CLIFTON — The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest announced it is implementing Stage 1 fire restrictions across the forest, starting at 8 a.m. Thursday, June 6.
The Stage 1 restrictions prohibit igniting, building, maintaining or using a fire, including charcoal and briquettes, outside a fire structure that is provided by the Forest Service within a designated area; and smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three- feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
Use of a stove or grill fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or pressurized liquid petroleum gas is exempted. Also recreational target shooting and legal hunting activities are permitted. Fireworks and explosives, including exploding targets, are never allowed on national forests.
The Stage 1 fire restrictions impact the entire forest; however, the following campgrounds in the Clifton Ranger District have approved, permanent fire rings, allowing for campfires:
- Strayhorse
- Honeymoon
- Lower Juan Miller
- Granville
- Black Jack
- Coal Creek
- Bear Track
Bureau of Land Management is also implementing Stage 1 fire restrictions effective June 6 on BLM-managed lands in La Paz, Maricopa, southern Mohave, northern Pinal, western Pima, Yavapai and Yuma counties.
And the Arizona State Trust Land Department announced Stage 1 fire restrictions go into effect June 6 on state land in Apache, La Paz, Mohave, Navajo, Yavapai and Yuma counties.
Arizona State Parks and Coronado National Forest have not yet announced fire restrictions.
Editor’s note: This story was updated at 2:32 p.m. Friday, June 7, 2024, with information about approved rings for campfires at Clifton Ranger District campgrounds.
