2013 Fire Restrictions begin 5/22

[chumley]

Fire restrictions begin this week across the state.

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest begin Thurs 5/23 (see http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/asnf/news ... RDB5420884)
Coconino and Kaibab National Forests begin Wed 5/22 (see http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/coconino/ ... RDB5420950)
Tonto NF begins Wed 5/22 (see http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tonto/new ... RDB5420677)
Prescott NF begins Wed 5/22 (see http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/prescott/ ... RDB5420684)
Coronado has not made an announcement yet.

[azbackpackr]

Thanks for posting--it's dry and windy up here, and I was just going to check on that, since I am going backpacking along the Black River this coming weekend. (Anyone else going there?)

[cindyl]

there is now a singular source for fire restrictions across the state, across jurisdictions: http://firerestrictions.us/az/

[chumley]

there is now a singular source for fire restrictions across the state, across jurisdictions: http://firerestrictions.us/az/

This is at least the fifth attempt at a singular source for fire restrictions. I hope this is more accurate/up-to-date than the previous attempts.

[Sredfield]

:STP:

“We continue to remind the public that all fireworks are prohibited on the forest at all times -- and this includes the use of exploding targets,” emphasized Templin. “We are highly concerned on the forest due to the increase of fires caused by recreational shooting in these continuing drought conditions. We have already had eight fire starts this year from this activity. We would like to prevent a repeat of the Sunflower fire that was caused by target shooting and burned 17, 6118 acres and cost $5.7 million in firefighting efforts.”

I wonder if the NRA has seen Mr. Templin's remarks.

[Al_HikesAZ]

:STP: . . .I wonder if the NRA has seen Mr. Templin's remarks.

I'm sure the NRA would agree with Mr. Templin that inappropriate shooting is inappropriate. The NRA encourages responsible gun ownership by law abiding citizens.

[chumley]

This thread just took a turn. Fire restrictions. 2013. Thank you.

[Sredfield]

Mea Culpa x3

[beterarcher]

@Sredfield
forgiven!

[azbackpackr]

I'm confused, because the A Bar S website says there are no restrictions on this forest, but the above info says there are (if I read it correctly).

[chumley]

I'm confused, because the A Bar S website says there are no restrictions on this forest, but the above info says there are (if I read it correctly).

Their website is loaded with links announcing it. But technically there are no restrictions...yet. Check again Thursday when they take effect?

[azbackpackr]

Oh. Duh. I looked at a sidebar instead of scrolling down the page. The sidebar had not been updated.

[Bradshaws]

Just got back from Blue Ridge reservoir. There was a small fire up near the dam. Fire started sometime around 2 or 3 pm. One helicopter fighting it when I left, didn't look good Lots of forest service truck. Look like they were going to close the road in. I left there at 7pm

[chumley]

Not surprisingly, with the amount of resources being devoted to the Doce Fire, existing fire restrictions across the state have been advanced to Stage II. This means no fires are allowed even in developed campgrounds, and smoking is limited to inside buildings or vehicles among other things (no shooting, chainsaw use, etc.)

If you are headed out, please be aware of the activities that are prohibited due to fire danger. Resources are thin.

A small fire elsewhere in the state might not be extinguished as quickly now because most of the fire equipment and personnel normally located nearby is in Prescott.

Be careful.

[azbackpackr]

I heard a funny story about a bunch of firemen from somewhere in the valley, (Scottsdale, I heard), who were up here camping this past weekend. They build a big bonfire. When the ranger arrived to tell them to put it out, they had the unmitigated gall to tell him that since they are firefighters, they knew what they were doing. He gave each and every one of them a citation. I heard there were about 18 of them. And he made them put out the fire, of course. They told him they'd take it to court! He said, "Bring it on!"

How unbelievably arrogant and stupid can you get? Do they get the group Darwin award for the year? I think they should!

[kingsnake]

I would not have said "bring it on". When they said "we know what we are doing", I would have replied "Obviously not."

[azbackpackr]

Well, I wasn't there, so had to paraphrase. Maybe the ranger did say something like that. I just wish it had made the news.

[Jim]

There is a chance it is just rumor.

[azbackpackr]

There is a chance it is just rumor.

This is true. I did hear it from a law enforcement type guy, though. But he doesn't work for USFS.

[chumley]

I can translate rumorese: There was a guy (one, not 18) who started a fire and got caught. He said he used to be a volunteer firefighter back east in the 80s and knew what he was doing. He got cited anyway.

;)