July 18, 2012 Update: All fire restrictions have been lifted.
There are no current fire restrictions within Groom Creek, Yavapai County, or the Prescott National Forest. But as always – use extreme care.
The Original Information…
July 13, 2012 Update: Even with the rains we have had locally, the Stage II fire restrictions are still in effect. To date, we have had about 1.5 inches in the Groom Creek area, which is not yet enough to impact the drought conditions. However, continued moisture will soon lower or remove the restrictions. We will post here once the current restrictions change.
June 6, 2012: Stage II Fire Restrictions
PRESCOTT, AZ – Due to increased fire danger, Prescott National Forest will implement Stage II fire restrictions on Friday, June 8, 2012. 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 Groom Creek Fire District is immediately implementing the same restrictions on all private and public lands within the Fire District.
Under the authority of the International Fire Code and Wildland Urban Interface Code adopted by the Groom Creek Fire District the following restrictions will be implemented on Private Land within the District beginning Wednesday, June 6, 2012 and running until further notice. (Authority: A.R.S § 37.623)
The following fire restrictions will be in effect:
- The use of campfires, charcoal grills, and stove fires (wood, charcoal, and coal burning) are prohibited on all public and private lands. This now includes National Forest developed campsites and campgrounds.
- Use of explosives is prohibited.
- Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
- Operating a chainsaw, or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine, is prohibited between the hours of 9:00 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 except while engaged in a lawful hunt
The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, propane grills, lanterns or heating devices is allowed, providing such devices meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety.
The public is reminded that fireworks and operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained, and in effective working are always prohibited on all national forest lands.
State, Federal, and local fire and law enforcement officers as well as members of organized firefighting forces are exempt from these prohibitions while in the performance of official duties.
