Courtesy of the National Forest Service
Fire Restrictions To Begin Tuesday April 22nd for the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest
Springerville, AZ; April 16, 2014—Campfire and smoking restrictions will be implemented at 8 a.m. Tuesday, April 22, on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests in order to protect public health and reduce preventable human-caused fires.
Under stage 1 fire restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal and wood stoves are allowed in developed campgrounds only. Devices solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off are allowed within an area that is cleared of flammable materials within three feet of the device. The restrictions also limit smoking to within enclosed vehicles, buildings, developed campgrounds or while in an area that is cleared of all flammable material at least three feet in diameter. Fireworks and incendiary devices are always prohibited on all national forest lands.
Implementation of fire restrictions is especially important this year given the dry winter and impacts of long-term drought on the forests. Criteria used to determine when to implement fire restrictions include current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, fire activity levels and available firefighting resources. Fire restrictions will remain in effect until the forests receive significant precipitation.
“Drier than normal conditions on the forests warrant going into fire restrictions earlier than usual,” said Forest Supervisor Jim Zornes. “Our neighboring forests already have had some significant fires with behavior that is unusual for April, and we need members of the public to work with us to prevent human-caused starts.”
To report a fire, call 911.
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! Obtain additional fire information via the following:
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