Verde Valley News – In consultation and coordination with the U.S. Forest Service, Yavapai County, and other fire agencies, Verde Valley Fire District will be entering into Stage II fire restrictions beginning 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 26, 2022.
Stage II fire restrictions prohibit all solid fueled open fires, fire pits and campfires. Fireworks and other pyrotechnic displays are prohibited, unless permitted by the Fire Inspector. Also prohibited is the outdoor use of equipment that generates sparks or open flames; including, but not limited to: Welding equipment, grinders, and chainsaws. Commercial operators may apply for a hot work permit. During the period of fire restrictions burn permits will be suspended.
Cooking on propane grills and the use of UL listed, natural gas or propane flame producing heating/warming appliances is still allowed provided that the appliance is located at least 10 feet from combustible materials. Cooking devices that do not generate sparks or open flames are allowed only at private residences so long as they are covered with a tight-fitting lid and are clear of all flammable materials.
Residents are encouraged to exercise caution and good judgement. Please be vigilant and do not hesitate to call 9-1-1 if you see a brush fire.
PROHIBITED:
• Open fires or campfires utilizing wood or other solid fuels.
• Smoking in public (except within an enclosed vehicle or building).
• Using explosives.
• Possessing, discharging, or using any type of firework or pyrotechnic device (unless operating under an issued permit).
• Outdoor welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame without a hot work permit. Hot work permits are revoked during period of Red Flag Warnings.
• Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order (this does not include motor vehicles; it is intended for such things as landscaping tools).
• Discharging firearms, air rifles, or gas guns, except while engaged in a lawful hunt.
• Possessing or using a motor vehicle off National Forest System roads (vehicles must stay on open forest roads and not drive or park over any vegetation at any time).
ALLOWED:
• The use of indoor fireplaces.
• Liquid Propane Gas (LPG), Natural Gas (LNG) grills, fireplaces, and appliances.
• Cooking with charcoal or wood on private property in an appliance with a tight-fitting lid that is in place while cooking.
• The use of power equipment on private property for the purpose of landscaping, fuel mitigation, etc. A spark arrester must be in-place and a fire watch shall be instituted for 30 minutes after stopping work. Operators shall be equipped with a means to extinguish any fire. Good safety practices also include limiting use of power equipment to before 9:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m. when temperatures are lower and relative humidity is higher. Commercial operators engaged in the removal and maintenance of vegetation to promote healthy plants, to remove accumulated debris, utility easement or right-of-way maintenance and other activities to lessen fuel load and increase fire safety around structures and populated areas may operate outside these hours when all other safety guidelines are followed. No power equipment use is allowed during Red Flag weather days.
• Smoking outside on private property is discouraged; however, it is permissible so long as ashes and cigarette butts are discarded in a non-combustible, windproof receptacle.
Verde Valley Fire District may establish additional requirements, up to and including the extinguishment of any fire, the revocation of any permit, and a ban on chainsaws or other equipment on a case-by-case basis to ensure the public health, safety, and welfare.