Flagstaff City Council declares Stage 1 fire restrictions and closes select Coconino National Forest trailheads as dry lightning increases wildfire threat

The Flagstaff City Council declared Stage 1 fire restrictions and closed select trailheads in the Coconino National Forest at 8 a.m. Thursday, May 21, 2026, officials said. The measures were implemented to reduce wildfire risks amid increasing dry lightning and dangerous fire weather conditions.

The sale and use of consumer-grade fireworks are also banned, along with charcoal and wood-fired barbecues in city parks and open spaces, according to the city’s official alert and civic notice. Smoking and the use of electronic cigarettes are prohibited in all public places, including city parks, open spaces, and the Flagstaff Urban Trail System, officials added.

The City of Flagstaff’s Stage 1 fire restrictions, which took effect at 8 a.m. Thursday, May 21, 2026, prohibit open burning permits within city limits, officials said.

Concurrently, the Coconino National Forest entered Stage 1 fire restrictions at the same time, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The restrictions aim to prevent human-caused wildfires during dangerous fire weather conditions, the Forest Service said. Under these rules, fires, campfires, stoves, charcoal, coal, wood, and smudge pots are prohibited except within developed recreation sites. Smoking is banned except inside enclosed vehicles, buildings, or official developed recreation sites, the agency added. The Forest Service warned that violations could result in mandatory federal court appearances, fines, or jail time.

While the Flagstaff City Council’s announcement referenced the closure of select trailheads in the Coconino National Forest, the U.S. Forest Service’s official releases do not specify which trailheads are closed or confirm any closures, according to available records. No separate closure advisory or district announcement was found to verify this information, and sources confirmed that the Stage 1 restrictions were the primary measure enacted. The Forest Service contact line for further information is 928-527-3600.

The city’s fire restrictions are part of a coordinated effort involving local, county, state, and federal fire management agencies, city officials said. The National Weather Service’s issuance of Red Flag Warning days triggers additional limits on certain fire devices, the city noted. On such days, fire pits and other open-flame devices without an on/off switch are prohibited, according to the city’s official fire restriction page.

The Coconino National Forest restrictions generally remain in place until the area receives significant, widespread precipitation, the Forest Service said. These measures are designed to reduce the risk of unwanted human-caused wildfires amid hazardous fire weather conditions, officials added. Although the city’s announcement cited increasing dry lightning as a contributing factor to the elevated wildfire threat, this specific cause was not detailed in the Forest Service’s or city’s formal restriction notices.

The City of Flagstaff also enforces the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Code within city limits, which requires a written permit from the Fire Department to build, ignite, or maintain outdoor fires, subject to listed exceptions, city records show. This code remains applicable during the Stage 1 fire restrictions, officials confirmed.

Residents and visitors are advised to comply with all restrictions to help prevent wildfires. The city’s official alert center and civic alerts pages provide ongoing updates about fire restrictions and safety measures. The Coconino National Forest’s fire restriction details and contact information are available through the U.S. Forest Service.