Fire activity and dry conditions trigger stage 2 fire restrictions in Southeastern Arizona
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Tucson, Ariz. (May 24, 2021) --- Effective Wednesday, May 26, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, Bureau of Land Management Gila District, all districts of the Coronado National Forest, Saguaro National Park, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, Coronado National Memorial, Chiricahua National Monument, Fort Bowie National Historic Site, Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, and Tumacácori National Historical Park will implement campfire and smoking restrictions in Arizona. Campfires are never allowed on the San Bernardino and Leslie Canyon National Wildlife Refuges. Visitors can call or check refuge websites 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Beginning May 26, and until rescinded, the following are prohibited:
- Building maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, elevated grills or wood stove including fires in developed campgrounds or improved sites.
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
- Discharging a firearm, including target shooting, except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal or tribal laws and regulations
- Mechanical and industrial prohibitions include:
- Operating any internal combustion engine off designated roadways.
- Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.
- Using an explosive.
Fireworks and exploding targets are never allowed on federal and state lands. Target shooting is prohibited year-round on National Park Service and 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.
Never park a vehicle over dead grass; 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, visit 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.