Springerville, AZ- June 4, 2013; Temperatures continue to rise and with no rain in sight for the White Mountains. The ‘White Mountain Fire Restrictions Coordination Group’ of the Northeastern Arizona Public Information System, is in the process of implementing Stage II fire restrictions effective 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 14, 2013 for forested areas in Apache and Navajo Counties.
Despite Stage I Fire Restrictions ordered over the Memorial Day Weekend, over 70 illegal campfires where located over the holiday weekend in the White Mountains. Other Forests within Arizona also saw record numbers of illegal fires started outside of developed recreation areas with citations issued despite all the warnings.
“We are seeing extreme drought conditions, and you do not need to be a scientist to see the scientific calculations (known as ERC levels) to know there is no moisture within the White Mountains and neighboring counties. Public and private lands are dangerously dry,” according to Jim Zornes, Apache- Sitgreaves National Forests’ Supervisor.
“Our goal is to reduce any chance of any human-caused wildfires and to protect public health, and safety. With Stage II fire restrictions in place it will help give us a much needed ‘insurance policy’ in reducing the risk of man-made fire starts,” according to Kirk Webb, Lakeside Fire Marshall.
Stage II fire restrictions include:
- Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove, anywhere on the district. Exceptions: The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, propane grills, or heating devices are allowed, provided such devices meet the fire underwriter’s specification for safety and has a turn-off valve.
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, at 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.
- Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device.
- Discharging a firearm, air rifle or gas gun.
- Operating a chainsaw, or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device that is properly installed, maintained and in effective working order. They must meet either USDA Forest Service or appropriate Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recommended practice
- Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
- 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 or overnight parking in Forest Service-developed campgrounds and trailheads.
“Although the White Mountains will be in Stage II fire restrictions, there are many activities that can still be enjoyed in forested areas, such as mountain biking, picnicking, hiking and camping without campfires,” said Eric Flood, Alpine Recreation Staff Officer. “However, please use extreme caution when you’re on the forest, as conditions are very dry and wildfires can start from smoldering cigarettes or sparks from engines,” he added.
There are some exemptions to these restrictions and are noted on the restrictions order that is posted on the ASNFs web page: http://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf in the “Alerts and Notices” section.
Pamela Baltimore, Media Coordinator for White Mountain Fire Restrictions Coordination Group – Northeastern Arizona Public Information System
Phone: 928-333-6263; e-mail: pmbaltimore@fs.fed.us
Useful fire websites:
- Southwest Coordination Center: http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/
- Arizona Fire Information:http://azfireinfo.com/
- National Interagency Fire Center: www.nifc.gov
- FireWise: www.firewise.org
- Fire Restrictions across the US: http://firerestrictions.us/az
Additionally, fireworks are never allowed on National Forests. For more information about restrictions on public lands by calling 311 or (928) 333-3412; 1-877-864-6985 or visit (www.311info.org), and also the NEW interagency website: (Firerestrictions.us) created to inform residents and visitors about fire restrictions and closures across the South-west area.
Forest and White Mountain visitors are encouraged to be fire safe and show their commitment to wildfire prevention by going online and taking Smokey’s pledge