3 National Forests Lift Virus and Fire Restrictions in Arizona

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that they have plans to lift three Arizona national forests restrictions on their lands.

Fire restrictions have already ended at Coconino and Kaibab national forests Tuesday. The agriculture agency which oversees the forests said that recreation sites in Prescott National Forest are set to reopen Saturday.

Target shooting and campfires will also be allowed to resume in the Prescott forest after the reopening.


All three had limited access to amenities because of coronavirus pandemic Near Flagstaff, Coconino closed day-use sites, group campgrounds, and rental cabins. Kaibab also shut down day-use sites. In addition, Prescott closed its developed recreation sites.

During the coronavirus closure, wildfires also presented issues in the state’s National Forest. On June 8, a blaze roared in the Kaibab trees causing 71,450 acres of damaged land that forced precautionary evacuation, closed down roads and also the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

The Mangum Fire was only fully contained on Monday.

Prescott forest fire managers said abandoned campfires are still the leading cause of wildfires.

While the fire danger at Coconino has been lowered from “very high to high, and all fire restrictions are currently lifted, forest visitors are urged to always use caution with campfires and other potential ignition sources.”