Fire Restrictions

At Press Time, This Is The State Lands Information

One spark is all it takes!

• On Friday, Aug. 14, Stage I fire restrictions were re-implemented to state lands within Coconino County - SOUTH of the Grand Canyon and in Yavapai County.

• Stage II fire restrictions remain in place in Gila, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave and Yuma Counties and Coconino - NORTH of the Grand Canyon.

• Target shooting and fireworks are never allowed at any time of the year.

• For more information, please call our state fire restrictions hotline at 602-771-1401. Have questions? Please email media@dffm.az.gov.

Arizona State Parks

There are some restrictions at Arizona State Parks, including Catalina, Kartchner, Lost Dutchman, & Fools Hollow Lake Recreation Area, and Tonto Natural Bridge, along with Stage II fire restrictions at Picacho Peak.

State Park Fire Restrictions

Restrictions Overview: The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management implements three stages of fire restrictions on state lands: Stage I, Stage II, and closures. So what's the difference?

• Stage I is the first phase of the restrictions. Under these lower-level restrictions, campfires are allowed, but they must be within a developed site. See the QuickTabs below for more detailed Stage I restriction information. If weather conditions worsen and fire danger increases, the agency will move into the next stage of restrictions.

• Under Stage II, even stronger stipulations are put in place, including no more campfires.

• Closures: And, if conditions continue to decline and extremely high fire danger becomes a threat to the public and our firefighters, closures will go into effect. Within a closure, no public access will be allowed on state-owned and managed lands until the Department of Forestry and Fire Management rescinds its decision.

Restrictions typically stay in place until Arizona moves into its monsoon season. During that time, higher humidity levels and increased moisture move in and help decrease the fire activity across the state.

While we never like to prohibit recreational activities, there is a time when it is necessary to protect our Arizona State lands, human life, property, and our natural resources. One spark is all it takes to cause a devastating wildfire. Please check out the Arizona Fire Restrictions website for a list of current restrictions.

Stage I Fire Restrictions Prohibitions

• Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove other than in a developed campsite or picnic area is prohibited. Exemptions include persons using a device solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off.

• 2. Smoking is prohibited unless: it is within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site/improved site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.

• 3. The discharging or using of any kind of fireworks and incendiary devices is prohibited.

• 4. Welding or operating acetylene or other torch device with an open flame is prohibited.

Exemptions

• Any federal, state, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

• 2. All land within a city boundary is exempt unless otherwise stated in city ordinance.

Stage II Fire Restrictions Prohibitions

• Building maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove including fires in developed campgrounds or improved sites is prohibited. Persons using a device fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is permitted. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the device.

• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, is prohibited.

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

• Mechanical and Industrial prohibitions: Operating any internal combustion engine, No chainsaw use from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, or using an explosive.

Exemptions:

• Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act. This process can be utilized in cases where public works and public utility emergency repairs are necessary.

• Industrial operations where specific operations and exemptions are identified and mitigation measures are implemented as outlined in an agency plan.

• Operating generators with an approved spark arresting device within an enclosed vehicle or building or in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the generator.

• Operating motorized vehicles on designated roads so long as you park in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway.

• Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.

• Any federal, state, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force or other authorized personnel in the performance of an official duty.

• All land within a city boundary is exempted unless otherwise stated by city ordinance.

For current information on restrictions across the state go to the Arizona Fire Restrictions website.

Closure Exemptions

• Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act.

• Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.

• Any federal, state, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force or other authorized personnel in the performance of an official duty.

• All land within a city boundary is exempted unless otherwise stated in city ordinance.

For information about permits to legally recreate on State Trust land, please call the Land Department's Public Desk at 602-542-4632.