Fire related news

Posted on: July 15, 2021  

City of Flagstaff lifts fire restrictions 

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – The city of Flagstaff will lift all fire restrictions within city limits at 6 a.m. on July 16, 2021. The city of Flagstaff cooperates with local, county, state and federal fire management agencies to ensure a coordinated effort is made in fire restrictions actions across jurisdictions. 

Additionally, the city’s fire danger has lowered from Very High to High. Though fire danger has been reduced, residents are encouraged to consider Firewise practices around homes and offices. Visit www.firewise.org for recommendations to reduce risk of wildfire damaging your home and property. Constituents can call (928) 213-2500 for a free Firewise assessment of their property. 

While restrictions are lifted, residents and visitors are asked to use caution while using ignition sources for barbecue, charcoal, and propane stoves. No open burning is allowed in the city of Flagstaff without a permit and no fire ignitions are advised when sustained winds exist or when a red flag warning has been issued by the National Weather Service. 

Please help us keep our community and forests safe by following all bans and restrictions. 

For more information on all fire restriction stages visit the city website at http://www.flagstaff.az.gov/2981/Fire-Restriction-Stages.

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Posted on: June 21, 2021

City of Flagstaff enters Stage Four fire restrictions

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz– The city of Flagstaff will enter Stage Four fire restrictions at 8 a.m. on June 23, 2021 in an effort to reduce the potential for unintentional human-caused wildfires within the city limits. The city of Flagstaff cooperates with local, county, state and federal fire management agencies to ensure a coordinated effort is made in fire restrictions actions across jurisdictions.

Stage Four includes all the restrictions of the preceding stages and adds the following:

• All outdoor grills (including those with an on/off switch) are prohibited throughout the city of Flagstaff. This includes propane gas, charcoal, pellet, and any open flame grills.
• The following trail sections of the Flagstaff Urban Trails System (FUTS) that provide an entrance into the Coconino National Forest will close: Mars Hill, Tunnel Springs, Little America, Arizona Trail, Sinclair Wash, Pipeline Trail, Switzer Canyon and the Sheeps Crossing off Pulliam trail.
• Public entry/use of Observatory Mesa and Picture Canyon City Open Space lands, unless part of a group event sanctioned/supervised by Open Space staff members and/or other city staff is prohibited.  This does not preclude access for Law Enforcement, Fire, or other staff in the conduct of official duties.

Stages One through Three include the following additional restrictions:

• No permits are issued for open burning within the city of Flagstaff.
• No smoking in public places within city limits which includes parks, open-space, and cemeteries.
• Open fire pits and open flame devices are prohibited (including those with a spark arrestor screen) within the city of Flagstaff.
• The sale or use of consumer-grade fireworks within the city is prohibited.

The Flagstaff Fire Department and Police Department expanded patrol efforts in and around the community. Please help us keep our community and forests safe by following all bans and restrictions. 

For more information on all fire restriction stages visit the city website at http://www.flagstaff.az.gov/2981/Fire-Restriction-Stages.

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Posted on: June 21, 2021

Full closure of Coconino NF begins Wednesday

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., June 21, 2021 — Due to fire danger, dry conditions, and persistent wildfire activity during a time when firefighting resources are sparse, the entirety of Coconino National Forest will close for public safety, beginning Wednesday (June 23) at 8 a.m.

A full forest closure means that the public is prohibited from entering any part of Coconino National Forest at any time. Only those with private inholdings will be allowed access to their property, as well as personnel providing utility support where necessary, and firefighters performing their duties.

Forest Service personnel will attempt to reach as many people as possible to begin vacating campsites and informing individuals who are camping in the forest currently. Campers and visitors to the national forest should vacate their campsites before the closure begins, and the public should cancel any plans for visiting the Coconino National Forest for the next several weeks.

Though parts of the national forest may receive rain from sporadic storms over the next couple of weeks, this closure will not be rescinded until sufficient precipitation is received to adequately reduce the risk of wildfire, and hot, dry weather conditions are no longer forecast to continue. In short, this closure will continue until conditions are such that the closure can be lifted.

Work on thinning and other forest and watershed restoration projects will cease. Partner agencies, organizations, concessionaires, outfitters, permit holders, and contractors, are all prohibited from entering the national forest.

Violating closures and fire restrictions is a violation that carries a mandatory appearance in federal court, punishable as a Class B misdemeanor with a fine of up to $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or up to six months in prison, or both.

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Posted on: June 9, 2021

City of Flagstaff enters Stage Two fire restrictions

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz– The city of Flagstaff will enter Stage Two fire restrictions at 8 a.m. on June 11, 2021 in an effort to reduce the potential for unintentional human-caused wildfires within the city limits. The city of Flagstaff cooperates with local, county, state and federal fire management agencies to ensure a coordinated effort is made in fire restrictions actions across jurisdictions.

Stage Two includes all the restrictions of Stage One and adds the following:

• Charcoal grills are prohibited throughout the city, including private residences.
• Portable propane fire-ring type devices are prohibited in city parks.

Stage One restrictions include the following:

• No permits are issued for open burning within the city of Flagstaff.
• Use of charcoal and pellet barbecue grills are prohibited at all city parks, natural areas, open space, and private campgrounds.
• No smoking in public places within city limits which includes parks, open-space, and cemeteries.
• Open fire pits and open flame devices are prohibited (including those with a spark arrestor screen) within the city of Flagstaff.
• Gas grills and portable gas stoves that have an on /off switch are still allowed in city parks and private campgrounds.
• Charcoal and pellet barbecue grills, and gas and portable gas stoves with on off switches are allowed in private residences.
• The sale or use of consumer-grade fireworks within the city is prohibited.

The Flagstaff Police Department is expanding its patrol efforts in and around the community. Please help us keep our community and forests safe by following all bans and restrictions. 

For more information on all fire restriction stages visit the city website at http://www.flagstaff.az.gov/2981/Fire-Restriction-Stages.

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Posted on: May 12, 2021

City of Flagstaff to enter Stage One fire restrictions

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz– The city of Flagstaff will enter Stage One fire restrictions at 8 a.m. on May 14, 2021 in an effort to reduce the potential for unintentional human-caused wildfires within the city limits. The city of Flagstaff cooperates with local, county, state and federal fire management agencies to ensure a coordinated effort is made in fire restrictions actions across jurisdictions. 

Stage One restrictions include the following:

• No permits are issued for open burning within the City of Flagstaff.  
• Use of charcoal and pellet barbecue grills are prohibited at all city parks, natural areas, open space, and private campgrounds. 
• No smoking in public places within City of Flagstaff city limits include parks, open-space, and cemeteries. (Ord. 2005-19, Amended, 08/16/2005; Ord. 2017-18, Amended, 06/06/2017)
• Open fire pits and open flame devices are prohibited (including those with a spark arrestor screen) within the City of Flagstaff.
• Gas grills and portable gas stoves that have an on /off switch are still allowed in City parks and private campgrounds.
• Charcoal and pellet barbecue grills, and gas and portable gas stoves with on off switches are allowed in private residences.

The Flagstaff Police Department is expanding its patrol efforts in and around the community. Please help us keep our community and forests safe by following all bans and restrictions. 

For more information on all fire restriction stages visit the city website at http://www.flagstaff.az.gov/2981/Fire-Restriction-Stages. 

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