Fire restrictions remain in effect: Prescott Forest officials have not lifted constraints

Photo by Les Stukenberg.

Prescott National Forest (PNF) fire officials remind the community and forest visitors that Stage I Fire Restrictions remain in effect. Central Arizona firefighters work the perimeter of a 3- to 4-acre wildland fire on the state trust land north of Manley and west of Ramada Lane in Prescott Valley in 2015.

Staff reports

Originally Published: July 23, 2016 6:01 a.m.

Despite recent rainfall in the area, Prescott National Forest (PNF) fire officials want to remind the community and forest visitors that Stage I Fire Restrictions are still in effect.

While several forests in Arizona have lifted fire restrictions, Prescott has not, according to a news release. It is the responsibility of visitors to know if restrictions or closures are in place on any public lands they visit.

Fire managers will be assessing the weather over the weekend and will discuss lifting restrictions with their inter-agency partners on Monday, July 25.

Fire restrictions for the entire Prescott National Forest include:

• Campfires, charcoal grills, and stove fires (wood, charcoal, and coal burning) are prohibited on all PNF lands, roads, and trails, except within developed recreation sites where grills and campfire rings are provided.

(The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices is allowed providing such devices meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety.)

• Smoking is prohibited except within enclosed vehicles, buildings, or developed recreation sites where the area is cleared of all flammable material.

• Discharging a firearm is prohibited, except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal laws and regulations.

• Campfires are not allowed at the designated dispersed sites within the Prescott Basin. Metal posts identify designated dispersed sites with a number.

• Fireworks are always prohibited on all national forest lands.

Know Before You Go!

To learn where and when fire restrictions and possible closures exist, check www.wildlandfire.AZ.gov or www.firerestrictions.us or call 1-877-864-6985.

In addition, according to Central Arizona Fire and Medical’s website, Stage I Fire Restrictions remain in effect over its coverage area as well - including but not limited to much of Prescott Valley, Dewey, Chino Valley and Williamson Valley.

For more information, visit centralyavapaifire.org.