Fire Restrictions Announced for Bureau of Land
Management
In Western Arizona
Yuma, Ariz. – To
protect the public, natural resources, and reduce the risks of wildfires, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Colorado River
District has announced fire restrictions on 5.4 million acres of public lands in
western Arizona and southeastern California along the Colorado River.
Effective Friday, June 29,
2012, fire prevention orders will be enforced on all public lands within the
BLM Yuma, Lake Havasu, and Kingman field office jurisdictions. These restrictions
are similar to those being implemented in other areas in Arizona.
The BLM is asking the public
to use extreme caution when visiting public lands this summer. Currently there are no plans to close any
areas along the Colorado River area to public use. The public is reminded that the Fire Prevention Order prohibits the following acts:
1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a
fire or campfire.
The use of
petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices is allowed provided
such devices meet the fire underwriter’s specifications
for safety.
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or
recreational vehicle. Smoking is
restricted
to enclosed vehicle or recreational vehicle on a paved or improved road, or
while
stopped in an area at least six feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of
all
flammable material.
3.
Using tracer ammunition, explosives, or any incendiary devices
(including
explosive targets); fireworks are
always prohibited on public lands.
4. Welding,
operating a torch with open flame, or operating a device that discharges
sparks
or the use of any metal cutting implement.
5. Parking (or driving) a motor vehicle, ATV, or
UTV off road on or over
vegetation. Operating
a vehicle off road within designated off highway vehicle area
is
permitted. Designated OHV areas within:
Kingman Field Office - Moss Wash and
Sleeping Princess.
Lake Havasu Field Office - Standard
Wash, Copper Basin Dunes, and
Crossroads.
Yuma Field Office - Ehrenberg Sand Bowl
“Increasing and persistent hot, dry, and windy conditions have decreased
public safety on public lands” said
BLM Fire Management Officer Mike Trent. “Fire
weather conditions warrant the increase in our fire prevention orders to help
protect the public, firefighters, and our natural resources within the Colorado
River District.” Trent also said “The restrictions will remain in effect until
conditions warrant the raising or lifting of the fire prevention orders.”
Violations
of these restrictions are punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 and/or
imprisonment of not more than 12 months.
Imperial, Cibola, Bill
Williams, and Havasu National Wildlife Refuges continue to enforce year round
fire restrictions.
For fire
restriction information in Arizona and New Mexico:
Call Toll Free: 1-877-864-6985
Visit the website: www.publiclands.org/firenews
