Fire Management

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Fire Restrictions Information

 

Symbol for wildfireHow To Report a Wildfire

As visitation increases on the Coconino National Forest, officials ask for continued cooperation in preventing wildfires. Residents and visitors are being extra vigilant for fire safety. Here are some tips on how to report a fire.

  1. Call 911.
  2. Provide your name and phone number in case we need to call you back.
  3. Provide your location as specifically as possible. Refer to Forest Road numbers, estimated mileage from main road intersections and/or geographic landmarks. If you're carrying a smartphone, find your lattitude and longitude to report. Many apps have this feature, including the "compass" app on iPhone. Example: "I’m on Forest Road 171 about a mile south of the junction with Forest Road 245. Coordinates are 34.29191667, -110.8677056."
  4. Describe what you observe, and if any people and vehicles are in the area.
  5. Don’t put yourself at risk. You’ve done your civic duty by reporting the fire. Leave the firefighting to the professionals and move a safe distance away.

Symbol for illegal campfireHow To Report Fire Restriction Violations

Be aware that not all campfires you see may be illegal. During Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, visitors can use a stove, grill or fire ring solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or pressurized liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels (aka Propane), as well as have a regular campfire in Developed Recreation Sites.  During Stage 2, the same applies except for having a campfire in Developed Recreation Sites. However, if you witness an illegal campfire or other restriction violation and want to report it, here are some tips for what to do and what happens after you call:

  1. Call the Coconino NF Dispatch Center at 928-527-3552 or Coconino County Sheriff's non-emergency number at 928-774-4523, extension 1. 
  2. Provide your name and phone number in case they need to call you back to clarify location.
  3. Provide your location of the illegal campfire as specifically as possible. Refer to Forest Road numbers, estimated mileage from main road intersections and/or geographic landmarks. If you're carrying a smartphone, find your lattitude and longitude to report. Many apps have this feature, including the "compass" app on iPhone. Example: "I’m on Forest Road 171 about a mile south of the junction with Forest Road 245. Coordinates are 34.29191667, -110.8677056."
  4. The dispatch center will then search for an available emergency responder from the Forest Service, Sheriff's Office, or Arizona Game & Fish. Calls and incidents are prioritized due to the large number of requests for many different types of emergencies. If they are unable to respond that evening, Forest Service personnel will follow-up the next morning to check the location you provided.

Symbol for permanent fire restrictionsPermanent Fire Restrictions Enforced 24/7/365

As a reminder, fireworks are never allowed on national forest lands. Please see Forest Orders: Fire Restrictions for a complete list of restrictions. The following are areas where permanent fire restrictions exists at all times of the year and where campfires are never allowed:

Please note the Coconino National Forest increased the boundaries of the existing year-round camping and campfire ban largely adjacent to the City of Flagstaff effective May 1, 2023. 

For information about possible fire restrictions across other areas of the forest, call the Fire Restrictions Hotline: 928-226-4607​

Symbol for protocolsProtocols & Processes for Implementing Fire Restrictions and Forest Closures

The Coconino National Forest uses the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) to assist in determining Preparedness Levels and when Campfire and Smoking restrictions may be implemented. Using this tool helps Fire Managers to identify critical times when fires can become difficult to control.

Campfire and Smoking restriction discussions between adjacent National Forests, National Parks, City agencies, County agencies, State agencies, other federal agencies, and the National Weather Service generally begins in mid-April and continues on a weekly basis until monsoon is established. A review of operating plans, weather trends and forest conditions defines when the need for fire restrictions will be applied. These key questions and weather parameters are addressed during these discussions and are outlined and defined on our Fire Restrictions Implementation page.

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Symbol for Industrial PlanIndustrial Plan Descriptions

The following are the Industrial Plans for our contractors that explain the requirements that must be followed during stages of restrictions. Depending on conditions, these can change and be altered for additional restrictions if weather warrants the change.

  • A: Normal Fire Precautions - No fire guard required except for welding and blasting operations.
  • B: Normal Fire Precautions - Authorized user will provide fire guard.
  • C: All power equipment use as well as blasting and welding operations will shut down from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (10 a.m. to 9 p.m. MDT). Operations on mineral soil involving activities such as road excavation, watering, grading, surfacing, rock crushing, and/or other equipment may continue. Authorized user will provide fire guard.
  • D: Shut down all operations; except operations on mineral soil involving road excavation, watering, grading, surfacing, and rock crushing may continue with special Forest Service permit. Blasting and welding are prohibited. Authorized user will provide fire guard.

Typical Fire Precaution Measure Stages

Staged Restriction Levels

Industrial Fire Plan

  No Restrictions

A

  Stage 1

B

  Stage 2

C

  Partial/Forest Closure*

D

  Red Flag Warning (as issued by NWS)

D

* Partial Forest Closure:

Project areas which are outside the boundaries of the partial forest closure may continue to operate under Industrial Fire Plan "C" operating criteria as agreed upon between the Permit Administrator and Purchaser in writing.

Project areas within the boundaries of the proclaimed partial forest closure area are to operate under Industrial Plan "D".

Staged restrictions levels are determined by the appropriate Forest Line Officer in consultation with the Forest Fire Management Officer and Permit Administrator. The appropriate Forest Line Officer may adjust the predicted Industrial Plan for local weather conditions within a Project Area. Changes in the predicted Industrial Plan shall be agreed to in writing.

Symbol for additional resourcesAdditional Resources and Information

Below are some additional links that you may find helpful when looking for information on wildfires and fire restrictions in other areas such as cities, counties, state, and the southwestern region in general.

 

Stay Informed About Coconino NF Activities

We post announcements, alerts, notices, press releases, and other timely information about fire restrictions, prescribed burns, and wildfires on the web, Facebook, and Twitter.

  • @CoconinoNF on Twitter: We tweet important announcements and news on Twitter
  • CoconinoNF on Facebook: We post important announcements and news on Facebook.
  • News & Events: Press releases about current Forest news, including fire restrictions and fire information. Sign up to receive our releases in your email!
  • Alerts & Notices: Important announcements regarding fire restrictions and closures

Regional and State-wide Information

Fire Restrictions Information For Other Agency Lands

Air Quality Information

Features

Protecting Communities and Improving Forest Resilience

The Wildfire Crisis Strategy and How the Coconino National Forest is Involved?

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Alerts & Warnings

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