Flagstaff declares Stage 1 fire restrictions as hot, dry wind conditions raise wildfire risk across Coconino County forests

The Coconino National Forest and the City of Flagstaff implemented Stage 1 fire restrictions starting at 8 a.m. Thursday, May 21, 2026, covering federal and municipal lands in and around Flagstaff, Arizona. Officials said the restrictions were enacted to reduce human-caused wildfire risk amid hot, dry, and windy conditions raising fire danger across Coconino County forests.

Smoking is also banned except within enclosed vehicles, buildings, or official developed sites free of combustible materials. The restrictions aim to prevent human-caused wildfires during a period of hot, dry, and windy weather conditions that elevate fire danger across Coconino County forests. The Forest Service stated these measures will remain in effect until significant, widespread precipitation reduces fire risk.

Stage 1 fire restrictions on the Coconino National Forest, effective at 8 a.m. Thursday, May 21, 2026, prohibit all fires, campfires, stoves using charcoal, coal or wood, and smudge pots except within developed recreation sites, according to a May 15 announcement from the U.S. Forest Service.

The City of Flagstaff adopted matching Stage 1 fire restrictions starting May 21, aligning municipal regulations with the federal order for lands within city limits. Flagstaff’s Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Code requires a written permit from the Fire Department to build, ignite, or maintain any outdoor fire, effectively prohibiting outdoor burning without authorization, officials said. The city’s fire restriction webpage and the “Be Fire Aware” tourism advisory confirm the Stage 1 status, emphasizing compliance to reduce wildfire risk.

Coconino County Parks & Recreation enforces its own coordinated fire restrictions on county-managed parks and open spaces. County rules allow stoves, grills, and fire rings fueled solely by pressurized liquid petroleum or propane that can be turned on and off, provided they are used in areas cleared of flammable materials within three feet. Camping is permitted only in designated campgrounds, with campfires allowed in fire rings only during non–Red Flag or Fire Weather Watch days. Smoking is restricted to enclosed vehicles, buildings, or developed recreation sites free of combustible materials. Vehicle use is limited to improved surfaces with spark arresters required on internal combustion engines, and a clearance of at least three feet around equipment is mandatory, according to county guidelines.

Violations of the federal Stage 1 restrictions on the Coconino National Forest carry penalties including mandatory federal court appearances, fines, or jail time, the Forest Service said. The agency encourages the public to call the Fire Restrictions Hotline at 928-226-4607 or contact the Forest Headquarters at 928-527-3600 or [email protected] for information. The agency also disseminated the restrictions through its website and social media channels to ensure broad public awareness.

Coconino County’s fire restrictions webpage consolidates current stages across unincorporated county lands and notes that the county previously implemented Stage 2 restrictions on June 18, 2025, covering areas including the Apache–Sitgreaves National Forest and Forest Lakes. Statewide, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management outlines a framework of fire restriction stages, with Stage II prohibiting all campfires, including those in developed campgrounds, restricting smoking to enclosed spaces, and limiting internal combustion engine use. Exemptions at the state level include activities with written permits and certain industrial operations with mitigation plans.

The Coconino National Forest encompasses extensive federal lands surrounding Flagstaff, while the city and county jurisdictions apply their respective fire restrictions within municipal boundaries and county-managed parks. The layered approach reflects coordination among federal, municipal, and county agencies to address wildfire risk amid elevated fire weather conditions. Public information efforts, including Flagstaff’s tourism advisory, integrate fire restriction details to promote awareness among residents and visitors.

Officials said the restrictions will remain until substantial precipitation reduces fire danger, with no fixed end date established. The Forest Service and local agencies continue to monitor weather and fire conditions to adjust restrictions as necessary.