HikeArizona.COM

Jumping the gun a bit here ... because so far there are NO restrictions (save for PHX city parks).

With a few active fires being managed, and temps forecast to reach 90 in Flag and Show Low, 100 in Payson, and much higher in the deserts, I'm a bit surprised that restrictions have yet to be implemented -- at least on the Tonto, which is lower elevation and typically drier.

Be careful out there!

http://firerestrictions.us/az

I think Maricopa County parks implemented a fire ban this week, not that it really matters. But, yeah, with as dry as the forests already seem, and with the high temps on the horizon, I'm really surprised there are any bans in the national forests.

I know Coconino has been complaining about the number of unattended or improperly extinguished campfires in the last few weeks.

It's surprisingly green around Williams and Flagstaff, at least in comparison to what I saw over by Alpine in May. This area has received quite a few light storms during the past couple of months. I'm not saying it's super green, but there is green grass under the pines here.

Stage I Fire Restrictions begin Wednesday June 15 on four AZ national forests:

Coconino NF
Prescott NF
Kaibab NF
Apache-Sitgreaves NF

Under Stage I restrictions fires are permitted only in developed campgrounds with a host on site -- and usually require a fee. If you're not absolutely sure, assume that a fire is not permitted.

(Tonto NF has been in restrictions since last week).

That leaves only Coronado NF with no restrictions yet announced.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/asnf/news ... EPRD505433

Hey Todd, was Tonto Stage 1 also. I believe in Stage 1 you can have lanterns and stoves with propane but no scitter candles. Only stuff you can turn off with a switch. Thanks

@Tortoise_Hiker
Yes. The primary difference between stage 1 and stage 2 is that fires are still permitted in developed campgrounds with an on-site camp host.

I believe you can always use a stove or any on/off fuel lantern, propane grill, etc. during fire restrictions. No charcoal or any flame that can spark though.

@chumley
Thanks! You da man.

chumley wrote:@Tortoise_Hiker
Yes. The primary difference between stage 1 and stage 2 is that fires are still permitted in developed campgrounds with an on-site camp host.

I believe you can always use a stove or any on/off fuel lantern, propane grill, etc. during fire restrictions. No charcoal or any flame that can spark though.

I noticed that some of the signs in the TNF indicate that a permit is required for propane grills. I'd talk to the forest service before assuming it was okay.

Target shooting is also forbidden.

Target shooting is currently only prohibited on Tonto and Prescott. For some reason Tonto has a unique Emergency Fire Restriction order that deviates from a numbered stage. There is no indication in the forest order that you need a permit to operate a grill. See order here: http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOC ... 504863.pdf

Coconino, A-S, Kaibab, and Prescott are under "Stage 1 Restrictions".
The exact definition of Stage 1 for each forest can be found here:
Coconino and Kaibab: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/coconino/ ... rdb5423784
Apache-Sitgreaves: http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOC ... 505482.pdf
Prescott: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/prescott/ ... EPRD506040

Prescott and Tonto prohibit target shooting. If you are hunting, it is still ok to shoot. Under Stage 2, A-S still allows target shooting, while the others do not.

Leave it to a government agency to keep things simple.
(BTW - This is only for Arizona. Forests in other states have varying definitions for the different stages!)