BLM elevates fire restrictions to decrease wildfire potential in central Arizona
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PHOENIX— The Bureau of Land Management Phoenix District Office will implement Stage II fire restrictions in order to reduce the risk of wildfire on public lands managed by the Phoenix District. Due to extremely dry conditions, increased fire activity and the potential for any ignition to grow into a large fire rapidly, fire restrictions will be elevated from the current Stage I to Stage II. These restrictions assign additional precautions by limiting activities that have the potential to start a fire.
Beginning May 18, 2018, and until rescinded, the following activities are prohibited:
- Building or using a fire, campfire, charcoal broiler or wood stove. Use of propane and petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices is currently allowed.
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
- Discharging a firearm, except while engaged in lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal, or tribal law and regulations.
- Operating any internal combustion engine.
- Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.
Fireworks and exploding targets are prohibited year-round on Federal lands.
These fire restrictions apply to all public lands managed by the BLM in the Phoenix District, including popular areas such as the Agua Fria National Monument, Table Mesa Recreation Area, Boulders OHV Staging Area, Back Country Byways, Sonoran Desert National Monument, Saddle Mountain Recreation Area, Painted Rock Petroglyph site and all wilderness areas.
Violation of these Fire Restrictions 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).
Fire conditions as well as localized closures and restrictions are subject to change. Because tribal, federal, state, and local mandates are different, they may have some differences in their restriction notices. For a more detailed explanation 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 http://wildlandfire.az.gov. The direct fire restrictions information website for Arizona is https://wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.