U.S. Forest Services Bans All Campfires In Arizona Through June 30th

The U.S. Forest Service has banned all campfires in Arizona through the end of June. The order prohibits the “igniting, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, including charcoal grills and barbecues, as well as coal and wood burning stoves” in all six National Forests in the state. Campers or visitors to the forest can still use propane stoves, grills or lanterns. The reason for the ban is to protect the health and safety of employees and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. It will also prevent the drawdown of fire and medical resources to unwanted human-caused wildfires and reduce firefighter exposure to the virus during the pandemic. Anyone who violates the order is subject to a maximum of a five-thousand dollar fine and six months in jail. The order is in effect until June 30th.