SPRINGERVILLE, AZ — Public land management agencies in Arizona are beginning to impose fire restrictions due to hot and dry weather conditions and an increase in fires caused by people.
The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests announced that campfire and smoking restrictions take effect Friday.
The forests’ restrictions include allowing campfires only in designated campgrounds.
CORRECTION: Campfire and smoking restrictions will be implemented at 8:00 a.m. on May 7 on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests.
— ApacheSitgreaves NFs (@A_SNFs) May 6, 2021
To view Forest Order 03-01-21-09: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, please go to https://t.co/PsANUAYmak pic.twitter.com/cS2UPmkQrf
Meanwhile, the state Department of Forestry and Fire Management is prohibiting campfires and implementing other so-called Stage One restrictions beginning Friday on land owned and managed by the state in Apache and Navajo counties.
#AZForestry to implement Stage I Fire Restrictions in #Apache and #Navajo Counties Fri. 8am due2 dry conditions, uptick in human fire starts, & other factors. Campfires limited to dev. sites, no target shooting or fireworks on state land. Do your part & prevent wildfires. #AZFire pic.twitter.com/zRYG97gC7z
— AZ State Forestry (@azstateforestry) May 6, 2021
Lands covered by the state’s restrictions include state parks, state trust lands, and wildlife areas outside incorporated municipalities.
This comes as 58% of Arizona is under an "Exceptional Drought," highlighting the long-lasting drought conditions in the state.
