The Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest has implemented Stage 2 fire restrictions as of Wednesday (June 3) at 8 a.m. due to warmer weather conditions, fire danger, and for the purpose of public safety.

The rest of Coconino National Forest will continue to be under a modified version of Stage 1 restrictions, which restricts campfires and grills that burn combustible material such as wood and charcoal.

Stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit the following, with some exceptions that can be found in the official Forest Order:

1.       Fires, campfires, charcoal, coal, and wood stoves.

2.       Smoking.

3.       Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame.

4.       Operating a chainsaw or any other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine from the hours of 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

An explanation of the different stages of fire restrictions and what is typically prohibited during those stages can be found online at www.tinyurl.com/firestagesexplained. The public should be aware that fire restrictions often exist on non-federal land, such as city, county, and state.  For more information about fire restrictions across the entire state, please visit https://firerestrictions.us/az/.

Stage 2 fire restrictions will remain in place on the Red Rock Ranger District until Aug. 1, 2020 or until rescinded, whichever occurs first. Violation of the restrictions on national forests is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment up to six months, or both.