**TUCSON, Ariz.** — Arizona wildland officials imposed stage 2 fire restrictions across much of the state as crews battle multiple active wildfires and dry conditions persist ahead of the Fourth of July holiday.
Queen Creek, spanning the Maricopa-Pinal county line in the southeast Phoenix metro area, has grown to roughly 70,000 residents and is one of the fastest-growing communities in Arizona.
The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management announced that stage 2 fire restrictions took effect Tuesday on State Trust lands in Coconino, Gila, Maricopa, and Pinal counties. The Tonto National Forest implemented the same restrictions plus emergency recreational shooting bans across its entire area.
The Sycamore Fire in the Tonto National Forest has burned 11,939 acres, and two other major wildfires are active elsewhere in the state. Firefighters responded to 40 new wildfires over the weekend, according to the department.
Under stage 2 restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal, and wood stoves are prohibited. Smoking is banned except within enclosed vehicles and buildings. Operating chainsaws or internal combustion equipment is restricted from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Discharging firearms is also prohibited on affected lands, except during lawful hunts.
