Arizona BLM placing restrictions to prevent wildfires
Stage 2 restrictions go into effect Tuesday
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Arizona will place multiple fire restrictions and bans into place May 12, in a joint wildfire-prevention effort.
The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) issued the statement Monday.
They say violations of posted restrictions could result in citations, fines, jail time or even reimbursement of the cost to put out the fire and rehabilitate the fire area.
The Stage 2 fire restrictions are as follows:
The following activities are prohibited on all BLM and BOR administered public lands in Arizona:
- Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal or wood stove. (Propane and pressurized liquid or gas stoves, grills or lanterns that include shut-off valves are permitted when used in an area of at least six feet or more cleared of flammable material such as grass and brush.)
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building
- Welding or the use of any torch, metal cutting or grinding equipment
- Operating any internal combustion engine, such as a chainsaw or similar power tools
- Discharging a firearm except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal or tribal laws and regulations
- Using fireworks, exploding targets, and incendiary devices, which are prohibited year-round
The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management lists all of the above, excluding excluding the complete restriction for operating engine machinery.
The department instead lists a restriction for operating any internal combustion engine, chainsaw usage restricted from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., welding or operating acetylene and other torches with open flames, and using explosives.
