Dry conditions trigger fire restrictions in Arizona Strip District
By Rachel T. Carnahan
Effective June 20, the Bureau of Land Management Arizona Strip District — including the Grand Canyon Parashant-National Monument, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, and Arizona Strip Field Office — will implement fire restrictions in the Arizona Strip District.
Beginning June 20 and until rescinded, the following are prohibited:
—Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire or a charcoal, coal, or wood stove other than an agency-provided ring or grill within the developed campsites or picnic areas.
—Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or improved site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
—Using tracer ammunition, explosives, or any incendiary devices, including explosive targets. Fireworks and exploding targets are always prohibited year-round on federal and state lands.
—Operating any internal combustion engine without an approved spark arrester.
—Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
—Using an explosive.
An exemption does not absolve an individual or organization from liability or responsibility for any fire started by the exempted activity. The following exemptions are allowed:
—Anyone with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act.
—Anyone using a device solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the device.
—Anyone conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.
—Any federal, state, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
—All land within a city boundary is exempted unless otherwise stated in city ordinance.
—Other exemptions unique to each agency or tribe.
Violation of restrictions on federal lands is punishable as a class B misdemeanor by fine, imprisonment, or both. Violators may also be held personally responsible for reimbursement of fire suppression costs.
Fire conditions as well as localized closures and restrictions are subject to change. Because tribal, federal, state, and local mandates are different, they may have some differences in their restriction notices. For a more detailed explanation concerning agency restrictions and fire information in general, please contact the nearest land management agency office where you plan to work or play. Visit wildlandfire.az.gov or call the toll free Southwest Fire Restrictions Hotline at (877) 864-6985. The direct fire restrictions information website for Arizona is firerestrictions.us/az.
