Prescott, AZ – Campfire, smoking, and shooting restrictions will likely go into effect on the Prescott National Forest on Thursday, June 1st, at 8:00 a.m.
Forest managers have determined that key criteria will be reached or near enough to warrant taking these restrictive actions.
These include:
- rapid drying of live and dead forest vegetation
- escalating fire weather conditions
- the potential commitment of firefighting resource across the region
- increased forest visitor use
These restrictions will remain in effect until August 15 or when forest officials determine that conditions have changed sufficiently to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfire.
Nearly all neighboring jurisdictions and agencies with wildland fire responsibility will also likely enter such fire restrictions as part of continued collaboration in community and resource protection.
We work closely with our partners to support our shared interest fire prevention and reducing the risk of human-caused wildfires across the landscape. Such decisions and timing to implement fire restrictions is made after frequent communication with neighboring National Forests; Bureau of Land Management and other Federal Land Agencies; Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management; Yavapai County Emergency Services; and our local fire departments.
The final decision to enter Stage I Fire Restrictions on the Prescott National Forest will be made May 30th in coordination with our partners. The public and Forest visitors should anticipate a decision to follow through with restriction effective the morning of June 1st. At such time, more information will be provided. Your firefighters appreciate your cooperation and vigilance toward the threat of unwanted wildfires.
The public can obtain fire information via the following:
- Arizona Fire Restrictions: http://firerestrictions.us/az/
- Public Lands in Arizona and New Mexico: www.wildlandfire.AZ.gov or call 1-877-864-6985
- Prescott National Forest Fire Information Hotline: (928) 777-5799
- Prescott National Forest Web Site: https://www.fs.usda.gov/prescott/
- Local Ranger Stations: Bradshaw Ranger District, (928) 443-8000; Chino Valley Ranger District (928) 777-2200; Verde Ranger District (928) 567-4121