By Tammy Gray Fire restrictions are expected to take effect in Navajo County nearly one month earlier than usual due to exceptionally dry conditions. “Every year the Forest Service watches for the spring green-up, when the run-off from snow makes the grass and undergrowth and weeds turn green. We didn’t have it this year,” said Navajo County Emergency Services Director Mary Springer. “We have the dry stuff from last year and it’s a whole lot drier now.” The Navajo County Board of Supervisors was expected to implement stage one restrictions Tuesday. Stage one restrictions are the least restrictive emergency fire regulations. There are five specifically prohibited acts, including the building of campfires, unless the campfire is “in an area that is designated for that purpose, and is barren or cleared of all debris.” Other prohibited activities are smoking outside of an enclosed vehicle or building, unless in a “developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or clear of all flammable materials”; use of any fireworks; use of explosive targets; and use of tracer round ammunition. Devices fueled by petroleum or propane, such as gas grills, are allowed under the stage one restrictions, as long as the device is used in an area that has been cleared of flammable materials in a three-feet circle, including the area above the device. The restrictions apply only to land under jurisdiction of the county, and not to cities or towns, but cities and towns are expected to institute their own emergency fire restrictions. Springer noted that the Forest Service is also planning to implement restrictions on national forest lands, and Apache County is expected to implement restrictions as well. She explained that this is the earliest she can recall emergency restrictions being put in place. “This is at least three to four weeks early,” she said. “Everything is so dry. Anything that has a spark can start a fire. The moisture level out there is about six to nine percent. The average moisture of notebook paper is 15 percent.” According to Springer, there have been several small fires already, including three human-caused fires in the Show Low area. A civil violation of the county’s fire restriction ordinance carries a minimum $100 fine and a maximum $750 fine, while a criminal violation is a class 2 misdemeanor and carries a minimum $250 fine and a maximum $750 fine, plus fees and surcharges.