Seasonal fire restrictions are scheduled to take effect at 8 a.m. Thursday, May 21, on specified public lands in and around Yavapai County, according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management and the Bureau of Land Management.
The restrictions differ by land manager and location. Stage 1 rules will apply to State Trust lands in Yavapai and Mohave counties. Stage 2 rules will apply to BLM-managed lands in Yavapai County, among other areas in Arizona and California. People planning outdoor activities should check which agency manages the land they intend to visit and confirm the rules for that location.
### State Trust lands: Stage 1
On State Trust lands in Yavapai County, Stage 1 restrictions prohibit building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal or wood stove, except in a developed campsite or picnic area. Smoking is prohibited unless it takes place inside an enclosed vehicle or building. Welding and use of a torch, metal-cutting tool or grinding implement are also prohibited.
These Stage 1 restrictions also cover State Trust lands in Mohave County. They are distinct from the Stage 2 measures applying to BLM-managed lands, even though both sets of rules limit fire-related activities.
### BLM-managed lands: Stage 2
The Stage 2 restrictions cover BLM lands in Yavapai, La Paz, Maricopa and Yuma counties, as well as southern Mohave County, northern and western Pinal County, and western Pima County. The designated area also includes portions of Imperial, San Bernardino and Riverside counties in California.
On those lands, people may not build, maintain, attend or use a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal or wood-stove fire. Smoking is barred except inside an enclosed vehicle or building; smoking is prohibited in all federal buildings. Welding and use of torches, metal-cutting tools or grinding implements are prohibited.
Stage 2 also bars discharging a firearm, air rifle or gas gun, except while taking part in a lawful hunt under applicable state, federal or tribal law and regulations. The restriction includes the BLM Phoenix District’s developed recreational shooting areas at Baldy Mountain, Box Canyon, Church Camp Road and Saddleback Mountain. Operating an internal-combustion engine, including a chainsaw or similar tool, is also prohibited under these restrictions.
### Stoves, changing conditions and safety
Pressurized liquid- or gas-fueled stoves, lanterns and heaters with shut-off devices are allowed. Users of portable stoves are advised to place them on a stable surface, clear of grass and other vegetation, to reduce the risk of tipping and starting a fire.
Fireworks and exploding targets are prohibited year-round on federally managed lands in Arizona. Fireworks and target shooting are prohibited year-round on Arizona State Lands, according to the announcement.
Fire managers said wildfire activity has increased and is expected to peak as hotter, drier weather continues in the coming months. Restrictions, fire conditions and localized closures can change. Tribal, federal, state and local rules may differ, so residents and visitors are advised to contact the land-management office responsible for the specific area they plan to visit. A statewide restrictions map and additional fire information are available at wildlandfire.az.gov.
Violations may result in a fine, imprisonment or both. People who violate restrictions may also be held responsible for fire-suppression costs. The agencies also advise against throwing cigarette butts from vehicles, parking on dry grass, and driving with poorly inflated tires or dragging metal or chains that could create ignition hazards. Drivers should keep vehicles in good operating condition and use an ashtray for cigarettes.