City of Prescott Fire Department Goes to Stage II

Prescott, Arizona (June 27, 2011) – Prescott fire officials are increasing fire restrictions to Stage II starting on Wednesday June 29, 2011. Extreme high wind conditions with elevated temperatures have accelerated drying conditions in the area. Fire restrictions are being implemented to improve public safety conditions in the City of Prescott. Stage II fire restrictions prohibit the following in the City of Prescott:

Prohibitions for outside use of chainsaws, welding, or other spark/flame producing equipment without Prescott Fire Department permission and or a permit.
No outside open-flame, ash-producing, cooking, warming, or camp fires fueled by wood, charcoal, or other ordinary combustibles at developed (any city/other park) and undeveloped public or private property (residential) sites.
The use of propane, natural gas or other gas flame-producing barbecue cooking devises may be used as long as they are constantly attended and are in an enclosed device.
Certain activities including welding, cutting, grinding, chainsaw use, (any spark/flame producing activity) outdoors shall require the following:
A Fire Department Permit for a specific time period, location and activity granting permission to conduct such activity in a safe manner.
A fire watch, an individual for the sole purpose watching for any sparks and/or ignition.
Firefighting tool(s) such as a shovel.
Approved water supply available from a hose, water truck, etc.

Fire restrictions will be reviewed by fire officials and changed as necessary. Please have a safe summer season. For additional information regarding fire restrictions in the City of Prescott please call (928) 777-1700 or check the visit our web site at www.cityofprescott.net

Eric Kriwer
Division Chief/Fire Marshal
Prescott Fire Department
Phone: 928-777-1762

Prescott National Forest Will Implement Additional Fire Restrictions

PRESCOTT, AZ (June 27, 2011) – Due to increased fire danger, the Prescott National Forest will implement additional fire restrictions that will go into effect Wednesday, June 29, 2011, at 8:00 am. These additional fire restrictions will remain in effect until forest officials determine that conditions have changed sufficiently to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfire. The following fire restrictions will be in effect for the entire Prescott National Forest:

• The use of campfires, charcoal grills, and stove fires (wood, charcoal, and coal burning) are prohibited on all Prescott National Forest lands. This now includes developed campsites and campgrounds.
• Use of explosives is prohibited.
• Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
• Possessing, discharging or using any kind of fireworks or other pyrotechnic devices is prohibited.
• Operating a chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine will not be allowed between the hours of 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. During acceptable hours, please have 5-10 ft. clearance around your generators and other internal combustible engines.
• Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame is prohibited.
• Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun is prohibited.

The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices is allowed, providing such devices meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety.

The public is reminded that fireworks are always prohibited on all national forest lands. They are also reminded that all of the Prescott National Forest is closed to OHV use except for the two areas that will continue to remain open to OHV use – the Hayfield Draw and Alto Pit OHV areas.

Violation of these regulations is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor, by a fine of not more than $5000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months or both; 16 USC § 551, and 18 USC §§ 3559 and 3571.

For current information on fire restrictions, closures or wildfires on the Prescott National Forest on our 24-hour fire information number (928) 777-5799.

Debbie Maneely
Public Affairs, Prescott National Forest
(928) 443-8130