Kingman Field Office
| Contacts: | Mike Brown | , 928-718-3756 |
Enjoy a Safe Fourth of July
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Kingman Field Office 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 high to extreme in many areas.
“Western Arizona has yet to see a large wildfire this season,” said Chad Benson, Fire Prevention 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 follow the Fire Restrictions that are in effect now,” Benson added. “Thus far this year, the desert southwest has been the most active part of the nation for fires. 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. Open campfires, charcoal grills, and stove fires. Campfires and charcoal grills are only permitted in BLM-developed recreation sites or improved sites where agency-built fire rings or grills are provided. The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices are allowed provided such devices meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety. Developed sites in the Kingman Field Office area include Burro Creek Campground, Wild Cow Campground, Windy Point Campground and Packsaddle Campground.
2. Smoking will only be allowed inside buildings, motor vehicles, camp trailers or while stopped in an area at least six feet in diameter that is cleared of all flammable material.
4. Welding or the use of any torch or metal cutting implement is prohibited.
Benson added that people are encouraged to participate in community sponsored fireworks events and to not set off fireworks on public, state, or private lands.
Asbjorn added that BLM wants folks to enjoy their weekend in Arizona’s great outdoors. People should think about outdoor safety first and be extremely careful with campfires, never leave one unattended, and make sure campfires are dead out any time they leave the campsite. Off –highway vehicles need to stay on existing roads and trails – cross country travel is not allowed and approved spark arrestors are now required for off-highway vehicles. Most importantly people should take plenty of water.
The BLM manages more land - 253 million acres - than any other Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The Bureau, with a budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.
Kingman Field Office 2755 Mission Boulevard Kingman, AZ 86401