As the summer heats up, forest officials are clamping down on fire use in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Responding to the heightened threat of wildfires, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions have been put in place as of 8 a.m. on June 20. These measures are a direct effort to significantly reduce the possibility of human-caused wildfires, given current dry conditions paired with forecasts that suggest we're not due to see a respite any time soon. A combination of weather patterns, parched fuels, and limited firefighting resources is driving this restrictive approach.
Under these new rules, visitors to the forests will need to strictly avoid creating, igniting, or maintaining any fires. The use of charcoal, coal, briquettes, and stove fires has been expressly forbidden. When it comes to cigarettes, forest-goers will be challenged to find a safe spot as smoking is banned except within an enclosure or specified recreation areas. In an effort to curb any fire unintentionally sparked by park-goers looking to enjoy their surroundings, equipment like chainsaws or generators is also prohibited during the crucial hours between 9 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., as stated in the emergency bulletin.
However, not everyone will have to alter their plans. Exemptions apply to individuals utilizing stoves powered by pressurized liquid fuel and those bearing specific Forest Service permissions. Officials are not ignoring the need for certain work to continue, nor the possibility of emergency situations that require flexibility. Authorities, as well as members of organized firefighting and rescue groups, have been carved out exceptions, allowing them to perform duties essential to the public's well-being and safety.
The importance of complying with these restrictions cannot be understated. With the forests currently bone-dry and fire-prone, every spark matters. To get a complete understanding of what activities are restricted and which are exempt, forest goers are advised to review the official Forest Order 03-01-24-15: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in detail. Full information and updates can be found on the Alerts & Notices page of the Forest Service website.
