Dry, hot conditions lead to additional fire restrictions on most BLM lands in Arizona
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PHOENIX –Due to ongoing hot and dry weather conditions and increased risk for wildfire activity, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is implementing Stage 2 fire restrictions in three of its four Arizona districts ahead of the Memorial Day weekend. BLM-managed public lands in the Phoenix District, Colorado River District and Gila District are affected.
Beginning May 26 at 8:00 a.m., these activities are temporarily prohibited under Stage 2 restrictions:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or charcoal, coal, or wood stove or grill.
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
- Discharging a firearm, air rifle, exploding targets or gas gun except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal or tribal laws and regulations.
- Operating any internal combustion engine, such as a chainsaw or similar tool.
- Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.
- Fireworks, exploding targets, sky lanterns and incendiary devices are prohibited year-round on BLM lands in Arizona.
- Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns and heaters possessing shut-off devices are allowed in areas clear of grasses and other fine fuels within three feet of the device.
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 prevent wildfires, cigarettes should never be thrown out the window of a vehicle. Instead, use ashtrays. Never park a vehicle over dead grass; the catalytic converter can ignite the vegetation. Check vehicles for dragging metal or safety tow chains on trailers, and ensure tires are well inflated - sparks created from metal hitting pavement can ignite wildfires. Spark safety, not wildfires.
Fire restrictions remain in place until the risk of wildfires is reduced in the area. Historically this is when areas receive widespread monsoon rains.
For more detail on BLM Arizona fire restrictions, visit: https://www.blm.gov/arizona/fire-restrictions. Fire restrictions can vary by agency and jurisdictions. Know before you go. Learn more about current fire restrictions and current fire situations at https://wildlandfire.az.gov.
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.