It's Dry

With the recent hot weather many people are headed to higher and cooler elevations such as Lake Havasu or other spots on the Colorado River.

As firefighters continue their efforts to stop several major wildfires burning in Arizona, the public is reminded that shooting off fireworks is always prohibited on federal public lands and state trust lands in Arizona.

Dry conditions have already prompted fire officials to issue fire restrictions and closures across much of Arizona, prohibiting the use of any flame, including smoking, wood and charcoal fires, welding, and even using firearms in some areas. Any spark has the potential to ignite a new fire, and sending fireworks into the air could have devastating effects.

“In addition to fireworks, we’re very concerned with illegal campfires on public lands,” said BLM Colorado River District Fire Management Officer Mike Trent. “Campfires are only allowed in developed campgrounds using agency-installed fire rings. We’ve had several instances of illegal campfires causing wildfires in Western Arizona. With the extreme heat and fire danger across the state, a wildfire can start in a heartbeat.”

Trent added that Western Arizona BLM Law Enforcement officers are patrolling day and night looking for illegal campfires. The penalties for starting an illegal campfire can include fines up to $1,000 and up to a year in jail — or both.

“America’s public lands are your public lands. If you see someone with a campfire outside of a developed campground or shooting off fireworks, please report it.”

The following campgrounds and recreation areas have agency-installed campfire rings

In the Kingman Field Office, the Wild Cow Springs, Windy Point, Packsaddle, and Burro Creek Campgrounds are popular weekend escapes. They are first-come, first-served and range from no fee to $14 per site per night depending on the campground.

The Lake Havasu Field Office’s 87 boat-in camp sites are very popular. They are first-come, first-served. The sites are $10 per day for day-use for up to six people; and $10 for overnight use for total of $20. For more than 6 people, there is an additional $2 per person charge for using the site. Annual passes are available for $100 for the year. The sites have restrooms, barbeque grills, tables, and shade ramadas.

Squaw Lake is a popular campground and recreation area north of Yuma, Ariz. The site has recreational vehicle and tent camping sites, boat launch, and a day use area on a backwater of the Colorado River directly above Imperial Dam. Fees are $10 per day for day use and $15 for overnight camping.

For more information about camping opportunities, call the BLM Lake Havasu Field Office at (928) 505-1200; Kingman Field Office at (928) 718-3700 or Yuma Field Office at (928) 317-3200.

The following Fire Restrictions are in effect for BLM public lands in Western Arizona

1. Open campfires, charcoal grills, and stove fires: Campfires and charcoal grills are only permitted in developed recreation sites or improved sites, where agency-built fire rings or grills are provided. The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices is allowed on public lands provided such devices meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety.

2. Smoking: Smoking is restricted to enclosed buildings, within a vehicle and on a paved or surface road, within a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least six feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

3. Use of fireworks, flares, or other incendiary devices.

4. Welding or the use of any torch or metal-cutting implement.

For additional information on current fire restrictions, please call 1-877-864-6985, visit http://wildlandfire.az.gov/ or contact your local Bureau of Land Management or Forest Service office, National Park Service Visitor Center, Arizona State Forestry, or the Public Lands Information Center at (602) 417-9300.

www.azbw.com
jim@azbw.com

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