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Arizona State Forester Removes Fire Restrictions on State-Owned Lands South of the Grand Canyon

(July 19, 2012, Phoenix, Arizona) – Due to the reduced risk of wildfire across much of Arizona, State Forester Scott Hunt today announced that the Forestry Division will be removing fire restrictions from state-owned lands in all 15 counties, south of the Grand Canyon. State-owned lands north of the Grand Canyon in northern Mohave and Coconino Counties commonly referred to as the Arizona Strip, will remain in restrictions due to persistent dry conditions. The State Forester’s Office and the Bureau of Land Management are coordinating the restriction effort in the Arizona Strip and will lift restrictions on both ownerships when fire danger conditions improve.

“In light of the improving conditions we’re seeing across the majority of the state, these fire restrictions are no longer necessary to prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public health and safety,” said State Forester Scott Hunt. “Even though restrictions are being lifted in many areas, it is still important that Arizonans continue to be careful with fire”.

Pursuant to A.R.S. 37-623, the State Forester is given authority to restrict fire use in unincorporated areas of the state during times of high fire potential. The rescission is effective July 20, 2012 at 0800.

The Arizona State Forester’s Office in collaboration with the Bureau of Land Management is maintaining a new fire restriction website this season: http://firerestrictions.us/az/

Arizona State Forester Expands Fire Restrictions on State-Owned Lands

(Phoenix, Arizona) - Due to the high risk of wildfire across Arizona, State Forester Scott Hunt today announced that the Forestry Division will be expanding fire restrictions to include State lands in all 15 counties. Earlier this month, State lands in six southeastern counties were placed under restrictions.

Effective May 18, 2012, at 0800 hours, fire restrictions on State lands will prohibit campfires, charcoal-burning devices and use of acetylene or other torches. Smoking is also prohibited unless it is within an enclosed vehicle or building, developed campground or area that is cleared of all flammable materials. These restrictions include a prohibition on the use of any fireworks.

The restrictions also apply statewide to all Arizona Department of Transportation right-of-way property in unincorporated areas which is not federally-owned. The state restrictions do not apply to private lands.

These restrictions apply statewide to all unincorporated State Trust Lands, Game & Fish Wildlife Areas and Arizona State Parks. State Park campgrounds will remain open; however parks will be under severe fire restrictions. Please call 602-542-4174 regarding fire restrictions in all 27 State Parks or go to AZStateParks.com for more information.

Note: These restrictions apply to all Arizona State Parks facilities, except Fool Hollow Lake Recreation area that will be following the US Forest Service restrictions.

“Hot and dry weather conditions have rapidly dried our vegetation and we find it necessary to place additional State lands under restrictions to prevent human-caused wildfires,” said State Forester Scott Hunt. “It is essential that Arizonans heed fire restrictions on all lands to prevent destructive fires this summer.”

Pursuant to A.R.S. 37-623, the State Forester is given authority to restrict the use of open flames The State Forester’s Notice of Fire Restrictions prohibits the following activities:

• Building or maintaining a fire, campfire, or charcoal burning device. (Petroleum and propane fueled stoves, lanterns, heating and livestock branding devices are exempt)
• Smoking, unless it is done within an enclosed vehicle, building or developed campground, or within an area at least 10 feet in diameter and barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
• Welding or use of acetylene or other torch device with an open flame.
• The use of fireworks.

The Arizona State Forester’s Office in collaboration with the Bureau of Land Management is maintaining a new fire restriction website this season: http://firerestrictions.us/az/

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