FAQ’s

FIRE RESTRICTIONS,  BANS, CLOSURES

 

Q:           What are Forest Service Fire Restrictions, Bans or Closures?

A:            Apache-Sitgreaves Fire Restrictions are “Forest” imposed general and/or specific restrictions or bans imposed by the US Department of Agriculture from the Southwest Region in Albuquerque NM. These restrictions impact all forest service lands located in Arizona, that are not under the jurisdiction of a Municipality, Fire District, City, Town or other local authority. They can include general fire restrictions or bans of campground use, campfires, or complete closures of access to forest lands.

 

Q:           What are Navajo County Fire Restrictions or Bans

A:            Navajo County Fire Restrictions are “County” imposed general fire restrictions by an Ordinance. In Navajo County, this is Ordinance No. 01-19. These restrictions are identified as Stage 1 (Minimal Fire Restrictions), Stage 2 (Moderate to Severe Fire Restrictions), and Red Flag Warnings (Expected Imminent or actual extreme fire danger or conditions).

These restrictions are implemented to reduce the risk of human-caused fires during periods of unusually high fire danger, and/or burning conditions or possibly in the near future as in the case of the COVID-19 virus. Other considerations are the increased level of human-caused fire occurrences, reduced firefighting resources available, live fuel moisture is at or approaching specific thresholds and no relief or moisture predicted in current weather conditions.

 

FOREST SERVICE CAMPFIRE BAN VS FIRE DISTRICT BURNING

Heber-Overgaard – Within the communities and boundaries of the Heber-Overgaard Fire District and in coordination and authorization by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) the Fire District offers a Burn Permit process. This permit allows residents of Heber, Overgaard, Airipine, Chevelon Canyon & Retreat and Antelope Valley to conduct open burning of tree trimmings, pine needles, brush, slash, leaves and grass ONLY when the communities are NOT in County imposed general fire restrictions and before lighting your open burn, you MUST call the Heber-Overgaard Fire District Burnline at (928) 535-6709, and listen to the recording. The recording will either state that “Burning is Allowed” or “NOT”. Propane-powered fire pits are allowed at all times. The permit does NOT allow any remaining processed woods, plastics, hazardous materials, flammable liquids in Navajo County.

Campfires – Though a burn permit is NOT required for a 3×3 or smaller “campfire” in the Heber-Overgaard Fire District, however, before lighting your campfire, you MUST call the Heber-Overgaard Fire District Burnline at (928) 535-6709, and listen to the recording. The recording will either state that “Burning is Allowed” or “NOT”. Propane-powered fire pits are allowed at all times.

Navajo County Fire Restrictions – Heber-Overgaard are unincorporated communities of Navajo County, we fall under the supervision of the Navajo County Supervisors and thus must follow and enforce any Navajo County Fire Restrictions put into effect.

 

BURNING

Q:           Does my HOFD “Burn Permit” allow me to burn on “Non-Burn Days”?

A:            NO, the permit still requires you to contact the “Burn-Line” at (928) 535-6709 and the recording will either state that “Burning is Allowed” or “NOT”. If “NOT”, no open burning is allowed including permitted properties or campfires.

Q:           Can I have a fire in my fire pit at my cabin in Heber-Overgaard?

A:            Depends. Before lighting your campfire, you MUST call the Heber-Overgaard Fire District Burnline at (928) 535-6709, and listen to the recording. The recording will either state that “Burning is Allowed” or “NOT”. Propane-powered fire pits are allowed at all times.

 

Q:           Can you have a fire in a fire pit at your home with a fire Permit?

A:            A burn permit is not required for a 3×3 or smaller “campfire” however, before lighting your campfire, you MUST call the Heber-Overgaard Fire District Burnline at (928) 535-6709, and listen to the recording. The recording will either state that “Burning is Allowed” or “NOT”. Propane-powered fire pits are allowed at all times.

 

Q:           Can I have a Charcoal BBQ at my cabin in Heber-Overgaard?

A:            Yes, unless Navajo County has imposed “Stage 2” restrictions, then a Charcoal BBQ is not permitted, propane-powered BBQ’s are permitted under all local, County and Forest fire restrictions.

 

Q:           Can I use a Propane Grill or Propane powered fire pit during fire restrictions?

A:            Yes, propane-powered BBQ’s and Fire Pits are permitted under all circumstances.

 

BRUSH PIT

 

Q:           What is the Heber-Overgaard Brush Pit hours

A:          The Heber-Overgaard Brush Pit is located on the west side of State Route 277 at Mile Marker 307.9 (1/10th mile north of Tonto). The summer hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 8am-4pm. This is for brush, yard trimmings, leaves, pine needles/cones, and slash. PLEASE do not take trash or construction debris to the site. There is a security person on-site during open hours.

 

SHOOTING IN THE FOREST

 

Q: Is target-shooting in Heber-Overgaard permitted?

A:            In Arizona, ARS 13-3107 prohibits the unlawful discharge of firearms in certain circumstances. It is best to consult the local law enforcement agency (Navajo County Sheriffs Dept) for specific restrictions.

Q:           Is target shooting allowed on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest?

A:         Firearms

You may NOT discharge a firearm or any other implement capable of taking human life, causing injury or damaging property;

• In or within ¼ mile of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area (Arizona State Law).
• Across or on a road or body of water adjacent there to
• Into or within any cave
• In any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damages as a result of such discharge. (36CFR 261.10d)
• With any tracer bullet or incendiary ammunition (36CFR 261.5b)

Destruction or Removal of Property

You may NOT damage or remove any natural feature or other property of the United States (36CFR 261.9a and 9b).

Garbage

Failing to dispose of all garbage, including any paper, cans, bottles, sewage, waste water or material in a proper manner is punishable by one or more fines. This includes targets, clay pigeon pieces and shell casings (36CFR 261.1 1d)

Fireworks and Explosives

It is prohibited to possess, discharge or use any kind of fireworks, or pyrotechnic device (36CFR261.52f).

It is also prohibited in the use of an explosive: an explosive is defined as any chemical compound, mixture, or device, the primary or common purpose of which function is by explosion. (36CFR 261.52b)