Dangerous Lightning Fires Increase-"Don-t Add to the Problem

Phoenix, ARIZ---Fire officials are increasingly concerned as hot dry weather is expected to return to Arizona over the weekend. Dry lightning has been responsible for scores of fires over the past week. More are expected as sleeper fires are detected. These lightning fires could not be prevented, but careless human-caused fires are all preventable. Increasing fire danger, means now is definitely the time for everyone to make sure their campfires are outdead out! Smoke only in buildings or your car and use your ashtray. Park where there is no vegetation that can be ignited by your hot muffler. If you dont know where you are going ask for directions, and let family or friends know your destination when recreating in Arizonas outdoors. Fireworks are always illegal and shooting and other spark producing activities are prohibited in many areas of extreme fire danger. Remember, if you start a wildfire you could receive a hefty fine and/or jail sentence if caught and convicted. In addition, you may be liable for the entire cost of suppressing the wildfire you caused. Even with additional firefighting resources in place, fire officials worry about the increased burden of numerous lightning fires plus the unfortunate number of human-caused fires. Resources could start becoming scarce as many crews are literally coming off one fire resting overnight and heading to the next fire. Please obey the following campfire and smoking restrictions, burn bans, and closures across Arizona: National Forest Lands---Campfire and smoking restrictions are in place on all National Forest lands within Arizona. The Coconino and the southern portion of Kaibab (except Kaibab fee campgrounds) have banned all campfires as well as travel off road. (The Cinder Hills Area remains open to OHV use.) Shooting, except for the lawful taking of a game animal, has been suspended in the Tonto and Prescott NFs until the fire danger has subsided. The Bart, Cave Creek, and Edge Fire areas within the Tonto NF remain closed to public entry, along with Promontory Butte Area in the Apache-Sitgreaves. The Prescott NF has implemented several closures in the Verde Ranger District. Bureau of Land Management Administered Lands---All BLM fields offices have campfire and smoking restrictions in effect. On lands administered by the Phoenix District, off road vehicle travel has been curtailed. Shooting, except for the lawful taking of a game animal, has been suspended until the fire danger has subsided. No fires allowed anywhere except on lands administered by the Arizona Strip District and the Gila River District (Safford/Tucson offices). They are still allowing campfires in some developed campgrounds. Visitors are advised to check at the office in the area they are visiting or working for the latest information. US Fish and Wildlife Service---Year-around fire restrictions are in effect along the Colorado River within the Imperial, Cibola, Bill Williams River, and Havasu National Wildlife Refuges. Restrictions are also in effect within the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. National Park Service---Campfire and smoking restrictions are in effect in the Chiricahua National Monument, Saguaro National Park, and the Grand Canyon National Park. Tribal Lands/BIA---White Mountain and San Carlos Apache Tribal lands as well as Hualapai/Truxton Agency lands and Colorado River Agency lands are in campfire and smoking restrictions. State of Arizona---Campfire and smoking restrictions are in effect statewide on lands managed by the Arizona State Land Department, and within wildlife areas managed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Private Lands---Fire and smoking restrictions could be in effect on some private lands within Arizona. Fire Districts or County officials may have already implemented restrictions. If you are unsure whether you are allowed a backyard fire, contact your local Fire District or County office.