Flagstaff, Arizona (azfamily) – Several popular spots in northern Arizona are off limits as much of the state remains below Stage 2 fire restrictions.
These restrictions include Coconino County and the National Forest. There, many people are heading out to escape the fever during this time of year.
Fire dangers in the northern state have jumped very high on dry fuel, warm climates and even several red flag warning days. True Brown, a firefighter officer for the Coconino National Forest, said these conditions led him to move to stage 2.
“It’s just to reduce the overall risk of unnecessary fires, as it makes resistance to control the ability to control these fires under these conditions very difficult,” Brown said.
He and his team are monitoring the fire conditions in the forest that they use to determine the limit level. “At many of our weather stations, we look at fuel moisture along with a few other indicators,” Brown said.
Related: The fire ban begins with several Phoenix-area parks and preservation
The new phase of the restrictions will limit campfires, chainsaws and generators from 8pm to 9am, close major forest department roads and close electric use around Flagstaff. Brown knows it can be frustrating for anyone wanting to drive on these roads or create a campfire, but said the data shows that these restrictions are working.
“The amount of abandoned campfires we found outside the road will drop significantly,” he said. “So it’s another way to reduce risk.”
Outside of the Stage 2 restrictions, Brown said travelers can unintentionally launch a fire on their way to the highlands by dragging the chain and the edges of flat tires spark the pavement.
Brown still wants people to come and enjoy the forest, but does so in a way that doesn’t start wildfires. “Because just traveling, it’s a momentary carelessness and it can create a truly problematic fire to deal with us,” he said.
“I would like people to enjoy it, so I would encourage people to come out, but just to recreate it responsibly,” Brown said.
He also wants to encourage people to sign up for the emergency alert system here. Even those who do not live in highlands full-time should notify them of fires or evacuations during their visit. We’re also rounding the corner on July 4th. He wants to remind everyone that fireworks are always illegal in the forest.
Fireworks Safety: If you can’t illuminate fireworks in Arizona on July 4th
Do you see spelling or grammatical errors in our stories? Please click here to report.
Are there any photos or videos of broken news stories? send Here to us With a brief explanation.
Copyright 2025 KTVK/KPHO. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.
