The Coconino National Forest will enter Stage 2 fire restrictions starting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18, approximately three weeks after implementing forestwide Stage 1 restrictions.
Forest managers cited hot, dry and windy weather as the driving factor for the change.
Paralleling the forest's decision, the City of Flagstaff, Sedona Fire District and Coconino County announced a step up to Stage 2 restrictions beginning at the same time. State Trust lands in Coconino County south of the Grand Canyon will also enter Stage 2 restrictions, according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.聽
Under Stage 2 restrictions, campfires and charcoal fires are prohibited anywhere on the Coconino National Forest, including within developed recreation sites. Welding, cutting torches or other sources of open flame are also prohibited. Smoking is allowed only in enclosed vehicles or buildings, developed recreation sites or areas cleared of all flammable materials.
Additionally, within the Flagstaff Ranger District, during Stage 2 restrictions motorized vehicle use will be prohibited on certain , the Pumphouse Wash area and the Marshall Lake area.
From the hours of 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., the use of generators, chainsaws or other gasoline-fueled power equipment is prohibited. (Generators equipped with a spark arrestor may be operated if the surrounding area is clear of all flammable material for at least 3 feet in all directions.)
Liquid- or propane-fueled camp stoves and grills may be used, so long as they are equipped with a shut-off valve.
For the City of Flagstaff, charcoal or wood-fired grills and fire pits are prohibited under Stage 2 restrictions, including at private residences or campgrounds.
Similarly, Coconino County prohibits any igniting, building, maintaining, or using a fire fueled by combustible materials such as wood, charcoal, briquettes or coal. A device that is solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off may be used only in a developed site.
Additional information, including an interactive map of current fire restrictions across the state, is available at聽.
High temperatures on Wednesday were expected to reach 90 degrees, according to the National Weather Service, with a high of 89 on Thursday and 87 on Friday. From there, Flagstaff might finally get a bit of relief over the weekend, with the forecast dropping to 79 on Sunday and Monday.