FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Recent widespread rainfall has prompted both the City of Flagstaff and the Coconino National Forest to lift fire restrictions, with both agencies returning to less restrictive fire regulations beginning 6:00 a.m. Monday, July 20.
The City of Flagstaff has officially returned to Stage 0 Fire Restrictions, allowing many outdoor activities to resume while reminding residents and visitors that fire safety remains essential throughout the summer.
Under Stage 0, smoking and the use of electronic cigarettes remain prohibited in all public places within the City of Flagstaff, including all City parks, open spaces, and the Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS).
City officials are also reminding the public never to discard cigarettes or matches from moving vehicles, as they can easily ignite dry roadside vegetation and spark a wildfire.
Outdoor fires are still generally prohibited within city limits unless authorized by a written permit from the Flagstaff Fire Department. However, an exception allows fires on inhabited private property or designated campsites when contained in a barbecue, outdoor fireplace, grill, or similar fire appliance that is located at least 15 feet from combustible materials or non-fire-resistant vegetation.
Officials urge anyone enjoying a fire to completely extinguish it before leaving. Fires should be drowned with plenty of water, stirred thoroughly, and confirmed cold to the touch. Charcoal should also be soaked in water until completely cool and never discarded while still hot.
Coconino National Forest Also Lifts Restrictions
The Coconino National Forest will also lift all fire restrictions effective 6:00 a.m. Monday following significant precipitation across the forest.
Forest officials note that while general restrictions are being lifted, permanent year-round fire restrictions remain in effect in certain designated areas.
Visitors are encouraged to continue practicing responsible campfire safety by:
- Using established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires where fires are permitted.
- Keeping campfires small.
- Never leaving a campfire unattended.
- Using at least six gallons of water and a shovel to completely extinguish a fire until it is wet and cold to the touch.
Campers may gather downed and dead firewood around their campsite for personal use, but removing firewood from the forest in a vehicle without a permit remains illegal. Cutting standing trees or removing limbs from live trees is also prohibited.
Forest officials emphasized that the decision to lift restrictions was based on both the recent rainfall received across all three ranger districts and favorable weather forecasts. However, they cautioned that fire restrictions could be reinstated if dry conditions return.
Anyone who discovers an abandoned campfire within the Coconino National Forest is asked to immediately report it to the Forest Dispatch Center at 928-527-3552.
Although restrictions have eased, fire managers remind everyone that northern Arizona remains susceptible to wildfire, and responsible outdoor recreation is critical to protecting local communities and forests.
