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PHOENIX – Due to the high risk of wildfire in southeastern Arizona, State Forester Scott Hunt today announced that the Arizona State Forestry Division will be implementing fire restrictions for 3.5 million acres of state-owned lands in that region.
Effective Monday, May 7, 2012, at 8 a.m., 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.
“In light of the increasing fire danger and wildfire activity we are seeing in the southeastern portion of the State, these fire restrictions are necessary to prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public health and safety,” said State Forester Scott Hunt “It’s especially important that Arizonans follow these restrictions and others implemented locally to limit the potential of devastating fires this summer.”
Arizonans are asked to be especially careful with fire in all parts of the state, not just in the areas covered by these restrictions. State lands in other regions may be placed in restrictions in the subsequent weeks as fire danger conditions warrant.
These fire restrictions apply to the following State Trust Lands, Game & Fish Wildlife Areas, Arizona State Parks, and Department of Transportation right-of-way property in southeast Arizona:
Arizona State Trust Lands and Department of Transportation Lands:
All State Trust Lands and Department of Transportation Lands located outside of municipalities within Cochise County, Santa Cruz County, Pima County, Pinal County south of the Gila River, Graham County south of the San Carlos Reservation, and Greenlee County south of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest.
Arizona State Parks (by County):
• Cochise County: Kartchner Caverns State Park
• Graham County: Roper Lake State Park
• Pima County: Catalina State Park
• Pinal County: Picacho State Park
• Santa Cruz County: Patagonia Lake State Park, San Rafael State Natural Area, and Sonoita Creek State Natural Area
State Park campgrounds will remain open; however these seven parks in Southeastern Arizona will be under fire restrictions. Please call 602-542-4174 regarding fire restrictions in all 27 State Parks or go to AzStateParks.gov for more information.
Arizona State Game and Fish Wildlife Areas (by County):
• Cochise County: Manhattan Claims, Clarence May Memorial Wildlife Area, Sierra Vista Shooting Range, White Water Draw Wildlife Area, Willcox Playa Wildlife Area, and Yarbrough
• Graham County: Cluff Ranch Wildlife Area and Roper Lake and Land
• Pima County: Arivaca Lake and Land, Santa Rita Wildlife Area, Three Points Shooting Range and Tucson Mountain Wildlife Area
• Pinal County – South of the Gila River: Aravaipa Canyon Wildlife Area and Picacho Reservoir
• Santa Cruz County: Agua Caliente Road, Bog Hole Wildlife Area, and Coal Mine Spring
Pursuant to A.R.S. 37-623, the State Forester is given authority to declare prohibitions on fire causing activities in the unincorporated areas of the state during times of high fire potential.
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.
Note: If local authorities have imposed stronger restrictions than those listed above, than the local restrictions shall apply. These restrictions do not apply to private lands.
The restrictions are effective May 7, 2012, at 8 a.m. and will continue until further notice.
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