Jim Zornes from the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest and ordered temporary closures in the Sitgreaves National Forest. Promontory Butte Area and the area known as Rodeo Chediski and Show Low South Hazardous Fire Conditions Closure Area have been ordered closed as of 12:01 am on June 19, 2013 and will remain in effect until July 31, 2013 unless rescinded before that date. The purpose of these closure is “to protect public and fire fighter health and safety, and protect government property, private property and natural resources during high to extreme fire conditions”.

Detailed area descriptions, and maps can be found in the Forest Closure Orders on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/asnf/alerts-notices.

A Red Flag Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for the following areas: Apache County, Coconino County, Navajo County, northern Gila County and Yavapai County. Very dry and windy conditions will develop Wednesday as a dry cold front moves through the Great Basin. Southwest winds from 15 to 25 MPH with gusts reaching 30 to 40 MPH will be widespread by early Wednesday afternoon. these winds will combine with single digit relative humidity values and high fire danger to create Critical Fire Weather conditions.

Breezy and dry conditions will persist Thursday and Friday as well, although winds will not be quite as high. Only localized Critical Fire Weather conditions are expected at this time.

In an effort to provide information to our citizens and guests in Navajo County we would like to provide the current Stage II Fire Restrictions. Below are the current actions that are prohibited:

STAGE II – Moderate Restrictions

The following acts are prohibited until further notice:

1. Building maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove including fires in developed campgrounds or improved sites.
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
3. Discharging a firearm while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal, or tribal laws and regulations.
4. Mechanical and Industrial Prohibitions:  Operating any internal combustion engine;  Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame;  Using an explosive.
5. Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails.

Exemptions:

1. Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act.

1. Industrial operations where specific operations and exemptions are identified and mitigation measures are implemented as outlined in an agency plan.
2. Persons using a device fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the device.
3. Operating generators with an approved spark arresting device within an enclosed vehicle or building or in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the generator.
4. Operating motorized vehicles on designated roads and trails so long as you park in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway.
5. Emergency repair of public utilities and railroads and mitigation measures are implemented as outlined in an agency plan.
6. Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.
7. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
8. All land within a city boundary is exempted unless otherwise stated by city ordinance.
9. Discharging of firearms is allowed on agency designated shooting ranges.

An exemption does not absolve an individual or organization from liability or responsibility for any fire started by the exempted activity.

While all areas have some form of restrictions in place it is best to clarify with specific jurisdictions as there are variances between the multiple agencies through out the area.