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.

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 history were human-caused, such as the 2011 Wallow Fire in the eastern White Mountains, the 2002 Rodeo-Chediski fire (also 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 leave your fire unattended and make sure it is completely out before you abandon it. Heed all fire danger notices and obey 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

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