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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT NEWS RELEASE
Safford Field Office
 
Release Date: 05/14/09
Contacts: Diane Drobka (Safford) , 928-348-4403 , Diane_Drobka@blm.gov
  Kristen Lenhardt (Tucson) , 520-258-7266 , Kristen_Lenhardt@blm.gov
News Release No. SFO-09-08

BLM Imposes Fire Restrictions in Pinal County

Safford, Ariz. – As temperatures continue to top 100 degrees and no rain in sight, federal agencies are taking action to avoid catastrophic wildfires. The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Gila District, which includes two million acres of public lands in southeastern Arizona, is joining other agencies by issuing fire restrictions in Pinal County.  

Due to extremely hazardous fire conditions, beginning Thursday, May 14, 2009, and until rescinded, the following are prohibited on public lands in Pinal County managed by the BLM Gila District’s Tucson and Safford field offices: 

1.     Building or using a fire, campfire, charcoal broiler, or wood stove except in developed camping and picnicking areas. However, the use of propane- and petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices is allowed beyond developed sites.
2.     Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, in a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.  

The following persons are exempt from the restrictions of this Fire Prevention Order:

1.     Any federal, state, or local officer or member of an organized firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.  

Violation of this Fire Prevention Order is punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000, or imprisonment of not more than 12 months, or both. (43 CFR 9212.4). Violators can also be held personally responsible to reimburse fire suppression costs. Fire restrictions will likely remain in effect until the summer monsoons provide enough moisture to grassland and forest vegetation.
 
Homeowners are encouraged to protect their property by maintaining “defensible space” around homes and outbuildings. To do so, clear flammable vegetation within 30 feet of structures. More tips can be found on the web at www.firewise.org. Stop by any BLM office for a free copy of “Living with Fire” to learn about providing a fire-safe zone around your home.
 
For additional information on fire restrictions in Arizona, visit the Public Lands Information Center website at www.publiclands.org/firenews/AZ.php or call the Interagency Fire Hotline at 877-864-6985.

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.

--BLM--

Safford Field Office   711 14th Avenue      Safford, AZ 85546  

Last updated: 05-15-2009