restrictions

Effective Friday, July 30, fire restrictions for all Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands administered by the Arizona Strip District will be lifted. Due to cooler temperatures and increased precipitation causing a rise in fuel moisture, it has been determined that the likelihood of wildfire has lessened to the degree that the restrictions can be rescinded.  

Before going hiking or camping, ensure you are aware of fire regulations, restrictions, or area closures.  

The Tonto National Forest in coordination with federal, state, and local partners will terminate the current Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective July 21, 2021 at 8 a.m. due to reduced fire danger.

The restrictions were implemented to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires during periods of high fire danger and elevated fire weather conditions.

Coconino County will lift all fire restrictions on private lands in the unincorporated areas of the County in coordination with similar actions by the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests, as well as other agencies in the area.

The lifting of the fire restrictions is effective July 16, 2021 at 6:00 a.m. This action to lift fire restrictions ends the County’s campfire ban and Stage 2 fire restrictions enacted earlier this summer. 

As of 6:00 a.m. today, July 6, Coconino County has moved back to Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in coordination with the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests.

This decision was made due to the cooler temperatures and recent rainfall which has reduced the risk of wildfire.

Even with the rain and lower temperatures, Coconino County remains in a drought and therefore fire danger remains. The following restrictions apply on County public lands, as well as private lands in the unincorporated areas of the County:

1.    Campfires and open fires

2.    Fireworks

ANNOUNCEMENT: 

The Coconino National Forest will reopen to the public beginning 6 a.m. July 6.

Recreation technicians ask for patience as they work to remove gates, locks and barriers throughout the coming days.

This will be the final daily update from the Rafael Fire.  According to Incident Commander Troy Mueller, fire managers at Coconino, Kaibab, and Prescott National Forests will assume management of the Rafael Fire Tuesday morning at 6 a.m.

ANNOUNCEMENT:

Beginning June 30, 2021, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Arizona Strip District will implement Stage 2 fire restrictions. Fire restrictions are a tool many agencies use to restrict activities known to be the most common causes of wildfires. Continued dry conditions and an increase in wildfire activity throughout Arizona have led agencies to implement fire restrictions. Preventing wildfires keeps communities and firefighters safe; reducing their risk and exposure to injury, smoke, and disease. 

The Walnut Fire was reported on Mae West Peak, in the Texas Canyon-area of Cochise County, Sunday, June 20, 2021 around 6:00 am. The fire was mapped by air Tuesday at 6,800 acres and is approximately seven miles northwest of Dragoon.

Firefighters responded Sunday and have been working in rugged terrain and extreme heat over the past two days. The Albuquerque Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team was brought in and as of Tuesday has assumed command of the Walnut Fire. The team provides more resources to support firefighters in the full suppression and management of this fire.