ARIZONA, USA — Starting May 21, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Colorado River and Phoenix district will enact seasonal fire restrictions across large portions of central and western Arizona as wildfire activity continues to rise with hotter and drier weather.
Fire managers report that wildfire activity is already increasing and expected to peak in the coming weeks. These restrictions aim to curb the most commonly linked human-caused fires.
With Stage 1 restrictions on State Trust lands in Mohave and Yavapai counties, these activities are prohibited:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove, other than in a developed campsite or picnic area.
- Smoking, unless it is within an enclosed vehicle or building.
- Welding or the use of any torch or metal cutting or grinding implement
Stage 2 restrictions are found in La Paz, Maricopa, Yavapai, Yuma, southern Mohave, northern and western Pinal, and western Pima counties.
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove fire.
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building. Smoking is prohibited in all federal buildings.
- Welding or the use of any torch or metal cutting or grinding implement.
- Discharging a firearm, air rifle or gas gun, except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal, or tribal law, and regulations. (This restriction includes the BLM Phoenix District’s developed recreational shooting sites: Baldy Mountain, Box Canyon, Church Camp Road, and Saddleback Mountain.)
- Operating any internal combustion engine, such as a chainsaw or similar tool. Fire restrictions are already in effect in other parts of Arizona.
- Fireworks and exploding targets are prohibited year-round on federally managed lands in Arizona. Fireworks and target shooting are prohibited year-round on Arizona State Lands.
Residents and visitors should check with the local office for area-specific restrictions and regulations.
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What is allowed
- 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 grass and other vegetation, and that the stove is on a stable surface to prevent it from tipping and starting a fire.
Reminders to further help prevent wildfires:
- Never throw cigarettes out of a vehicle window. Use an ashtray instead.
- Never park a vehicle on dry grass, as the underside can get hot enough to ignite the vegetation.
- Make sure your vehicle is in good operating condition, tires are well inflated and check for any dragging metal or chains from towed trailers.
Fire restrictions are already in effect in other parts of Arizona. Visitors should check with the local office for area-specific restrictions and regulations. Here are some websites.
Wildlandfire.AZ.gov
BLM Arizona – Fire Restrictions
Fire conditions, as well as localized closures and restrictions, are subject to change. Tribal, federal, state and local mandates are different, they may have some differences in their restriction notices, officials say. Violations of restrictions are punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both. You can be held personally responsible for reimbursement of fire suppression costs.