Four of Arizona's national forests are implementing a temporary ban on fires outside of developed campgrounds.
As the Arizona Daily Sun reported this week, the ban, which starts today (Wednesday, June 15), affects the Apache-Sitgreaves, Coconino, Kaibab and Prescott national forests in the northern, central and eastern parts of the state. (The Tonto National Forest enacted a similar ban last week. No such ban exists on the Coronado National Forest down south.)
Under the restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal and wood stoves are prohibited, except at developed campgrounds on the forests. Additionally, smoking is prohibited unless it's done at a developed campground or in an enclosed building or vehicle.
The move is in response to what officials said is a "near-critical" level of wildfire danger due to expected high temperatures and low humidity. No timetable for lifting the restrictions was provided.