With no precipitation since May 14th when Phase I Fire Restrictions were imposed, restrictions are now being elevated to Phase II.
Effective Friday, June 11, 2021 the Prescott Fire Department (and much of Northern Arizona) are implementing Stage II Fire Restrictions.
Stage II fire restrictions are as follows:
- NO smoking outside of vehicles, outside of residential yards, or outside of designated
smoking areas. - NO outdoor use of firearms.
No burn permits will be issued-residential or commercial.
Use of model rockets is prohibited.
Use of fireworks and other pyrotechnic displays are prohibited except by commercial special events permit.
Welding, cutting and grinding is prohibited (Permission may be granted under special circumstances and repair situations as approved by the Fire Marshal).
Chainsaws or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine between the hours of 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. are prohibited. However, chainsaws are allowed with a spark arrestor, water or fire extinguisher and a fire watch.
Warming fires, camp fires, as well as charcoal and wood burning barbecues (ember and ash producing) are prohibited in all locations. This also prohibits the use of other devices that produce open flame such as Tiki lamps.
The use of propane, natural gas or other gas flame-producing barbeque cooking grills or fire pits may be used as long as they are constantly attended, are in an enclosed device, and can be turned off.
Interestingly, Prescott Creeks seems to have too much familiarity with wildfire. Watson Woods Riparian Preserve experienced a wildfire in 1997 that was the result of a cigarette butt carelessly tossed into a pile of cardboard. That fire burned nearly 30% of the Preserve. Since then, there have been several other, less severe, wildfires.
Please adhere to the Stage II Fire Restrictions to protect public health by reducing the number of preventable human-caused wildfires. This also protects wildlife and riparian habitats like those at Watson Woods Riparian Preserve.
