With dry windy conditions already helping to spread several small fires around Navajo County, the Board of Supervisors declared an emergency situation on Tuesday, and enacted fire restrictions for zones two and three. The restrictions will take effect May 16.

“The U.S. Forest Service will enact stage one fire restrictions beginning May 22. The state forester has enacted fire restrictions for all state lands on May 8. With the extreme fire conditions that exist, staff is recommending the restrictions be put in place on May 16,” Assistant County Manager Dusty Parsons advised the board.

Zone two encompasses Snowflake and Taylor. It begins just south of Woodruff, and continues to Shumway. Zone three includes Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, Clay Springs, Heber and Overgaard. It includes most of the forested areas of the county.

The restrictions include those set out in the county’s outdoor fire ordinance, which applies to all unincorporated areas under the county’s jurisdiction, although the supervisors noted at this time no restrictions are being placed on zone one. Zone one includes Woodruff, Holbrook, Joseph City and Winslow. It includes the northern strip of the county about 10 miles south of Holbrook up to the reservation line.

Emergency restrictions include a ban on nearly all types of outdoor open flames, including campfires, charcoal fires and outdoor smoking. They apply to both public and private property under the county’s jurisdiction.

Cooking devices which burn only propane or butane are allowed under the emergency restrictions.

First-time offenders may be charged with a civil violation and fined a minimum of $100, or up to $750, in addition to any restitution owed due to property damage caused by a fire.

Second-time offenders will be charged with a criminal violation. The class two misdemeanor carries a minimum fine of $250 and a maximum fine of $750 for each count, in addition to any restitution.

The supervisors voted unanimously to declare an emergency situation and implement the fire restrictions.

In other action May 10, the board:

* Declared the month of May as Drug Court Month.

* Approved striking property taxes due from Jefferson Academy of Learning due to the school’s tax-exempt status.

* Approved the purchase of property from the Show Low Unified School District for $1.

The school district obtained the land from the county, but is not using it, and has agreed to transfer it back to the county.

* Approved the expenditure of up to $5,000 in District II Local Transportation Assistance Funds II for vehicle operating expenses for the Bread of Life Mission in Holbrook.

* Approved a one-year extension of a contract with CRM of America for hauling waste tires.

* Approved a one-year extension of a contract with American Pavement Preservation for slurry seal.

* Approved a $143,050.91 contract with GMCO Corporation for a magnesium chloride lignin blend for chip seal projects.

The next regular board meeting is set for 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 24, at the Navajo County Complex in Holbrook.