BLM Arizona Strip District lifts fire restrictions
By Rachel T. Carnahan
The Bureau of Land Management Arizona Strip District Office will lift all fire restrictions Aug. 1, including Vermilion Cliffs and Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument.
Restrictions will be lifted due to widespread precipitation across the area, additional rain in the weather forecast, and a rise in fuel moisture.
Prior to hiking or camping, ensure that you are aware of fire regulations, restrictions, or area closures as follows:
—Use metal fire rings or grills where present. Wood placed on a fire should never exceed the size of the grill or fire ring.
—If building a fire on the ground (in areas where permitted), a location should be selected that is away from adjoining or overhanging flammable material. The ground beneath and around the fire should be cleared of all flammable materials. Avoid building fires on windy days if possible.
—Fully extinguish campfires before leaving the area. Douse campfires with water and dirt. Stir with a shovel until completely cold to the touch.
—When using a portable stove, make sure the area is clear of grasses and other fine fuels. Prevent stoves from tipping and starting a fire.
—Cigarettes should never be thrown out the window of a vehicle. Instead, ashtrays should be used in order to prevent wildfires.
—Practice “leave no trace” principles: Pack out cigarette butts and burned materials from your camping area.
—Never park a vehicle over dead grass; the catalytic converter can ignite the vegetation.
—Use caution while discharging a firearm, operating an internal combustion engine, welding, operating acetylene or other torches with an open flame, or using explosives (where permitted).
Fireworks and exploding targets are always prohibited year-round on federal and state lands.
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.
