Permanent Spring Fire Ban

[Jim]

http://azdailysun.com/news/local/articl ... 66d02.html

I mentioned this last year, though I suggested a Tuesday after Memorial Day start given that it usually isn't bad in May and it allows campers to get their fire in over the holiday weekend. Wonder what will come of it?

[Jim]

Those are stage 1, and they're pretty basic. The Kaibab will also implement them at the same time. I'll agree it seems 2 to 3 weeks early, but it is probably both in reaction to the public permanent ban and the fires of last year. Like most things reactionary, it will probably not happen as early as time goes on.
They made some changes to the fire policy around the Peaks, too.
http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/news/2 ... ultz.shtml

This was the response to the public call for a ban.
http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/news/2 ... ions.shtml

[Dschur]

So with the announcement of restrictions beginning on the Coconino today, I think it's safe to say that they're implementing this the unofficial way. It's the first time that I can recall restrictions taking place at the higher elevations of Coconino BEFORE Tonto. Tonto doesn't even have restrictions around Pine/Strawberry yet, which tend to be some of the earliest implemented.

It will be interesting to see how long A-S goes. There's been a couple of small fires on their side of things already.

Fire restrictions on Tonto National Forest begin May 11, all fireworks prohibited year-round
Release Date: May 6, 2011

PHOENIX (May 6, 2011) – Drought conditions, hot temperatures and increased fire danger have resulted in fire restrictions for the Tonto National Forest beginning at 8 a.m., Wednesday, May 11. Most types of fire or fire-causing activities are prohibited across the entire Tonto National Forest.

Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or charcoal-burning device is prohibited.

Restrictions also apply to smoking outside of a cleared area, operating internal combustion power tools, using welding equipment or torches with open flames, operating combustion engines without spark-arresting devices in effective working order, or discharging firearms except in taking game in accordance with Arizona hunting laws.

Use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, and heating devices are allowed, and some developed campgrounds are also exempted from these restrictions. (Please see list below).

“Because of ongoing drought, dry forest conditions, and exceptionally low relative humidities, fire restrictions are needed to protect forest users, structures and natural resources from the increased potential for dangerous wildland fires,” said Tonto National Forest Fire Staff Officer Clay Templin. “These precautionary measures are intended to enhance our visitors’ quality recreation experiences. Most areas of the Tonto National Forest remain available for recreation activity, including all the Salt River system lakes.”

“We continue to remind the public that all fireworks are prohibited on the forest at all times,” concluded Templin.

Violation of these restrictions is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and imprisonment for up to six months.

For more information regarding forest recreation sites and fire restrictions, please contact the Tonto National Forest at (602) 225-5200, or check online at http://www.fs.usda.gov/Tonto.

[kevinweitzel75]

Planning a family camping trip for next weekend. I wonder what National Forest Clint Wells is in. It's been so long since I have been in that area, I forgot.

[Jim]

Coconino. If camping at the Clint Wells NF CG, you can have a fire in the campground and be OK.

[kevinweitzel75]

Coconino. If camping at the Clint Wells NF CG, you can have a fire in the campground and be OK.

That stinks. Don't like camping in camp grounds. Too many people. Oh well. Might have to find another place to go where there aren't any fire bans. Thank you for the info.

[Dschur]

Flagstaff, AZ —Officials with the Coconino National Forest will implement fire restrictions on Friday, May 6. Due to increasing fire danger, these restrictions are deemed necessary to prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public health and safety.

The restrictions prohibit fires, campfires, charcoal, coal or wood stoves outside of developed campgrounds and limit smoking to within enclosed vehicles or buildings or in developed campgrounds. Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns, and heaters meeting safety specifications will continue to be allowed.

The fire restrictions will remain in place until the Forest receives significant precipitation. Violation of the prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000, imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. Fireworks are always prohibited on National Forest land.

For additional information on fire restrictions on the Coconino National Forest, please call 928-527-3600 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 928-527-3600 end_of_the_skype_highlighting. For information on fire restrictions on public lands across Arizona and New Mexico, call 877-864-6985 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 877-864-6985 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or see http://www.publiclands.org/firenews/AZ.php

[Dschur]

Red Flag Warning Overview
Release Date: May 6, 2011

Contact(s): Pamela Baltimore (928) 333-6263 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (928) 333-6263 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

A reminder northern Arizona is very dry and we ask you call to inquire about fire restrictions for the Apache-Sitreaves National Forests or any area you plan on camping or recreating.

Here is quick overview of what RED FLAG means to you. The use of campfires and charcoal grills are prohibited on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests during RED FLAG conditions, as is smoking except within a building, an automobile, a developed recreation site, or within a minimum 3 feet diameter area cleared of burnable material. However, a pressurized gas stove is allowed. Private property owners may have to get a permit from their local fire department to do any burning, or may be prohibited from any open burning until red flag conditions subside. Forest Service offices and local fire departments fly the RED FLAG when severe fire weather conditions are present.

Who determines severe fire weather conditions exist? The National Weather Service forecast office does, using three criteria:
Wind speeds more than 20 mph, or wind gusts consistently more than 35 mph
Relative humidity less than 15 percent
Weather station data rating of high or above for fire danger
Please check the 593 Public Information Line for further updates by dialing 593 or website 593info.org or 928-333-3412 928-333-3412

[kevinweitzel75]

@Dschur
Ty for the info. I think we will head up to the rim lakes area and just take our chances. If there is a red flag warning, then no campfires, oh well. I would rather not have a camp fire then stay in a campground. Hey, look at the bright side, at least I don't have to gather wood. Not like we need one anyway, it's not going to be that cold.

[Jim]

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/news/2 ... fted.shtml

Restrictions lifted on the Coco.

[chumley]

That just makes me think that the restrictions were premature to begin with. While welcome, .65" of rain is not "sufficient" moisture to a dry forest. This is the first time I can ever remember restrictions being enacted and then retracted before the monsoon. How long will it last? One week? Two? What's the point?

Coconino shouldn't have restricted fires as soon as they did. They were responding to the Flagstaff residents upset about the Schultz fire last year. ASNF was closer to a normal decision with this upcoming weekend, but then this storm may delay that too?, depending on the weather and wind that's in the forecast.

I always laugh to myself when I can camp on one side of Knoll Lake and have a fire, but it's too dangerous to have one on the other side.