Prevention

Current Fire Restrictions across Arizona and New Mexico

Campfire Safety

Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Be sure to check if you are in an area with campfire restrictions, which will be listed under Alerts.

• Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
• Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
• Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
• Make sure to bring at least 6 gallons of water (preferably 10 gallons) and a shovel to completely extinguish your campfire.
• Burn all wood and coals to ash. Extinguish campfires completely by generously dousing with water and stirring with a shovel.

Never leave a campfire unattended. It is illegal to do so--even for a short amount of time. Most wildland fires are caused by human activity, including campfires that were abandoned without being properly extinguished. You could be held liable for any firefighting/restoration costs that result from your abandoned or unattended campfire. Make certain your campfire is dead out, wet and cold to the touch, before leaving your campsite. Read more tips for putting your campfire safety.