Coconino County enforces vehicle restrictions during Stage 2 fire danger near San Francisco Peaks

The Fort Valley Community Meeting, held on May 28, 2025, by Coconino County, focused on fire safety measures and forest restoration projects in the region. The meeting began with a presentation on a pilot project initiated in 2023 aimed at restricting motor vehicle access to roads around the San Francisco Peaks during periods of high fire danger, specifically under what is termed "stage 2 fire restrictions."

The speaker explained that stage 2 restrictions would be implemented if conditions remain dry, with a forecasted 50% chance of rain in the coming days. The goal of these restrictions is to significantly reduce human-caused fires, which account for a large percentage of wildfires. The plan includes closing approximately 7% of the roads in the Flagstaff Ranger District, while still allowing access for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Snowball Road will remain open to facilitate access to popular trailheads.

The speaker noted that while the restrictions were only enacted for one week in the previous year, they typically last for about four to five weeks, generally starting in early June and concluding with the onset of the monsoon season around June 10. The meeting emphasized the importance of balancing public access to national forests with the need for fire safety.

Following the fire safety discussion, Jay Smith, the Forest Restoration Director for Coconino County Flood Control District, presented on various forest restoration projects funded by the district. He highlighted a partnership with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) for the Hawk project, which involves a $2 million investment to manage 2,045 acres of forest land. The innovative approach taken for this project involves dividing the area into five management sections to expedite the restoration process by employing multiple contractors.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for community members to engage with officials for further questions and discussions about the fire restrictions and restoration efforts. Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to enhancing fire safety while promoting responsible public access to natural resources.