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On Wednesday, May 25, 2022, Stage 2 campfire and smoking restrictions go into effect on state and federal lands throughout Southern and Southeastern Arizona.
Agencies entering Stage 2 restrictions include:
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Gila District within: Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pima, Pinal and Santa Cruz Counties
- Coronado National Forest – all districts
- Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management for State Trust Lands within: Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pima, Pinal, and Santa Cruz Counties.
Beginning May 25, 2022, and until rescinded, the following are prohibited:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove fire, including within developed campgrounds or improved sites. Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns, and heaters with shut-off devices are allowed. When using a portable stove, make sure the area is clear of grasses and other fine fuels
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building. Smoking is prohibited in all federal buildings.
- Discharging a firearm, including target shooting, except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal, or tribal laws and regulations
- Mechanical and industrial prohibitions: operating any internal combustion engine off designated roadways, welding or operating acetylene or other torch with an open flame, and using an explosive.
- Fireworks and exploding targets are never allowed on federal and State Trust Lands.
Violations of restrictions are punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both. Violators may also be held personally responsible for reimbursement of wildland fire suppression costs.
Along with state and federal fire restrictions, local municipalities may also have their own restrictions in place. Residents and visitors should check with their respective county and municipal governments for information on fire restrictions in those jurisdictions.
National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildfire Service units across Arizona maintain fire restrictions year-round. Variations are possible, so visitors should check with the appropriate unit’s visitor center for area-specific restrictions and regulations.
Always be fire safe and take personal responsibility when recreating and before getting on the road. Make sure your vehicle is in good working order, check the tires, secure tow chains, and never pull the vehicle off into tall vegetation as the catalytic converter can ignite the fuel. Do not toss cigarettes out of the window; use an ashtray instead.
Fire conditions, restrictions, and localized closures are subject to change. Tribal, federal, state, and local mandates can vary from agency to agency. For a more detailed explanation in regard to agency restrictions, general fire information and prevention tips, contact the land management agency you plan to visit at: WildlandFire.az.gov.
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