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Greenlee County to Delay Local Fire‑restriction Vote, Remain Aligned with Apache‑Sitgreaves Forest
Summary
The Board of Supervisors voted to table a county-level fire‑restriction action and said it will coordinate any local restrictions with the Apache‑Sitgreaves National Forest while monitoring near‑term weather and Forest Service decisions.
The Greenlee County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to table consideration of local fire restrictions and said the county will remain aligned with the Apache‑Sitgreaves National Forest’s decisions.
Emergency Manager Matt Bollinger told the board the Apache‑Sitgreaves Forest entered stage 1 fire restrictions on Feb. 28 because of unusual warmth, low precipitation and high winds. "I personally don't remember ever going into fire restrictions in February," Bollinger said, describing the timing as an "oddity" and noting the forest service coordinates with local fire departments and law enforcement when it imposes restrictions.
The board discussed recent precipitation and the prospect of additional moisture this week. Supervisors said they preferred to wait for Forest Service guidance and more weather data before taking a local action. One supervisor moved to table the agenda item until a future meeting; another seconded the motion. The motion carried by voice vote.
Why it matters: a county ordinance enacted while the forest remains in restriction could conflict with federal guidance or create confusion for enforcement and for local fire, police and emergency services. The board said it wants to remain "in alignment" with the forest service and retain the ability to act quickly if conditions change.
Bollinger told the board the Forest Service was reevaluating its restrictions and could lift them if rainfall and cooler temperatures continue. Board members instructed staff to return with the issue at the next regular meeting or sooner if conditions worsen.
Looking ahead: staff said they could bring the item back for an earlier meeting if weather deteriorates; otherwise the board will revisit the matter at a future session after new forest‑service guidance or updated local weather data.
