Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Implements Stage II Fire Restrictions Friday, May 23
Springerville, AZ; May 21, 2014—To protect public health and safety due to increasing fire danger, the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (ASNFs) will implement Stage II fire restrictions effective Friday, May 23, at 8 a.m. These additional fire restrictions will remain in effect until forest officials determine that conditions have changed sufficiently to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfire. No campfires are allowed until Stage II fire restrictions are lifted.
Stage II fire restrictions prohibit the following:
- Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or stove fire except for devices fueled solely by liquid petroleum or 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 feet of the device.
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
- Using an explosive.
- Possessing, discharging or using any type of firework or pyrotechnic device.
- Operating a chainsaw or any equipment powered by an internal combustion engine from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Welding or operating acetylene or other torches with an open flame.
- Operating or using any internal or external combustion engines without a spark arresting device.
- Possessing or using a motor vehicle off National Forest System roads, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway or parking overnight in Forest Service developed campgrounds and trailheads.
To report a fire, call 911.
The ASNFs coordinate weekly with federal, state, and tribal land management agencies and counties, cities, and towns in the White Mountains to determine what level of fire restrictions or closures may be necessary. Criteria used to determine whether to implement fire restrictions include weather, fuel moisture, fire activity, and available firefighting resources. There are also important components of risk management and the professional judgment of fire managers and line officers.
Community concerns are always considered. We are hearing a range of opinions and comments from local community members and visitors. We aim to be responsive to community concerns and to try to allow for safe and reasonable use of the forests. This is often a difficult and delicate balance. In addition to increasing fire restrictions, additional law enforcement officers will be on duty for the next two weeks.
Follow the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests on Twitter (@A_SNFs) for instant updates on fire information, fire restrictions, and fire prevention.
Know Before You Go! To help you understand where and when fire restrictions and possible closures exist, there are several resources available. The public can obtain additional fire information via the following:
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