PRESCOTT, AZ (June 22, 2012) - Prescott National Forest wishes to remind the public that conditions across the forest are extremely dry and the forest remains in State II Fire Restrictions. All campgrounds and recreation sites are currently open to the public, but the Emergency Fire Closure near Crown King is still in effect. All trails, roads and lands in the burned area of the Gladiator Fire remain closed including Senator Highway (County Road 56) at the junction of Forest Road 89 south to Forest Road 362 (Hooper Saddle).

The following fire restrictions remain in effect for the entire Prescott National Forest:

• The use of campfires, charcoal grills, and stove fires (wood, charcoal, and coal burning) are prohibited on all Prescott National Forest lands. This now includes developed campsites and campgrounds.
• Use of explosives is prohibited.
• Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
• Operating a chainsaw, or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine, is prohibited between the hours of 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. During acceptable hours, please have 5-10 ft. clearance around your generators and other internal combustible engines.
• Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame is prohibited.
• Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun is prohibited except while engaged in a lawful hunt
• The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices is allowed, providing such devices meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety.

The public is reminded that fireworks and operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained, and in effective working are always prohibited on all national forest lands.

For current information on fire restrictions, closures or wildfires on the Prescott National Forest, call 928-777-5799. For further information about fire restrictions on public lands in Arizona and New Mexico, call toll free 1-877-864-6985 or visit http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/.