Dry conditions trigger fire restrictions in central and western Arizona

PHOENIX – Effective Thursday, May 21, at 8 a.m. the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Colorado River District and Phoenix District will implement seasonal fire restrictions in central and western Arizona.

Fire managers have reported an increase in wildfire activity, which is anticipated to peak as the weather continues to get hotter and drier in the coming months. Fire restrictions help to limit activities on public lands that are known to be the most common causes of wildfires.

The following restrictions will be in effect on Thursday, May 21, at 8 a.m.:

For 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

For Stage 2 restrictions on State-trust lands in La Paz and Yuma counties, and on BLM-managed lands in La Paz, Maricopa, Yavapai, Yuma, southern Mohave, northern and western Pinal, western Pima counties in Arizona, as well as portions of Imperial, San Bernadino and Riverside counties in California, these activities are prohibited:

• 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 also 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.

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.

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 on a stable surface to prevent stoves from tipping and starting a fire.

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. Residents and visitors should check with the most local office for area-specific restrictions and regulations.

Violation of restrictions is punishable by fine, imprisonment or both. Violators may also be held personally responsible for reimbursement of fire suppression costs.

To further help to prevent wildfires, never throw cigarettes out of a vehicle window. Use an ashtray instead. Never park a vehicle over dry grass as the underside of a vehicle 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. For detailed explanations concerning agency restrictions and fire information in general, please contact the nearest land management agency office where you plan to work or play or visit https://wildlandfire.az.gov.

Additional Useful Links/Resources: 

Fire Restrictions Map for Arizona and New Mexico: https://wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions Use this Interactive Map to help determine who manages the lands where you plan to recreate.