Dry conditions trigger fire restrictions on the Arizona Strip District

Organization:

Bureau of Land Management

BLM Office:

Arizona Strip District Office

Media Contact:

Rachel Carnahan, Arizona Strip District Public Affairs Specialist

ST. GEORGE, Utah – Effective Wednesday, June 20, the Bureau of Land Management Arizona Strip District, including the Grand Canyon Parashant-National Monument (BLM/NPS), Vermilion Cliffs National Monument and Arizona Strip Field Office will implement fire restrictions on the Arizona Strip District.

Beginning June 20, 2018, and until rescinded, the following are prohibited:

  1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove other than an agency provided ring or grill within the developed campsites or picnic areas.
  2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site/improved site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
  3. Using tracer ammunition, explosives, or any incendiary devices (including explosive targets): fireworks are always prohibited on public lands.
  4. Mechanical and Industrial Prohibitions
  • Operating any internal combustion engine without an approved spark arrester.
  • Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.
  • Using an explosive

Fireworks and exploding targets are always prohibited year-round on federal and state lands.

Exemptions:

An exemption does not absolve an individual or organization from liability or responsibility for any fire started by the exempted activity.

  1. Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act.
  2. Persons using a device solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials, within 3 feet of the device.
  3. Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.
  4. Any Federal, State, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
  5. All land within a city boundary is exempted unless otherwise stated in city ordinance.
  6. Other exemptions unique to each agency/tribe.

Violation of restrictions on federal lands is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by fine, imprisonment or both. Violators also may be held personally responsible for reimbursement of fire suppression costs.

Fire conditions as well as localized closures and restrictions are subject to change.  Because tribal, federal, state, and local mandates are different, they may have some differences in their restriction notices.  For a more detailed explanation concerning agency restrictions and fire information in general,  please contact the nearest land management agency office where you plan to work or play, visit http://wildlandfire.az.gov or call the toll free Southwest Fire Restrictions Hotline 1-877-864-6985. The direct fire restrictions information website for Arizona is https://wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions.


The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.