New Arizona fire restrictions to take effect across state on Tuesday
May 12, 2020, 4:05 AM
(Getty Images/Win McNamee)
(Getty Images/Win McNamee)
PHOENIX — Arizona will be taking additional steps to prevent wildfires by enforcing Stage 2 fire restrictions across the state beginning Tuesday.
The new restrictions are due to continued dry conditions and an increased likelihood of wildfires, according to a joint press released issued Monday by the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation.
Stage 2 fire restrictions will apply to all BLM and BOR administered public lands in Arizona and all state-owned and managed lands — except for those in Coconino County.
Tonto National Forest also announced in a separate press release that it would be joining DFFM, BLM and BOR in implementing Stage 2 fire restrictions on Tuesday.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the focus of stage 1 fire restrictions are to prevent wildfires caused by campfires and smoking whereas Stage 2 restrictions encompass additional activities.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, May 12, #AZForestry & @BLMAZFire will implement Stage II fire restrictions across #Arizona. For #AZ State Lands: restrictions include all state-owned/manged lands, except in @CoconinoCounty, SOUTH of the Grand Canyon.https://t.co/Bm3bWagnWB #AZFire #BLMAZ
— AZ State Forestry (@azstateforestry) May 11, 2020
Prohibited activities on public lands includes:
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- Building or maintaining a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal or wood stove
- Smoking outside of an enclosed vehicle or building
- Using tools with an internal combustion engine, such as a chainsaw
- Welding or using a tool with an open flame
- Detonating fireworks or other incendiary devices
- Discharging a firearm when not engaged in lawful hunting activities
The use of propane tanks are permitted within areas of at least six feet or more that have been cleared of flammable material such as grass and brush.
Earlier on Monday, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department began enforcing its annual fire ban applicable to parks across the county.
