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ST. GEORGE, UT - Beginning June 30, 2021, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Arizona Strip District will implement Stage 2 fire restrictions. Fire restrictions are a tool many agencies use to restrict activities known to be the most common causes of wildfires. Continued dry conditions and an increase in wildfire activity throughout Arizona have led agencies to implement fire restrictions. Preventing wildfires keeps communities and firefighters safe; reducing their risk and exposure to injury, smoke, and disease.

Once conditions improve, and the risk of wildfires has been reduced, fire restrictions will be rescinded, and all allowable activities will be permitted to continue. A violation of posted restrictions could result in citations, fines, jail time, or reimbursement of the cost to put out the fire and rehabilitate the area. Stage 2 fire restrictions are as follows:

Bureau of Land Management Arizona Strip District

 The following activities are prohibited on all BLM administered public lands on the Arizona Strip:

• Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove. (Propane and pressurized liquid or gas stoves, grills or lanterns that include shut-off valves are permitted when used in an area of at least six feet or more cleared of flammable material such as grass and brush.)

• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building

• Welding or the use of any torch, metal cutting or grinding equipment

• Operating any internal combustion engine, such as a chainsaw or similar power tools

• Discharging a firearm except while engaged in a lawful hunt under state, federal or tribal laws and regulations

• Using fireworks, exploding targets, and incendiary devices, which are prohibited year-round

Do your part. Don’t let a wildfire start. The public plays a valuable role in preventing wildfires. On average, human-caused wildfires make up more than half of all wildfire occurrences in Arizona annually. Always keep outdoor fire safety in mind. Many of our wildfires start from vehicle and equipment use as well as campfires, or debris burning on private property. Follow all fire restrictions. Use spark arresters on small equipment. Secure tow chains and check the condition of tires and brakes. Avoid parking vehicles in dry vegetation.

Prepare your home for wildfire. Take the time to evaluate the risk around your home and prepare for wildfires. Taking individual responsibility to reduce flammable materials around homes and communities before a fire occurs can help keep the property, the public, and firefighters safe. Rake up dead leaves or needles, pull weeds and mow lawns, trim up your trees, and move anything that will burn away from your home. Creating a buffer between your home and trees, shrubs, undeveloped spaces or other wildland areas, is essential to improving your home's chance of surviving a wildfire. Not only can this space help slow or stop the spread of wildfire, but it also provides a safe place for firefighters to defend your home if conditions allow.

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.  

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For additional, regional information visit these websites:

• Bureau of Land Management – Arizona: https://www.blm.gov/arizona

• Interactive Land Management Map: http://gis.azland.gov/webapps/parcel/?loc=-111.5599,33.9972,7&layers=3,1,0

• Color Country Interagency Fire Center: https://gacc.nifc.gov/gbcc/dispatch/ut-cdc/cdcmain.html