What are the current fire restrictions in the White Mountains?

Apache and Navajo County are going into Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on June 25, 2026.

The following acts are prohibited:

1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a campfire unless noted in the exemptions below
2. Smoking outside designated areas
3. The use of any and all fireworks
4. Outdoor mechanical and Industrial: No operating any internal combustion engine in the course of mechanical or industrial operations that would produce open flames or sparks. No welding or operating acetylene or other torches with open flames. No use of explosives.
5. Operating a motor vehicle off designated roads.
6. Use of all firearms.

EXEMPTIONS: The following acts are exempt of restrictions

1. Using a device solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off in areas that are barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the device.
2. Smoking inside an enclosed building, on porches, carports, garages, parking lots and other areas cleared of combustible materials
3. Generators with an approved spark arrestor used within an enclosed building or in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the device.

For a comprehensive list, please view each jurisdictions official fire ordinance.

PROHIBITIONS DURING STAGE 2 RESTRICTIONS

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a), the following acts are prohibited within all National Forest System lands as described in this Order (the “Described Area”) and as depicted on the attached map, hereby incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A, within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, Apache, Coconino, Greenlee, and Navajo counties, Arizona:

1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, including charcoal, coal, 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).

THE FOLLOWING ACTS ARE PROHIBITED FROM 9:00 A.M. TO 8:00 P.M.

3. Operating a generator, chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine for felling, bucking, skidding, processing, road building and woodcutting or firewood gathering capable of igniting a fire. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(g).

4. Using an explosive. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(b). 5. Welding, or operating any acetylene or other torch with an open flame. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(h).

EXEMPTIONS Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order: 1. Persons using a stove or grill that is solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or pressurized liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels.

2. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2).

3. Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.

4. Purchasers of Commercial Timber Sale Contracts will follow the limitations included in C(T) 7.22# – Emergency Fire Precaution Schedule – Table A, as provided in the contract.

For full attachments, please visit the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Website

Under Stage II restrictions, the following are prohibited on State Lands: 

1. Building maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove including fires in developed campgrounds or improved sites is prohibited. Persons using a device fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is permitted. 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.
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, is prohibited.
3. Discharging a firearm except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal, or tribal laws and regulations is prohibited.
4. Mechanical and Industrial prohibitions:
   1. Operating any internal combustion engine.
   2. Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.
   3. Using an explosive.

Stage II Exemptions:

1. Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act. This process can be utilized in cases where public works and public utility emergency repairs are necessary.
2. Industrial operations where specific operations and exemptions are identified and mitigation measures are implemented as outlined in an agency plan.
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 so long as you park in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway.
5. Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.
6. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force or other authorized personnel in the performance of an official duty.
7. All land within a city boundary is exempted unless otherwise stated by city ordinance.
8. Discharging of firearms is allowed on agency designated shooting ranges.