Fire activity and dry conditions trigger fire restrictions in central and western Arizona
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PHOENIX – Effective 8 a.m. Friday, May 14, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Phoenix and Colorado River Districts, the Prescott National Forest, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, the Tonto National Forest and the Tonto National Monument will implement campfire and smoking restrictions in central and western Arizona. Campfires are never permitted on Imperial, Cibola, Bill Williams River, and Havasu National Wildlife Refuges (NWR); however, campfires are permitted on Kofa NWR unless otherwise restricted. Visitors should check with refuge visitor center for up-to-date information. Residents and visitors should check with respective county governments for information on implementation of fire bans across unincorporated county lands.
Beginning 8 a.m. May 14, 2021, and until rescinded, the following are prohibited:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove fire, except within a developed recreation site, or improved site.
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building. Smoking is prohibited in all federal buildings.
In addition, the BLM Phoenix District, BLM Colorado River District, Prescott National Forest, and the Tonto National Forest will implement the following restriction:
- Discharging a firearm, air rifle or gas gun, except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal, or tribal law, and regulations.
Fireworks and exploding targets are never allowed on federal and state lands. Target shooting is prohibited year-round on state lands.
Violation of restrictions is punishable by fine, imprisonment or both. Violators may also be held personally responsible for reimbursement of fire suppression costs.
Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns and heaters possessing shut-off devices are allowed. When using a portable stove, make sure the area is clear of grasses and other fine fuels. Prevent stoves from tipping and starting a fire.
Cigarettes should never be thrown out the window of a vehicle. Instead, ashtrays should be used in order to prevent wildfires. Always practice Leave No Trace principles.
Never park a vehicle over dead grass as the catalytic converter can ignite the vegetation.
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 or visit http://wildlandfire.az.gov.
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.