Dry and windy weather this spring has led to high fire danger throughout central Arizona. Due to these severe weather conditions, the City of Prescott, Prescott National Forest, Yavapai County, and the Central Arizona Fire & Medical Authority are currently under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, and will be under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions beginning Friday, May 4th. Fire restrictions will be in effect until the region receives enough rain to justify lifting the restrictions as determined by the above agencies.
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions prohibit smoking outside of vehicles, outside of residential yards, or outside of designated smoking areas, as well as outdoor use of firearms, warming fires, and camp fires.
With two wildfires already burning a total of over 35,000 acres in Arizona, the 2018 fire season is in full swing. Of particular importance in our creeks and riparian areas. Fire can devastate wildlife habitat and recreation areas. Watson Woods Riparian Preserve has experienced several wildfires over the years – the most severe of which occurred in 1997 and burned almost 40 acres (which represents 1/3 of the Preserve). Impacts are still evident on the ground to a careful observer.
Please use caution while you are out and about.
For more information on fire restrictions and current conditions, please visit:
- Prescott National Forest: www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/prescott/alerts-notices
- City of Prescott and surrounding Fire Districts: www.prescott-az.gov/services/fire/permits/
- Central Arizona Fire & Medical Authority: http://cazfire.org/