High Fire Danger Level I Restrictions Declared In Coconino County Parks

Per Coconino County Parks & Recreation Director Todd Graeff, Level 1 fire restrictions took effect June 30. This means that drought and dangerous fire conditions exist at Coconino County Parks and throughout the area. 

To ensure public safety and to protect the parks and environmental resources, the following fire restrictions are in effect:

• Camping is permitted only in designated campgrounds in Fort Tuthill and Cataract Lake County Parks;
• Smoking is strictly prohibited and only allowed in designated areas and in enclosed vehicles;
• Parking is prohibited on grassy forested areas and allowed in designated parking areas;
• Open fires are prohibited.  This includes campfires, charcoal grills, torches, fireworks, and candles.  Only Liquid gas stoves are permitted in improved areas (cleared of all vegetation, typically cinder or gravel surface), and
• The operation of chainsaws and other small motorized equipment by park users are prohibited.

The Coconino County Parks and Recreation Department has developed a fire restriction plan to minimize the potential threat of wildfires that could threaten the public’s health, safety and welfare.  To implement the fire restriction plan, it is working in close coordination with

several county departments including the Sheriff’s Office and the local fire departments.  

Human starts are the second leading cause of fire in the Coconino National Forest, following lightning strikes.  Precautions exercised by county staff and park users during high fire risk conditions will help ensure community safety and protection of park values and assets. 
For more information, call Parks & Recreation at (928) 679-8000.