Prescott National Forest

Due to lack of monsoon precipitation and key criteria being met for restrictions, the Prescott National Forest will enter Stage I Fire Restrictions on Friday, August 14th at 8 a.m.  The goal of the fire restrictions is to protect public health by reducing the number of preventable human-caused wildfires. Restrictions will remain in effect until forest officials determine that conditions have changed sufficiently to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfire.
 
Stage I fire restrictions prohibit the following:

With minimal monsoon moisture received this year, Fire Managers on the Prescott NF plan to implement Stage I Fire Restrictions.  Campfire, smoking, and shooting restrictions will likely go into effect on the Prescott National Forest next week; August 12-14.  Fire Managers have determined that key criteria will be reached or near enough to warrant taking these restrictive actions.  These include lack of moisture this time of year, escalating fire weather conditions, the potential commitment of firefighting resources across the region/nation, and increased forest visitor use. 

Ground and aviation resources were able to make progress on the Pine Fire yesterday as they attempted to secure the fires edge. Ground resources were able to utilize the type 3 helicopter to aid them with their efforts dropping water on the active portion of the fire. The remote Pine Mountain Wilderness would present challenges to extract injured personnel if an incident were to occur. Contingency plans as well as a Fireline Medical Team are in place.

Fire information:

The Prescott National Forest has lifted all fire restrictions and we ask the public to please be vigilant in your activities.  Stop, look, and think before you do something that may cause a spark or start of a fire in the Forest.  Unattended campfires are still the leading human cause of wildfire.

The Pine Fire experienced a short lull in monsoonal moisture at the end of last week. With the continuing trend of high temperatures, smoke has been visible the past few days. Late Tuesday, Aerial resources (Air Attack) observed the fire backing to the South into an unnamed drainage East of Bishop Creek Drainage. Despite the fire’s Wilderness location, fire managers decided to engage the fire by use of both aerial and ground resources.

Due to precipitation received and the potential for continued monsoon activity across the forest, the Prescott National Forest will lift all fire and recreational shooting restrictions on Saturday, August 1st at 8:00 AM.  While all fire restrictions will be lifted, forest visitors are reminded that the potential for wildfires still exist and to please use caution with campfires and other potential ignition sources. 

The Pine Fire again received significant precipitation yesterday afternoon and evening aiding in the minimization of fire activity. Air Attack observed the fire prior to afternoon storms and implied that no smoke was visible. Fire managers will continue to monitor as more precipitation is expected. Forest ordered closures can be expected in the future so that fire managers and forest personnel can go in and evaluate the fire area to mitigate any hazard trees along the wilderness trail systems for public safety. This will be the last press release unless any significant events occur. 

The Pine fire received significant moisture yesterday diminishing fire activity. Fire managers may have Air Attack fly over the fire to monitor and gather information within the fire area. Forest ordered closures can be expected in the future so that fire managers and forest personnel can go in and evaluate the fire area to mitigate any hazard trees along the wilderness trail systems for public safety. 

Attention target shooters! The Prescott National Forest will implement restrictions on target types effective July 24, 2020, in an effort to reduce the amount of refuse and trash being left on the Forest from target shooting.

Predicted Moisture moved in over the Pine Fire yesterday moderating activity. Forest ordered closures can be expected in the future so that fire managers and forest personnel can go in to evaluate the fire area to mitigate any hazard trees along the wilderness trail systems for public safety.