U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT NEWS RELEASE
Yuma Field Office
Yuma Field Office
| Contacts: | Lori Cook | , 928-317-3243 | , cell 918-246-8560 |
Fire Restrictions Announced for Bureau of Land Management
Yuma, Ariz. – In an effort to prevent 2009 from becoming a devastating fire season, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Yuma Field Office has announced fire restrictions on 1.3 million acres of public lands along the Colorado River in Arizona and California.
Effective Thursday, May 14, 2009, fire and smoking restrictions will be enforced on all public lands within the BLM Yuma Field Office jurisdiction. These restrictions are similar to those being implemented at this time in other areas of the State.
The BLM is asking the public to use extreme caution when visiting public lands this summer. Currently there are no plans to close any areas along the Colorado River area to public use. The public is reminded thatthe Fire Restrictions prohibit the following acts:
1. Open campfires, charcoal grills, and stove fires. Campfires and charcoal grills are permitted in 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.
2. Smoking. Smoking is restricted to enclosed buildings, within a vehicle and on a paved or surface road, within a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least six feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
3. Use of fireworks, flares, or other incendiary devices.
4. Welding or the use of any torch or metal cutting implement.
The restrictions are necessary due to extreme fire danger from prolonged hot and dry weather conditions. The restrictions will continue until conditions warrant rescinding.
Violations of these restrictions are punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 and/or imprisonment of not more than 12 months.
Imperial and Cibola National Wildlife Refuges continue to enforce year round fire restrictions.
For fire restriction information in Arizona and New Mexico:
Call Toll Free: 1-877-864-6985
Visit the website: www.publiclands.org/firenews
The BLM manages more land - 256 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.
Yuma Field Office 2555 E. Gila Ridge Road Yuma, AZ 85365