The Arizona fires have occupied all of our minds this past week, some of us more than others. Now that Flagstaff and Coconino have been put under fire restrictions, these fires may seem more real than they were before. Wildfire season occurs every year, but it is always good to refresh just what a stage 4 and stage 3 restriction is, and it is also good to refresh on how to practice fire prevention and keep your house safe.

If you are living in “set” areas, keep abreast of the nearby fires on the related Facebook page. The Daily Sun also has articles every day on the Rafael fire. Keep yourself informed, and keep yourself safe.

Stage 4 Information:

Flagstaff, as of Wednesday the 23rd, is in the stage 4 fire restriction category. Just in case you are not aware of what that means, we have a breakdown for you;

• No outdoor grills, regardless of type. This includes pellet grills, like the Traegers
• No access to trails that lead to the Coconino forest, which include Mars Hill, Tunnel Springs, Little America, Arizona Trail, Sinclair Wash, Pipeline Trail, Switzer Canyon and the Sheeps Crossing off of Pulliam trail.
• No public entry to Observatory Mesa and Picture Canyon City Open Space areas

These are the stage 4 restrictions, yes, but stage 4 also includes all of the stages before it.

Stage 3 restrictions include;

• No outdoor activities with open fire, including campfires, fireworks, and other combustion events
• Exemptions allow only when the person has a written permit or variance, they are using cigarettes inside an enclosed vehicle only, emergency repairs of utilities and railroads, or by federal, state, or local officers part of a firefighting entity performing official duty

Stages 1 and 2 restrictions, covered under stages 3 and 4, include;

• No permits issued for open burning
• No smoking in public places
• Open fire pits and flame devices, even if they have a spark arrestor screen
• No selling or use of fireworks

Considering that Flagstaff is under stage 4 restrictions right now, those also include the previous stages. If you are outside of Flagstaff, stage 3 restrictions apply to you.

What Can We Do?:

We’re all a bit worried about this wildfire business. I know I am; My parents and grandparents are close to the Rafael wildfire, while my aunt and uncle have been evacuated from the Backbone fire. With all of the stress in the air, it’s best to take time and wind down while also being safe. Here are some ways you can do both.

Staying Safe:

There are ways you can protect your home from fires and prevent fires from starting. Clean up trash, debri, and other flammable objects from your yard, especially if it is close to your home. Get dry weeds out of the dirt and into the trash. Make sure your house is safe, but don’t run equipment that has a chance to spark. This includes things like: heavier equipment like saws, grinders, and welding equipment; and lighter equipment, like sanders.

When driving around places, make sure that you aren’t dragging anything. The friction put into dragging chains and tow straps can start sparks, which in turn start more fires. Make sure to monitor whatever work you are doing to prevent sparks from forming. The Fourth of July may be a very patriotic time of year, but we can’t be very patriotic when our houses are burning; absolutely no fireworks. Watch yourself, watch your actions, and watch your equipment.

Alternative Activities:

Now that you know a bit more on how to be careful during stage 4 fire restrictions, you can exercise your knowledge with safer activities. You may not be able to enjoy your new father’s-day grill (yes, we know it sucks), we know you can’t go hiking on that trail you’ve always wanted to explore, but there are still many activities for you to do that are close to the ‘real thing’.

One is grilling. Though we cannot use any outdoor grills, there are some alternatives. One is the George Foreman electric grill. You can still get that great grill taste without the hazard of grilling outside during wildfire season. You can pick one up now at HomCo Lumber and Hardware, and you can also swing by our spice and rub rack to pick up some perfect grilling flavors. HomCo also carries cast-iron pans, including a corn-grilling cast-iron pan. You can season up your food and grill it on iron to get that unique taste that only cast iron can bring.

Activity two is hiking. Flagstaff and the surrounding areas are well known for their hiking and stunning views, but with Coconino County and the forests closed, you may be left with the wind taken out of your sails. Luckily, Flagstaff itself still has many great views and trails. You can check out the trail list on the Flagstaff urban trail page, but make sure to avoid the trails mentioned in section one that have been closed. City parks are also always an option. There are kid-friendly parks with equipment and basketball hoops, and there are also quieter parks with trees and benches.

If you’d rather not be outside, Flagstaff has indoor rock climbing gyms, the Aquaplex gym (if you have a membership already), and other gyms if you want to get some of your pent up anxiety and energy out. Now that covid restrictions are easing, now may be a great time to head to some stores and shops that you’ve avoided for the past year. Downtown Flagstaff has a bunch of small businesses that could use your support. The movie theater is now open, and restaurants are slowly easing up on capacities.

Whatever activity you choose to indulge in, make sure to do it safely. With the heat wave, wildfire season is more dangerous than ever, and if we as a community can take steps to protect Flagstaff and the surrounding areas, the firefighters can focus on their fires and not have to worry about what’s happening in our backyards.

Stay Safe, Stay Out of the Forest

We can all do our part to alleviate the work the firefighters are doing currently and make sure that our city of Flagstaff is safe from fire, but that doesn’t mean we have to alleviate our enjoyment and spread it thin. Stay safe with your chosen activity, and make sure that you aren’t sending out any sparks. We can prevent any further wildfires.

Please stay out of the forests and please, please follow the stage 4 fire restrictions. The heat wave has made Arizona more at risk than normal, and finally near the end of pandemic restrictions, we don’t need to be putting our state at more risk than it needs to be. Enjoy the outdoors, inform yourself on fire safety, but most importantly, stay safe.