AZBackroads Launches New Interactive Map to Visualize Fire Restrictions in Arizona

For years, Arizona Backcountry Explorers has provided a fire restrictions and wildfire information map. Built using open-source ArcGIS mapping software, our fire restriction map has served Arizona’s outdoor recreation community exceptionally well. It even set the standard for federal agencies creating their own fire restriction maps, many of which replicated our layers, features, and even the color scheme.

However, the open-source software used to build our map has been obsolete and unsupported by ArcGIS developers for over a year. As a result, the user experience has suffered, with long loading times and a sluggish, often unresponsive map that rendered it nearly useless.

To address this, we have developed proprietary software that pulls official government data from the ArcGIS REST API, caches, maps, and standardizes the data on our servers, and displays multipolygon layers using the Leaflet JavaScript library. This new system allows us to efficiently display geographical areas where fire restrictions are in place.

Our new interactive fire restrictions map is highly responsive, user-friendly, and utilizes advanced back-end processing to minimize REST API queries and reduce load times. It also includes geolocation features, enabling users to quickly find fire restrictions in their area. Detailed information is provided for each restriction, including the restriction stage, specific rules, start and end times, and links to relevant agency websites.

The map is color-coded based on restriction stages. When fire restrictions are implemented, polygon features appear on the map, showing the geographical areas affected. Areas with year-round fire restrictions are also clearly marked.

Out with the old, in with the new! Our updated map is designed to provide a seamless and efficient experience for Arizona’s outdoor enthusiasts.

Find the interactive fire restriction map here.