Fire Restrictions announced for BLM lands in Western AZ

Fire Restrictions Announced for Bureau of Land Management

In Western Arizona

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 at 6 a.m. on Friday, April 25, 2014, fire and smoking restrictions will be enforced on all public lands within the BLM Kingman, Lake Havasu, and Yuma Field Office jurisdictions.  These restrictions are similar to those being implemented in other areas in Arizona. (Quartzsite is in BLM Yuma District.) 

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 to public use.  The public is reminded that the following acts are prohibited until further notice:

1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove.  Campfires and charcoal are permitted in developed recreation sites or improved sites where agency-built fire rings or grills are provided.

2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, within a developed or improved recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least six feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.

3. Welding or the use of any torch or metal cutting or gridding implement.

“Due to the drought conditions throughout the State, we have very dry vegetation in the area that will become fuel for wildfires as temperatures continue to rise and humidity falls,” stated Fire Management Officer Michael Trent.  “The restrictions will continue until conditions warrant the lifting of the restrictions.”

Fireworks and incendiary devices are prohibited on Arizona public lands year-round.

Violations of these restrictions are punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 and/or imprisonment of not more than 12 months. 

For fire restriction information in Arizona and New Mexico:

Call Toll Free:  1-877-864-6985

Visit the website:  http://www.firerestrictions.us/

Fire Restrictions Continue Through Labor Day Weekend

Lake Havasu City, Ariz. – Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Colorado River District wants to remind the public that fire restrictions continue to be in effect throughout the District which includes the Yuma, Lake Havasu City, and Kingman areas. Due to continued high fire danger and low amounts of rainfall, the restrictions will remain through the Labor Day weekend.

“Our first priority is public safety,” said BLM Fire Management Officer Michael Trent. “At this time, we do not feel comfortable lifting the restrictions due to the current environmental conditions.”

“BLM will continue to monitor the weather and fire situation throughout the holiday weekend and will lift the restrictions as soon as the fire danger decreases,” Trent continued.

Fire Restrictions prohibit the following acts:

1. Open campfires, charcoal grills, and stove fires. Campfires and charcoal grills are only permitted in developed recreation sites or improved sites where agency-built fire rings or grills are provided. The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices is allowed on public lands provided such devices meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety.
2. Smoking. Smoking is restricted to enclosed buildings, within a vehicle and on a paved or surface road, within a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least six feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
3. Use of fireworks, flares, or other incendiary devices.
4. Welding or the use of any torch or metal cutting implement.

Trent added that with the Labor Day holiday weekend coming up, many people are making their last camping or exploring trip of the season on public lands in western Arizona. The public should always think about outdoor safety while recreating. Always carry plenty of water and make sure someone knows your itinerary. Off-highway vehicles need to stay on existing roads and trails. Cross country travel is not allowed and could be very dangerous.

Laguna Fire north of Yuma 50% contained - AZ FIRE RESTRICTIONS

Yuma, Ariz. - Fire fighters are progressing on the Laguna Fire
along the Colorado River about 15 miles north of Yuma, Ariz.

Fire fighters made good progress Thursday on the Laguna Fire. The
acreage burned is approximately 800 acres. Currently the
fire is estimated at 50% contained with full containment Monday, May 23, 2011.

Fifty fire fighters worked Thursday night securing the southern end
of the fire and putting out flare-ups on the California side. Fire
activity continues to be in islands of vegetation inside the fire
perimeter.

An Arizona Type III Incident Management Team (Morrison) assumed
responsibility for the Laguna Fire Friday morning.

“We’re asking folks to please avoid the Mittry Lake area for the next
few days,” said BLM Colorado River District Fire Management Officer Mike
Trent. “We realize it’s an inconvenience, but we appreciate the public’s
cooperation while we get this fire contained. Access for our fire crews
and equipment is challenging.”

Friday’s activity will focus on continued water drops using two
helicopters, using two fire boats to pump water directly on the flames,
dozer work, and hand crews building fire line.

Approximately 130 fire fighters are working the Laguna Fire including
engines and crews from the Rural/Metro, Department of Corrections, Imperial
County, and Yuma Proving Grounds Fire Departments ; and crews from the
Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land
Management. Fifty fire fighters and two engines will work through the night
tonight taking advantage of the cooler temperatures and higher humidities.


The Laguna Fire was reported May 18 and is burning in salt cedar,
willow, cottonwood, and mesquite in the Colorado River riparian area. The
fire started in California on the Quechan Reservation and hopped the river
into Arizona. The fire appears to be human caused and is under
investigation. Approximately 95% of the fire is in Arizona.

All fire fighting agencies in southern Arizona want to remind people
that Fire Restrictions are in effect and ask people to be careful outdoors.

Currently there are no plans to close any areas along the Colorado River
area to public use.

Fire Restrictions prohibit the following acts:


1. Open campfires, charcoal grills, and stove fires. Campfires and
charcoal grills are only permitted in developed recreation sites or
improved sites, where agency-built fire rings or grills are provided.
The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices is
allowed on public lands provided such devices meet the fire
underwriter’s specifications for safety.


2. Smoking. Smoking is restricted to enclosed buildings, within a
vehicle and on a paved or surface road, within a developed recreation
site, or while stopped in an area at least six feet in diameter that
is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

3. Use of fireworks, flares, or other incendiary devices.


4. Welding or the use of any torch or metal cutting implement.


Spring rains resulted in the growth of wildflowers, grasses, and
other vegetation that is now drying, dying, and poised to become fuel for
wildfires as temperatures increase. The restrictions will continue until
conditions warrant rescinding.


For fire restriction information in Arizona and New Mexico:
Call Toll Free: 1-877-864-6985
Visit the website: www.publiclands.org/firenews