Reward for Information on Laguna Fire

Holding at 751 Acres – 90% Contained

(Yuma, Az.)—Fire investigators are working the scene Monday of the Laguna
Fire north of Yuma, Arizona where 751 acres have burned since May 18, 2011.
The fire is being investigated as human caused; and today, officials are
asking the public for information.

A reward of up to $10,000 is available for information that leads to a  conviction. Call 1-800-47-ARSON or
visit the web site at www. wetip.com

Fire Restrictions are in effect in southern Arizona that prohibit
campfires, smoking on public lands, and recreational target shooting during
the fire season. Lighting fireworks within federal lands is never allowed;
tossing cigarette butts or any trash is also illegal. Whether accidental
or intentional, people are responsible for their actions.

The Incident Command of the Laguna Fire is targeting full containment for
Tuesday, May 24, 2011- meaning that the perimeter of the fire would have a
strong line around it (fireline) aimed at keeping the flames from jumping
to unburned areas.

Full containment does not mean that the fire is out. The Laguna Fire is
still burning Monday inside of the perimeter with at least three problem
areas. Yuma area residents should expect to see smoke and occasional
flare-ups for several days and stay away from the Mittry Lake, Laguna Dam,
and Betty’s Kitchen recreational areas. Avenue 7E that leads to the Rec
sites remains closed on Monday.

45 firefighting personnel remain on the ground on Monday. The Fish &
Wildlife Service fire boats continue to battle hotspots along the Colorado
River. A helicopter remains on scene Monday that gets water from the river
and lake and drops it on hotspots.

The Laguna Fire began Wednesday, May 18, on the California side of the
Colorado River; it jumped to Arizona and tracked north along the popular
recreation sites at Laguna Dam and Mittry Lake. Several historical sites
were damaged or destroyed and wildlife habitat was burned.

Suppressing the Laguna Fire has been a major interagency cooperative effort
with crews remaining on scene from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Fish &
Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management and Az. State Forestry.
Early cost estimates are now at $300,000.

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