'It's a really weird year': No extra fire restrictions in effect for Coconino National Forest

FLAGSTAFF — There are no current fire restrictions in the Coconino National Forest except for the year-round bans that are already in place as an unusual fire season continues in northern Arizona.

"It's a really weird year in that no fire restrictions are in effect right now," said Randi Shaffer, Deputy Public Affairs Officer with the U.S. Forest Service.

Right now, there are only small area closures around three wildfires that are currently burning in addition to the existing year-round camping and campfire ban, the boundaries of which were expanded in May to cut down on human-caused fires.

Reggie Roakes, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Flagstaff, attributes this year's unusual fire season to the area's record-breaking winter snowfall followed by extensive snowmelt and extended showers.

This has created ample moisture for the area and kept wildfire fuels from drying out early, he said.

In normal years, the area is usually under Stage 2 full fire restrictions by this point in the season, Shaffer said.

"We'd typically be at the point where we're not allowing campfires for dispersed camping or allowing campfires for campground camping," she said.

Rangers are still patrolling the forest as the agency continues with public outreach to educate those who may be used to camping in the newly restricted areas.

Shaffer emphasizes that mindful camping, like fully extinguishing campfires and ensuring its cold to the touch before leaving, is still vital to keeping the area safe and fire-free.

"Just because there are no fire restrictions in effect doesn't mean the best practices of having a campfire out in the forest don't still apply," she said.

Reach the reporter at LLatch@gannett.com.

The Republic’s coverage of northern Arizona is funded, in part, with grants from Vitalyst Health Foundation and Report from America. To support regional Arizona news coverage like this, make a tax-deductible donation at supportjournalism.azcentral.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: No extra fire restrictions in effect for Coconino National Forest, Flagstaff