Newsroom

Media and Public Requests 

The Department of Forestry and Fire Management's Public Affairs Division is responsible for agency marketing and public outreach, along with media and public speaking requests, DFFM's social media platforms, public records request processing, and legislative business. 

Wildfire Information 

In the event of a wildfire, please refer to our X page @azstateforestry or check Arizona Inciweb for the latest information. Most likely, the information will be posted to Twitter first and then to Inciweb. All media requests for interviews or other information must be handled through the Public Affairs Department. 

For media needing information on a wildfire you can reach us at [email protected]. 

Follow us on social media for fire information updates, fire prevention tips and forestry updates from across the state: 

DFFM on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arizonaforestry

DFFM on X: https://x.com/azstateforestry

DFFM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forestryfireaz/

DFFM Mobile Phone Application 

In early 2019, the agency released a new mobile phone application to provide an additional platform for wildfire and prevention information. The free mobile app can be found on the iTunes or Google Play stores: https://www.apexmobile.net/app/azdffm/. Users can subscribe to different alert notifications, including new wildfire starts and fire restriction information. The app also provides current agency news headlines, fire prevention tips, a Q&A section, and a contact us tab where users can submit anonymous tips. 

**The application is provided for state land jurisdiction only. Therefore, not all wildland fire information, including those on federal or tribal lands may be detailed**

Legislative and Public Events

The Department of Forestry and Fire Management works to provide public outreach through various platforms including social media, billboard marketing campaigns, public service announcements, and community-wide events. Every year, DFFM participates in the Arizona Game and Fish Wildlife Expo and STEM events at Chase Field. We also work to educate our students by providing classroom guest speakers, including wildland firefighters and deputy fire marshals to help teach our students the importance of fire safety. 

If you would like to have a speaker for your event or class, or are requesting Smokey Bear's attendance, please contact us at [email protected].

For all Legislative affairs you can contact Legislative Liaison Dante Mitchell. 

The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management implements three stages of fires restrictions on state lands: Stage I, Stage II, and closures. 

So what is the difference? 

The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management implements three stages of fire restrictions on state lands: 

Stage I, Stage II, and closures. 

So what's the difference? 

Examples include:

• Potential loss of life due to extreme fire conditions.
• High potential for extreme fire behavior.
• Level II restrictions are not effective in reducing the number of human-caused fires.
• Resources across the geographic area are at a critical shortage level.

Closure Exemptions:

1. Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act.
2. Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.
3. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force or other authorized personnel in the performance of an official duty.
4. All land within a city boundary is exempted unless otherwise stated in city ordinance.

For information about permits to legally recreate on State Trust land, please call the Land Department's Public Desk at 602-542-4632.

1. Building maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove including fires in developed campgrounds or improved sites is prohibited. Persons using a device fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is permitted. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the device.
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, is prohibited.
3. Discharging a firearm except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal, or tribal laws and regulations is prohibited.
4. Mechanical and Industrial prohibitions:
   1. Operating any internal combustion engine.
   2. Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.
   3. Using an explosive.

1. Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act. This process can be utilized in cases where public works and public utility emergency repairs are necessary.
2. Industrial operations where specific operations and exemptions are identified and mitigation measures are implemented as outlined in an agency plan.
3. Operating generators with an approved spark arresting device within an enclosed vehicle or building or in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the generator.
4. Operating motorized vehicles on designated roads so long as you park in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway.
5. Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.
6. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force or other authorized personnel in the performance of an official duty.
7. All land within a city boundary is exempted unless otherwise stated by city ordinance.
8. Discharging of firearms is allowed on agency designated shooting ranges.