Forest Service News Release
Media Contacts: SM.FS.ASNF_PAO@usda.gov
Jeffrey Todd, Forest Public Affairs Officer 928-333-6263
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests moves to Stage 2 fire restrictions
Springerville, AZ, May 24th, 2022 — The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests will implement forest-wide Stage 2 fire restrictions at 8 a.m. Thursday, May 26, 2022. The restrictions are necessary to reduce human-caused wildfires during periods of high fire danger and persistent severe fire conditions. Forest Order #03-01-22-10 and Exhibit A are on the forest website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/asnf/alerts-notices

Under Stage 2 fire restrictions the following activities are prohibited:

1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, including
   charcoal and briquettes. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(a).
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while
   stopped in an area at least three (3) feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable
   material. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(d).
3. Blasting, welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame. 36 C.F.R. §
   261.52(i).
4. Using an explosive. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(b).
5. Possessing or using a motor vehicle off National Forest System roads, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway and except for parking overnight in Forest Service developed campgrounds and trailheads. 36 C.F.R. § 261.56.
   

Forest managers consider several factors before implementing fire restrictions, including current fire danger and fire activity, local, regional, and national fire preparedness levels, expected weather conditions, availability of firefighting resources, and the economic impacts on businesses and communities. The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests coordinate fire restrictions with federal, state, tribal and local partners.
Violations are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations and/or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months.

Stay up to date on news from the A – S at our website https://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf, on Twitter @A_SNFs and on facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs.

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Much of the White Mountains will be entering into Stage 2 Fire Restrictions beginning May 26th, 2022. These restrictions are all similar in nature, but PLEASE be sure to know what each individual agency’s restrictions are before going. You can also check out our FIRE RESTRICTIONS tab on this website.