Just how important is it to follow Stage One fire restrictions in Yavapai County? Very, especially when considering the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s updated Wildfire Risk to Communities report. Prescott, Dewey-Humboldt, and Mayer are all at very high risk of a major wildfire, with a likelihood of 96 percent. Jerome is even higher at 97 percent. Prescott Valley and Peeples Valley both have a 92 percent likelihood of a major wildfire. Sedona is at 95 percent. Chino Valley is actually on the low end at 81 percent, while Cottonwood is at 85 percent and Camp Verde is at 89 percent. Overall, Yavapai County is at 90 percent likelihood of a major wildfire.
Stage One fire restrictions mean campfires and cooking fires are only allowed within designated sites. Smoking is prohibited except within enclosed buildings or within vehicles. The sale and use of fireworks is also prohibited. Also, make sure chains are not dragging on your vehicle, as they can produce sparks and start wildfires along the side of the road.