Stage II fire restrictions lifted on the Arizona Strip
By Rachel T. Carnahan
Stage II fire restrictions were lifted July 15 by the Bureau of Land Management Arizona Strip District, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, and the Arizona Strip Field Office. With additional rain anticipated in the forecast and widespread precipitation across the area, Stage I restrictions have been put into effect.
The following are prohibited in Stage I restrictions:
—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 (Virgin River Campground and State Line Campground).
—Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building or 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 torch or another torch with an open flame.
Violation of restrictions on federal lands is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by fine, imprisonment, or both. Violators also may be held personally responsible for reimbursement of fire suppression costs.
Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns, and heaters possessing shut-off devices are allowed. 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.
Fires in developed campsites or picnic areas where grills are allowed should never be left unattended and should be completely extinguished upon departure. Always, drown, stir, and repeat until the fire is cold to the touch.
Cigarettes should never be thrown out the window of a vehicle. Instead, ashtrays should be used in order to prevent wildfires.
Never park a vehicle over dead grass. The catalytic converter can ignite the vegetation.
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.
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