As Verde Valley residents attest, “fire hazard” warnings are a serious problem.

Local and federal fire departments have been dealing with this season’s wildfires even before phase one fire restrictions went into effect across the region on June 29.

Prescott National Forest and Coconino National Forest have tightened restrictions on campgrounds and recreational areas. The City of Cottonwood and Montezuma Castle National Monument worked on Stage 1 restrictions, as did Yavapai and Coconino counties.

It’s hot. It’s dry. It’s windy. Very wet winters encouraged the growth of grass and shrubs, leading to healthy fuel for possible fires.

What is Stage I?

On public land this means no wildcats on campfires. In national forests under Stage 1 regulations, campfires are permitted only on designated structures in designated areas, and smoking is also restricted.

Verde Ranger Area of ​​Prescott National Forest means Mingus Mountain Campground, Mingus Tent Sites, Mingus Group Sites, Mingus Vista Day-Use Area, Mingus Picnic Day-Use Area, Sycamore Cabin Rentals, Potato Patch Campground, AZHPA Campground and Copper. increase. Day-use areas and playground group campgrounds at Canyon Trailhead Summit.

According to PNF regulations, “Fires, including charcoal and briquettes, must not be lit, constructed, maintained, or used within the fire protection structures (metal fire rings and/or metal pedestal grills) provided by the Forest Service. only allowed.”

Coconino National Forest also restricts the use of bonfires, campfires, charcoal, coal, and wood stoves on developed recreational sites. Smoking is prohibited outside of enclosed vehicles, buildings, or developed recreational sites.

CNF permits the ON/OFF operation of equipment fueled only by pressurized liquid petroleum or LPG fuel, provided it is in a barren area or within 3 feet of the equipment and all overhead and surrounding combustible materials have been removed. only where you are.

Recreational shooting at Coconino NF and Kaibab NF is permitted as long as the shooting rules are followed.

According to CNF, the criteria that determine when to implement the regulations include current and projected weather, fuel moisture, fire activity levels, upcoming droughts and available firefighting resources.

Violations can result in mandatory federal court appearances and possible fines or imprisonment.

Visitors are reminded that the Red Rock Country around Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon has fire codes in place year-round.

All smoking (including electronic devices) is prohibited at Montezuma Castle and Tuzigut National Monument, except in private vehicles. No open flames, including campfires and barbecue grills, are permitted on National Park Service premises unless permitted by a supervisor.

Coconino County specifically prohibits the use of tracer or explosive targets in addition to similar restrictions.

The City of Cottonwood is also cracking down on public smoking during Stage 1 restrictions. City grills are locked and private grills are prohibited in city parks.

“Propane gas is still allowed, but there are restrictions on bringing personal grills into the park,” said Jack Thiel, director of Cottonwood Parks & Recreation. “We are always reminded that smoking outside of designated smoking areas is prohibited within all Cottonwood Parks. Stage 1 restrictions also require increased restrictions on smoking areas.”

What Happens in Stage II?

All campfires are prohibited in any building. Smudge pots and wood stoves are prohibited within the National Forest.

Outdoor smoking, blasting, welding, and the use of acetylene torches or other open flame torches are all prohibited.

The use of most internal combustion engine powered generators, chainsaws and other equipment is prohibited.

Electric vehicles are prohibited in some areas.

What is Stage III?

The forest is closed.