Fire Restriction Stages Explained

National Forests use fire restrictions to help prevent unwanted, human-caused fires and to limit the exposure of visitors during periods of potentially dangerous fire conditions. Implementation of fire restrictions occurs based on a combination of factors that are carefully measured. Criteria used to determine when to implement restrictions includes things such as current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, fire activity levels, and available firefighting resources.

There are different stages of fire restrictions, which become more restrictive as the stages progress from Stage 1 to Stage 3 (Forest Closure). The following is a general explanation of the restrictions in each Stage on the Coconino National Forest only (other national forests may include additional elements of restrictions). Also, this is a general explanation, so please check our Forest Orders page for the latest details on specific fire restrictions.

As a reminder, FIREWORKS ARE NEVER ALLOWED ON NATIONAL FORESTS AT ANY TIME.

*Please note that even when there are not forest-wide restriction implemented, there are areas on the Coconino National Forest that are ALWAYS (24/7/365) in restrictions for campfires and camping. This includes places such as the Flagstaff area, Sedona/Oak Creek Canyon and West Sedona areas, as well as Pumphouse Wash. Always check our Forest Orders page for possibly more.

   During Stage 1, the following is prohibited AT ALL TIMES:

1. Igniting, building, maintaining, or using a fire, including charcoal and briquettes. This includes smudge pots.
2. Smoking outside (see Exemptions #3 below).

   Exemptions during Stage 1:

1. Using a stove or grill that is solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or pressurized liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels.
2. Having a campfire within a fire structure that is provided by the Forest Service within a designated area (Developed Recreation Site).
3. Smoking 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 all flammable material.
4. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of official duty.

   During Stage 2, the following is prohibited

• AT ALL TIMES:

1. Igniting, building, maintaining, or using a fire, including charcoal and briquettes anywhere within Coconino National Forest, including Developed Recreation Sites. This prohibition also includes smudge pots and wood stoves.
2. Smoking outside (see Exemptions #4 below).
3. Blasting, welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
4. Within the Flagstaff Ranger District specifically:
   • Motorized vehicles are prohibited on specific forest roads near the San Francisco Peaks area, Pumphouse Wash area, and Marshall Lake area. Click on the links to see the maps that show details. Using these roads to hike, bike, and walk is still allowed. Only motorized vehicles are prohibited.

• FROM  9 AM to 8 PM:

1. Operating a generator, chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine for felling, bucking, skidding, processing, road building and woodcutting during industrial operations or firewood gathering capable of igniting a fire. (See Exemptions #3 below).

   Exemptions during Stage 2:

1. Residents using motorized vehicles on the Forest Roads listed under motorized restriction to the extent necessary to access their private property.
2. Persons with a written Forest Service authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order.
3. Using a stove or grill that is solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or pressurized liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels.
4. Smoking 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.
5. Persons operating generators with an approved spark arresting device in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the generator.
6. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of official duty.

During Stage 3, or "Forest Closure," ALL ENTRY IS PROHIBITED due to the extreme fire danger. At times, National Forests may close specific geographic areas--referred to as "Area Closures"--or the entire forest. Wherever a closure is implemented, the public cannot enter any National Forest lands, roads, or trails. Important projects cease in those areas, meaning work comes to a complete stop for things such as forest restoration, timber thinning, watershed preservation and restoration, trails and forest road maintenance, campsite maintenance, and post-fire restoration. During full forest closures, there is no accessing lakes, streams, creeks or ponds--including Oak Creek Canyon and popular destinations operating under special use permits.