City of Tucson declares Stage II Fire Restrictions to prevent brush fires

TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Stage II Fire Restrictions are in full effect after the City of Tucson declared a fire emergency at last night’s city council meeting.

This means residents are prohibited from starting open fires, using fireworks, or smoking outdoors in natural areas.

That’s because the number of brush fire calls has increased by nearly 90% compared to last year.

Wildland Coordinator K.P. Maxwell with the Tucson Fire Department says it’s because of the drought.

"Our brush fire calls have gone up. We have a lot more activity in the washes. We have a lot more invasive species in the washes, which is a fine fuel that carries fire, and just with the combination of these, it creates a larger threat for the city," Maxwell said.

Some examples of what's prohibited during Stage II Restri