Arizona Wildfires

Restrictions, Closures and Prevention Tips for Wildfires in Arizona

New visitors and residents to the state are often surprised to learn that Arizona wildfires are relatively common.

This is partly because a large portion of Arizona is forest lands.

In fact, much of northern, eastern and southeastern Arizona is forested. And, where there are forests, there are forest fires.

The 2003 Aspen Fire burned much of the land in and around the mountaintop town of Summerhaven in the Santa Catalina Mountains

Some people are even more surprised to learn that there are desert wildfires too.

The introduction of non-native plants and grasses to Arizona deserts has made large - and sometimes devastating - fires in these formerly low fire areas more common.

When you travel in Arizona, you should be prepared for fire closures and restrictions.

During Arizona’s fire season, Arizona's six national forests…

• Apache-Sitgreaves,
• Coconino,
• Coronado,
• Kaibab,
• Prescott,
• Tonto

…may put a variety of fire and smoking restrictions in place.

Restrictions may be in effect statewide and can include lands managed by:

• the State Land Department,
• the wildlife areas managed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department,
• local city and county parks departments,
• Arizona State Parks,
• Nature Conservancy preserves,
• Native American Tribal Lands,
• Bureau of Land Management Lands,
• United States National Parks and Monuments,
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Wildlife Refuges.

Always contact local authorities before you leave for current conditions and restrictions.

For detailed information regarding current Arizona wildfires, land closures and restrictions, visit the Southwest Fire Coordination Center online or call toll free at 1-877-864-6985.

Many of Arizona’s largest wildland fires have been started by lightning strikes during the summer monsoon thunderstorm season.

Even cacti like these charred prickly pears aren't immune to the effects of Arizona wildfires

However some of the worst wildfires in Arizona were human-caused, such as the 2002 Rodeo-Chediski fire in the White Mountains and the 2003 Aspen fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains north of Tucson.

You can help prevent Arizona wildfires by being fire-aware, never leaving your fire unattended, heeding all fire danger notices and obeying all closures and restrictions.

Remember to be cautious when dealing with any sources of possible fuels or ignition such as smoking, campfires, chainsaws, fireworks and firearms.

For more fire prevention tips, see the Arizona Interagency Wildfire Prevention site

Legal Disclaimer: The information in this review was accurate at the time of our visit. All contact information, availability, access, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the facility before making reservations and/or travel plans.

Arizona-Vacation-Planner.com accepts no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information.