Most of Northeastern Arizona entering emergency fire restrictions April 22
Some agencies starting today
HOLBROOK, AZ – (April 18, 2014) – Earlier than usual extreme fire conditions are prompting emergency and fire managers in northeastern Arizona to enact emergency fire restrictions in the coming week, which will limit use of campfires and open-flame cook stoves on public lands to designated areas only, and provide limits for the use of spark-igniting equipment and operations.
The agencies and organizations comprising the White Mountain Fire Restrictions Coordination Group met this week and agreed weather and vegetative conditions warrant entering restrictions nearly three to four weeks earlier than in 2013. While the Arizona State Land Department is enacting restrictions beginning this Friday, April 18, most agencies and fire districts in Navajo and Apache County are planning to begin Tuesday, April 22 at 8 a.m.
“Among those entering Stage I fire restrictions on April 22 are all ranger districts of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests,” said Supervisor Dawnafe Whitesinger of Navajo County’s District 5. “The Navajo County Board of Supervisors will vote during its regularly scheduled meeting on April 22 whether to enter into Stage I restrictions for areas of Navajo County, and the Apache County Board of Supervisors will also make its determination that day.”
If the counties enact restrictions, which is anticipated, designated unincorporated areas of both counties will be affected. Detailed fire restriction and emergency information for all agencies and jurisdictions of northeastern Arizona can be found at www.311info.net, by dialing 311 from a cell phone, or (928) 333-3412 from a landline.
While specifics of the various fire ordinances may vary slightly, in general, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal and wood stoves are allowed in developed campgrounds only. Devices solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off are allowed within an area that is cleared of flammable materials within three feet of the device. Campfires and the use of open-flame grills or stoves are not allowed at dispersed camping areas. Private property owners may use campfires and open-flame grills or stoves, but only within the rules of the ordinance which governs their property. Usually this means having a cleared area and undertaking other fire preventative measures. Again, it’s important to check with local agencies about restrictions in specific areas.
“Fire officials note that fire conditions are already as bad as, or worse, than those experienced in 2002 in the lead up to the Rodeo-Chedeski fires,” said Supervisor David Tenney of Navajo County’s District 4. “We are being told to anticipate windy conditions and dry thunderstorms, which are predicted for the coming days and weeks, and will only worsen fire conditions. I really want to encourage everyone to be extremely cautious and responsible when it comes to their outdoor activities.”
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The White Mountain Fire Restrictions Coordination Group comprises emergency, law enforcement and fire management personnel from municipal, county, state and federal agencies and organizations based in northeastern Arizona. Information is distributed through participating agencies and the 311 Northeastern Arizona Public Information System, which is kept current with all relevant fire restriction and other emergency information, and is found at www.311info.net, by dialing 311 on a cell phone, or (928) 333-3412 on a landline.