PRESCOTT AZ (July 6, 2012) – Prescott National Forest fire officials would like to remind the community and forest visitors that Stage II Fire Restrictions remain in effect. While recent isolated rainfall has brought much needed temporary relief to the area, overall conditions across the forest remain unseasonably dry.
All Arizona campgrounds and recreation sites are currently open to the public, but the Emergency Fire Closure near Crown King, site of the recent Gladiator Fire, is still in effect. All trails, roads and lands in the burned area of the Gladiator Fire remain closed including Senator Highway (County Road 56) at the junction of Forest Road 89 south to Forest Road 362 (Hooper Saddle).
Prescott National Forest location
The following fire restrictions remain in effect without exception 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.
- 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, 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 condition are always prohibited on all national forest lands.
The Prescott National Forest is a 1.25 million acre United States National Forest located in north central Arizona near the city of Prescott. The forest is located in the mountains southwest of the city of Flagstaff, north of the city of Phoenix, in two Arizona counties, Yavapai and Coconino.
For current information on fire restrictions, closures or wildfires on the Prescott National Forest , call 928-777-5799. For further information about fire restrictions on public lands in Arizona and New Mexico , call toll free 1-877-864-6985 or visit http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/. The SedonaEye.com will provide updates as received.
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Effective Friday, July 13, 2012, climbing and other activities on the cliff faces of Granite Mountain and Thumb Butte in Prescott National Forest will once again be open to the public.
Monitoring volunteers identified peregrine falcons using both nesting sites this season. We are still waiting to hear the final results of the monitoring efforts to determine if the peregrines successfully produced any young this year.
“I want to thank our dedicated volunteers and the supportive forest visitors who contributed to making these closures successful,” said Wildlife Biologist Noel Fletcher.
“The Prescott National Forest was able to provide the peregrines with an opportunity to use the unique cliff habitat for nesting during the late winter and spring. Now the Prescott National Forest can provide the opportunity for climbers to enjoy their pursuits on these same unique areas during the summer and fall.”
If you have any questions about the peregrines and their management on Bradshaw Ranger District, please feel free to call Noel Fletcher, (928) 443-8020.
PRESCOTT AZ (July 16, 2012) – Prescott National Forest will rescind all fire restrictions on Wednesday, July 18 at 8:00 am due to significant amounts of precipitation across the Forest.
Visitors are reminded that the Emergency Area Closure for the Gladiator Fire will remain in effect.
Moisture has created wetter conditions that have lessened fire potential, though continued caution is still urged. Remember, to properly extinguish a campfire:
· Pour lots of water on the fire to drown all embers; pour until the hissing stops.
· Stir the campfire ashes and embers with a shovel.
· Make sure everything is wet, and cold to the touch.
For current information on fire restrictions, closures or wildfires on the Prescott National Forest, call 928-777-5799. For further information about fire restrictions on public lands in Arizona and New Mexico, call toll free 1-877-864-6985 or visit http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/.
If you have any question on current fire restrictions or recreational opportunities please contact the Bradshaw Ranger District at (928) 443-8000.
Prescott National Forest officials have closed a portion of Senator Highway effective immediately. Recent monsoons rains has caused extensive damage and washed out portions of the road making it unsafe and impassable at this time. The closure will remain in effect until monsoon activity is over and repairs can be completed.
The following portion of the road is closed to public travel: Senator Highway (County Road 56): Beginning at the junction of Senator Highway and Forest Trail 215 (Township 11 North, Range 1 West, Section 16); heading south along Senator Highway to the intersection of Senator Highway and Forest Road 362 (Hooper Saddle).
Forest Officials urge all visitors to use caution while driving on Forest Roads during the monsoon season. Roads may be impassable due to rocks and trees blocking the roadway or flowing washes and saturated soil.
For more information please contact the Bradshaw Ranger District at (928) 443-8000.
Debbie Maneely, Public Affairs
Prescott NF