For Release: June 30, 2008
Contacts: Chad Benson, Fire Prevention Officer (928) 718-3750
Keep Wildfire Out of Fourth of July Festivities
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Fire Management Program would like to remind people headed outdoors for the Fourth of July weekend getaway that Arizona public, state, and private lands are dry and fire risk is extreme in most areas.
“Western Arizona has yet to see a large wildfire this season,” said Gary Cook, Assistant Fire Management Officer for BLM in Kingman. “But the potential is here now.”
“We’re urging all recreationists to be aware of their surroundings, their actions, and most of all to observe the Fire Restrictions that will be in effect beginning July 1st,” Cook added. “Right now there are several large fires burning in central and eastern Arizona, this combined with the large number of fires burning in northern California has our resources stretched thin. We ask that when people get out and enjoy their public lands they remember that Mother Nature doesn’t need any help from them in getting fires started ... and for everyone to be especially careful and have a safe and fun Fourth of July Weekend.”
Current Fire Restrictions include:
1. No open fires will be allowed. This includes campfires, barbeque grills using charcoal or wood or any other use of open fires. Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns and heaters will only be allowed on Mohave County Park Lands and in designated numbered campsites in the following BLM campgrounds: Burro Creek Campground, Wild Cow Springs Campground, Windy Point Campground and Packsaddle Campground.
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building or stopped in an area at least 10 feet in diameter that is void of all flammable materials.
3. The use of fireworks, flares, or other incendiary devices is strictly prohibited.
Cook concluded that people are encouraged to participate in community sponsored fireworks events and to
not set off fireworks on public, state, or private lands.
To report a wildfire or illegal fire use, please call State Fire Dispatch at (800) 309-7081 or the Kingman Field Office at (928) 718-3700.
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