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Quartzsite, Arizona

Thursday, June 28, 2012

BLM Fire restrictions in effect for western Arizona


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

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