Fire Restrictions Go Into Effect Tuesday In Arizona

ACROSS ARIZONA—Continued dry conditions and an increase in wildfire activity throughout Arizona have led to fire restrictions that will go into effect statewide Tuesday. According to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, activities known to be the most common causes of wildfires will be restricted.

"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," forestry officials said in a news release.

Once conditions improve, and the risk of wildfires has been reduced, forestry officials said fire restrictions will be rescinded, and all allowable activities will be permitted to continue.

In the meantime, a violation of the restrictions could result in citations, fines, jail time or reimbursement of the cost to put out the fire and rehabilitate the fire area.

The stage two fire restrictions are as follows:

Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation administered lands in Arizona
The following activities are prohibited on all BLM and BOR administered public lands in Arizona:

• 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 pursuant to state, federal or tribal laws and regulations
• Using fireworks, exploding targets, and incendiary devices, which are prohibited year-round

Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management – State Trust and Unincorporated Private Lands
The following activities are prohibited on all state-owned and managed lands, except south of the Grand Canyon in Coconino County:

• 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.
• Operating any internal combustion engine, chainsaw usage restricted from 9am-8pm, welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, using explosives.
• Discharging a firearm except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal, or tribal laws and regulations.
• Recreational target shooting and fireworks are prohibited on state lands year-round.

Know before you go

Fire restrictions vary by agency and jurisdiction. Forestry officials urge people to contact their local land or fire management agency or fire department for additional information regarding current fire restrictions and fire situations.

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