Hoping to prevent 2006 from becoming a devastating fire season, fire restrictions on 2.5 million acres of public lands along both the Arizona and California sides of the Colorado River have been announced by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Effective April 15, through Oct. 31, fire and smoking restrictions will be enforced on all public lands within the BLM’s Yuma and Lake Havasu Field Office jurisdictions.
The effective dates are subject to extension or withdrawal based on the severity rating.
“The restrictions are the result of the extreme potential for wildfire within the region,” said BLM fire manager, Officer Lester Tisino. “Numerous fires have already occurred in the Colorado River region this year. The BLM is asking the public to use extreme caution when visiting public lands this summer.”
Currently there are no plans to close any areas along the Colorado River area to public use. The public is reminded, however, that the following acts are prohibited:
1. Building or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, or wood stove. Propane stoves, tiki torches, and lanterns are allowed provided they are placed at least 10 feet from any surrounding vegetation.
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, in a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least 10 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
3. Use of all fireworks, flares, or other incendiary devices. Violations of these restrictions are punishable by a fine of not more than $100,000 and/or imprisonment for not more than 12 months.
For more information, contact the Lower Colorado River Interagency Dispatch Office in Yuma at (928) 317-3266.
For fire restriction information throughout Arizona and New Mexico, please call 1-877-864-6985 or visit www.azfireinfo.com.
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