Prescott NF to Implement Fire Restriction in Cooperation With Yavapai
Incident: Gladiator Wildfire
Released: 5/14/2012
PRESCOTT, AZ (May 14, 2012) - Campfire and smoking restrictions will go into effect on the Prescott National Forest Tuesday, May 15, at 12:00 p.m. Forest managers have determined that key trigger points have been reached to warrant taking these restrictive actions. These include: rapid drying of live and dead forest vegetation; escalating fire weather conditions; increased forest visitor use; and an increase in the number of abandoned campfires.
"While restrictions are not a guarantee to prevent a human-caused wildfire, they can reduce the probability of one. It is our intent to educate our visitors as to the conditions on the Forest and reduce the risk of an unwanted wildfire while we try to balance the protection of the natural resources with the abundant recreation opportunities that exist on the Prescott National Forest." Pete Gordon, Prescott National Forest Fire Staff Officer.
The following fire restrictions will be in effect for the entire Prescott National Forest:
- Campfires, charcoal grills, and stove fires (wood, charcoal, and coal burning) are prohibited on all Prescott National Forest lands, roads, and trails; except within developed recreation sites where grills and campfire rings are provided (Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns and heaters meeting safety specifications are allowed).
- Smoking is prohibited except within enclosed vehicles, buildings, or developed recreation sites where the area is cleared of all flammable material.
- Campfires are not allowed at the designated dispersed sites within the Prescott Basin. Metal posts identify designated dispersed sites with a number.
Campfire and smoking restrictions will remain in effect until forest officials determine that conditions have changed sufficiently to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfire. Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment of not more than six (6) months, or both. The public is reminded that fireworks are always prohibited on all national forest lands.
For current information on fire restrictions, closures or wildfires on the Prescott National Forest, call 928-777-5799. For further information about fire restrictions on public lands in Arizona and New Mexico, call toll free 1-877-864-6985 or visit http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/.
