Coconino County Enacts Stage Three Fire Restrictions
Coconino County will be entering Stage Three Fire Restrictions at 8 a.m. on May 23. The restrictions will be enacted for all of Coconino County up to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
This ordinance applies to unincorporated areas and residences in the County that are not under the jurisdiction of a fire district. Sherwood Forest Fire District will be following the county’s fire restrictions.
“The County is implementing common sense restrictions, in coordination with our regional partners, to mitigate the catastrophic damage of wildfire,” said Chairman of the Board Matt Ryan. “We live in a forested ecosystem and our forests provide jobs for our economy, trails for our adventures and comfort for our homes. We must be extremely firewise this dry and dangerous season.”
Stage Three Fire Restrictions prohibit any combustion, open fire, charcoal, propane, shooting of firearms and camp fires in unincorporated areas and residences in the County unless:
- People have written permits or variances from their fire district (except on Red Flag Days).
- Personal use of tobacco products is restricted to inside closed vehicles or buildings only.
Update: Gas grills and portable stoves for the use of cooking food that have an on/off switch are still allowed on private property within the County.
While activities, that don’t involve mechanical operations, such as lawn care, home construction and community clean-ups, are not specifically prohibited, residents and visitors should use their best judgment when considering whether to engage in any activity that could spark a fire. Anyone engaging in these activities could be held legally responsible.
For the full Wildfire Defense Ordinance 2017-5 and to sign-up for emergency notifications, go to www.coconino.az.gov/ready.