Stage 2 fire restrictions implemented in southeastern Arizona due to increased risk

PHOENIX — Stage 2 fire restrictions were implemented Monday by state, federal and tribal agencies in southeastern Arizona.

Authorities enacted the regulations because of an increase in fire activity and severe drought conditions.

The new campfire and smoking restrictions were implemented for the following recreation areas:

• Coronado National Forest
• Saguaro National Park
• Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
• Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
• Coronado National Memorial
• Chiricahua National Monument
• Fort Bowie National Historic Site
• Tumacácori National Historic Park
• Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge
• Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge

In addition, the Gila River Indian Community placed a burn moratorium into effect. The San Carlos Apache Tribe has been in Stage 2 since March.

What do the Stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit?

Visitors to the restricted areas are not allowed to build campfires or use coal, charcoal, elevated grills or wood stoves — even in developed sites and campgrounds.

Stage 2 also means smoking is banned when not inside of a vehicle or building and discharging a firearm is prohibited, including for target practice, unless during a hunt that follows the state, federal or Tribal laws and regulations.

The agencies also advised visitors to never park their vehicle over dead grass as their catalytic converter could set the vegetation aflame.

Mechanical and industrial restrictions have been put in place as well and comprise of working with a torch that has an open flame, using any internal combustion engine off of designated roadways and setting off explosives.

It is important to note that fireworks and exploding targets are never permitted on federal or state lands.

What does the fire restrictions allow?

Not everything is banned. In fact, lanterns, pressurize liquid stoves, gas stoves and heaters that have a shut-off device are all permitted by the organizations.

Visitors are reminded to make sure that any area where they decide to use a portable stove is clear of grass and other fine fuels — which would include twigs, leaves and needles.

People who violate any of these restrictions are subject to punishment. Penalties could include fines, imprisonment or both, and offenders could even be required to reimburse the cost of any fire suppression that is needed.

These restrictions will be in place until they are repealed by the agencies and are subject to change.

This week fire crews have been working to get the Bryce Fire and the Coyote Fire under control. The fires have burned approximately 3,000 and 1,000 acres, respectively.

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