The Coconino and Kaibab national forests will re-implement campfire restrictions because of a lack of monsoon moisture.
Beginning Friday morning at 8 a.m., campfires and outdoor smoking will be allowed only in developed recreation sites on both forests. Officials lifted restrictions two weeks ago as monsoon rain decreased wildfire danger across the region.
Forest managers say it’s rare to put bans in place twice in the same year, but current and predicted weather, fuel moisture and available firefighting resources, among other factors, led them to make the decision.
In addition, Kaibab managers will again close Bill Williams Mountain because a wildfire there could cause catastrophic flooding in Williams.