Dry Conditions Trigger Fire Restrictions in Northwestern Arizona
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St. George, Utah (June 15, 2017) – Effective Friday, June 16, the Bureau of Land Management Arizona Strip District, including the Grand Canyon Parashant-National Monument (BLM/NPS), Vermilion Cliffs National Monument and Arizona Strip Field Office will implement fire restrictions in Northwestern Arizona.
Beginning June 16, 2017, and until rescinded, the following are prohibited:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove other than an agency provided ring or grill within the developed campsite or picnic area listed in the order.
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site/improved site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
- Operating any internal combustion engine without an approved spark arrestor.
- Cutting or welding metal, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.
Fireworks and exploding targets are always prohibited year-round on federal and state lands.
The use of tracer ammunition, explosives, or any incendiary devices (including explosive targets) and the use of explosives, flares or other incendiary devices are always prohibited year-round on federal and state lands.
Violation of restrictions on federal lands is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by fine, imprisonment or both. Violators also may be held personally responsible for reimbursement of fire suppression costs.
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 grasses and other fine fuels. Prevent stoves from tipping and starting a fire.
Fires in developed campsites or picnic areas where grills are allowed should never be left unattended and should be completely extinguished upon departure. Always drown, stir, and repeat until the fire is cold to the touch.
Cigarettes should never be thrown out the window of a vehicle. Instead, ashtrays should be used in order to prevent wildfires.
Never park a vehicle over dead grass, the catalytic converter can ignite the vegetation.
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, visit http://wildlandfire.az.gov or call the toll free Southwest Fire Restrictions Hotline 1-877-864-6985. 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.