FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — With extreme fire danger continuing across northern Arizona, both the City of Flagstaff and portions of Coconino County will move to Stage 2 Fire Restrictions beginning Tuesday, June 30, at 8:00 a.m.
The expanded restrictions are intended to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires as hot, dry, and windy conditions continue throughout the region.
City of Flagstaff Restrictions
The City of Flagstaff announced that Stage 2 restrictions will prohibit the use of fire pits and other open-flame devices that do not have an on/off switch.
Additionally, charcoal and wood-fired barbecues will no longer be allowed anywhere within city limits, including at private residences and campgrounds.
Residents may continue using propane, natural gas, and pellet grills or smokers equipped with an on/off switch.
The following restrictions remain in effect from earlier fire restriction stages:
- No permits will be issued for open burning within the city.
- The sale and use of consumer-grade fireworks remain prohibited.
- Charcoal and wood-fired grills remain prohibited in all City parks and open spaces.
- Smoking and the use of electronic cigarettes are prohibited in all public places within the City of Flagstaff, including City parks, open spaces and the Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS).
County Restrictions Around Coconino National Forest
At the same time, Coconino County announced that private property located within and adjacent to the Coconino National Forest will also enter Stage 2 Fire Restrictions.
The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest remains under Stage 2 restrictions, while all other areas of Coconino County will continue under Stage 1.
Under Stage 2 restrictions, the following activities are prohibited:
- Igniting, building, maintaining or using fires fueled by wood, charcoal, briquettes or coal.
- Outdoor smoking, except inside an enclosed vehicle or at a developed site.
- Using internal combustion engines for common household activities such as landscaping or property maintenance unless equipped with a spark arresting device.
- Welding or using acetylene torches or other open-flame equipment.
- Using tracer or incendiary ammunition or explosive targets.
Propane or LPG-fueled cooking devices with an on/off switch are still permitted only at developed sites.
A developed site is defined as an area cleared of overhead vegetation and combustible materials within a 15-foot radius of the device.
Officials Urge Extreme Caution
Fire officials are urging residents and visitors to exercise extreme caution while recreating or working outdoors. Even a single spark can quickly ignite a fast-moving wildfire under current conditions.
Violations of fire restrictions may result in citations, fines and possible jail time.
With the Pocket Fire continuing to burn north of Sedona and Red Flag conditions expected to persist, officials say the expanded restrictions are a critical step in protecting lives, property and public lands.
Flagscanner will continue providing updates as fire conditions and restrictions change across northern Arizona.
