Dry Fuel, Lack of Moisture, Increase in Fire Starts Warrant Stage II Restrictions in Southern Arizona

Tucson, AZ (5/25/21) – The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management and its federal partners to implement additional fire restrictions Wednesday throughout the southern portion of the state. On May 26, 2021, at 8am, Stage II restrictions go into effect on Arizona State Land within Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pima, Pinal, and Santa Cruz Counties. Stage II restrictions prohibit campfires and outdoor smoking. Also under Stage II restrictions, DFFM’s Industrial Plan C goes into effect. The Industrial Plan C includes, time of use limitations for chainsaws, mechanical fellers, masticators and chippers. A fireguard must be in place for industrial activities.
 

Also on May 26, 2021, at 8am, the state will place Coconino County, north of the Grand Canyon, under Stage I restrictions. Under Stage I restrictions, campfires are only allowed within a developed campsite. Target shooting and fireworks are always prohibited year-round on state land. For a complete list of fire restrictions on state, federal, and tribal lands, please visit wildlandfire.az.gov.
 

Stage II Restriction Guidelines:
Restrictions apply to all state-owned and state-managed lands within the above-mentioned counties including:

• All Game and Fish Commission Wildlife areas and department properties outside incorporated municipalities.
• All State Parks outside incorporated municipalities – State Parks do have fire restrictions in place. Please refer to https://azstateparks.com/fire-safety/ for park-specific fire restriction information.
• All Department of Transportation highway, right-of-way property outside incorporated municipalities, not owned by federal land management agencies.

Restrictions include:

• No campfires. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal fire, or wood stove, including in developed campgrounds or improved sites is prohibited.
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
• No chainsaw use from 9am – 8pm.
• Discharging a firearm, air rifle or gun gas, unless while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal, or tribal laws and regulations is prohibited.
• Fireworks or another incendiary devices are prohibited.
• Mechanical and industrial prohibitions include, operating any internal combustion engine, welding or operating acetylene or other torch with an open flame, and using an explosive.

Exemptions include:

• Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act. This process can be utilized in cases where public works and public utility emergency repairs are necessary.
• Industrial operations where specific operations and exemptions are identified and mitigation measures are implemented as outlined in an agency plan.
• Persons using a device fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is permitted. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or clear of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the device.
• Operating generators with an approved spark arresting device within an enclosed vehicle or building, or in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials with three feet of the generator.
• Operating motorized vehicles on designated roads and you must park in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway.
• Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.
• Any federal, state or local law enforcement officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting organization, or other authorized personnel in the performance of an official duty.
• All land within a city boundary is exempt unless otherwise stated in a city ordinance.
• Discharging of firearms is allowed on agency designated shooting ranges.

The State Forester must approve exemptions to these restrictions. If local authorities have imposed stronger restrictions then those listed above, than the local restrictions shall apply. These restrictions apply to all permit and leaseholders and other authorized users of state-managed lands. These restrictions do not apply to private lands under ARS § 37-1303.
 

Restrictions are effective at 8am on May 26, 2021, and will continue until rescinded.