plan their travel accordingly.

Ensuring reliable power for customers is a priority for Arizona Public Service Co. (APS) no matter the season. Arizona is drying out from the wettest monsoon season since 2014; some parts of the state received more than 200% their normal rainfall. Powerful storms packed with wind and lightning damaged more than 270 APS power poles, but crews were ready to safely and quickly replace them and restore power to impacted customers. More than 170 poles came down in July 2021 alone compared to just seven poles in July 2020. Preparing for extreme weather never stops for APS.