Fire restrictions set for western Arizona

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management Colorado River District has announced fire restrictions on 5.4 million acres of public lands in western Arizona and southeastern California along the Colorado River, including the Ehrenberg Sand Bowl north of Yuma.

With the goal being to protect the public and natural resources and to reduce the risks of wildfires, fire prevention orders are being enforced on all public lands within the BLM Yuma, Lake Havasu and Kingman field office jurisdictions. The restrictions are similar to those being implemented in other areas in Arizona.

“Increasing and persistent hot, dry and windy conditions have decreased public safety on public lands” said BLM Fire Management Officer Mike Trent. “Fire weather conditions warrant the increase in our fire prevention orders to help protect the public, firefighters and our natural resources within the Colorado River District.”

The BLM is asking the public to use extreme caution when visiting public lands this Fourth of July holiday and throughout the summer. Trent adds that the fire prevention orders will remain in effect until conditions warrant lifting the restrictions.

Currently there are no plans to close any areas along the Colorado River area to public use. The public is reminded that the Fire Prevention Order prohibits the following acts:

• Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire. The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices is allowed provided such devices meet the fire underwriter's specifications for safety.

• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or recreational vehicle on a paved or improved road, or while stopped in an area at least six feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

• Using tracer ammunition, explosives or any incendiary devices (including explosive targets); fireworks are always prohibited on public lands.

• Welding, operating a torch with open flame or operating a device that discharges sparks or the use of any metal cutting implement.

* Parking (or driving) a motor vehicle, ATV or UTV off-road on or over vegetation. Operating a vehicle off road within designated off highway vehicle area is permitted. Designated OHV areas within:

Kingman Field Office — Moss Wash and Sleeping Princess.

Lake Havasu Field Office — Standard Wash, Copper Basin Dunes and Crossroads.

Yuma Field Office — Ehrenberg Sand Bowl

Violations of these restrictions are punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 and/or imprisonment of not more than 12 months.

Also Imperial, Cibola, Bill Williams and Havasu National Wildlife Refuges continue to enforce year-round fire restrictions