Big Idea

• Recent moisture & cooler temperatures to allow lifting of fire and shooting restrictions
• Do not abandon campfires
• Do not cut whole trees or branches
• Violations are still subject to fines/imprisonment
• Read more...

Although restrictions are lifting, care must still be taken

PRESCOTT, AZ, November 9, 2020– Due to recent moisture, cooler temperatures, and shorter days, as well as a reduction in fire activity and resource commitment nationwide, the Prescott National Forest will lift all fire and recreational shooting restrictions on Wednesday, November 11th at 8:00 AM. While all fire restrictions will be lifted, forest visitors are reminded that the potential for wildfires still exists and to please use caution with campfires and other potential ignition sources.

Now that campfires are again allowed on the Prescott National Forest, fire managers remind the public that abandoned campfires are still the leading cause of human-caused wildfires. Forest visitors are urged to follow campfire safety procedures. It is every camper’s responsibility to properly maintain and extinguish a campfire to prevent wildfires.

Campfire guidelines:

• Never cut whole trees or branches, dead or alive. Live materials will not burn and dead standing trees, snags, are often homes for birds and other wildlife.
• Do not burn aerosol cans, pressurized containers, glass or aluminum cans. They could explode, shatter and/or create harmful fumes.
• Keep the fire to a manageable size.
• Never leave your campfire unattended.

Ensure campfire is fully extinguished:

• Allow wood to burn completely to ash, if possible.
• Pour water on the fire. Drown all embers, not just the red ones. Pour until hissing sound stops.
• If water is not available, stir dirt or sand into the embers with a shovel to bury the fire.
• Scrape any remaining sticks and logs with a shovel to remove any embers.
• Continue adding water, dirt, or sand and stir with a shovel until all material is cool.
• If it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave.

Violators of regulations that prohibit abandoning a campfire are subject to a fine and/or imprisonment. If an abandoned campfire causes a wildfire, violators can also be held responsible for fire suppression costs.

Visitors can obtain additional information by visiting the Prescott National Forest Website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/prescott/ or by following us on Facebook or Twitter.

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