Courtesy photo.
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors enacted a campfire ban, for Coconino County, during the board meeting on Tuesday.
The ban aligns with the United States Forest Service Southern Region campfire ban which went into effect on April 22 and includes all national forests in Arizona. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or stove fire are prohibited throughout the County’s jurisdictional boundaries. The ban does not apply within the boundaries of the municipal governments in the County. Gas and propane powered stoves, grills or lanterns with an on/off switch are permitted.
The campfire ban will protect the health and safety of fire fighters during the COVID-19 pandemic and reduce the impact of poor air quality on those suffering from or at risk of COVID-19.
“Fire season is approaching and fighting fires is a hazardous profession that limits the ability of first responders to physically distance,” said Coconino County Chairwoman Liz Archuleta. “Campfires can lead to unwanted human-caused fires which pose a threat to our communities. We encourage residents to recreate where appropriate without campfires.”
Proactive forest restoration measures and related activities which are currently underway on National Forest and private lands will not be impacted. The ban went into effect immediately upon adoption and will remain in effect until rescinded by the Board of Supervisors.