Rain & Humidity Help Lift Most Fire Restrictions

Phoenix, AZ ----"The monsoon rains have helped reduce the fire danger allowing land managers to lift most fire restrictions and almost all closures across Arizona," stated Pam McAlpin, Arizona BLM Fire Management Officer. "A large portion of Arizona has received significant rainfall, however, it is not as extensive as we would like. Some areas have not received any rain." On July 11, 18 "reporting units" still recorded high to extreme fire danger in various areas of Arizona. Numerous lightning-caused fires have occurred from storms around the state over the past two weeks; however human-caused fires remain a concern. There have been 19 human-caused fires across Arizona since the 4th of July weekend. The heat advisory that is in effect for the next several days plus lower humidity mean that fine fuels have dried out in many low elevation areas of the state and an increase in fire behavior is predicted until humidity rises once again. Campfire and smoking restrictions have recently been lifted for the Kaibab, Coconino, Apache-Sitgreaves, and Coronado National Forests, as well as the State Trust Lands within the same counties. The Gila BLM District (Safford/Tucson) and Saguaro NP have also lifted campfire and smoking restrictions. Several units with campfire and smoking restrictions still in effect, such as the Kingman BLM Field Office and Prescott National Forest have lifted the ban on shooting, internal combustion engines, welding, etc. The Tonto NF is currently considering whether their existing restrictions will remain in effect and for how long. Restrictions in wildlife refuges along the Lower Colorado River are in effect year-round. Campfire and smoking restrictions remain in effect on White Mountain Apache lands and closures have been lifted. BIA/Agency and Tribal officials are considering changes in restrictions in other areas of the state. Fire closures remain in effect at the local level as a result of wildfires. For example, closures are in effect on portions of the Edge, Cave Creek, and Bart Fires in the Tonto National Forest from last year as well as in the Warm Fire area in the Kaibab NF, and Brins fire area in the Coconino NF. There may be other closures around the state due to unsafe conditions in the area of wildfires that have occurred either this season or during previous seasons. "Even though we are in the monsoon season, there are still areas that remain dry and everyone is urged to be careful with campfires and smoking materials, especially in dry grassy areas, McAlpin added. There always seems to be an area somewhere in the state that is dry enough to burn, no matter the time of year." The latest restriction/closure information can be found on websites www.azfireinfo.com and gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/ or by calling toll-free 1-877-864-6985.