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Whenever you plan to head out on to your public lands, it's always wise to call ahead to the Field Office or Ranger Station that oversees your destination to check on local conditions. Point and click at the interactive map above to search all of the state's recreation sites for phone numbers and other details. |
Arizona Fire News
ARIZONA RESTRICTIONS AND CLOSURES
SEEING SMOKE IN ARIZONA? MAYBE IT'S INTENTIONAL
PRESS SECTION -- click here to read official agency Press Releases and/or Restriction and Closure Orders
Latest Fire News
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The Safford Air Operations Center is maintained by the Bureau of Land Management.
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ARIZONA RESTRICTIONS AND CLOSURES
Week of June 29, 2009
It's official - "Fire Season 2009" is in full swing. Temperatures have risen, Red Flag warnings have flown on windy days and, in some places, Fire Restrictions have been posted (see below). There have even been some lightning-caused wildfires - several of which are being carefully monitored while being allowed to burn and reduce dangerous fuel buildups.
Opportunities for outdoor fun on public lands abound year round, even during the spring and summer "fire season." While scattered wildfires may temporarily affect travel while being suppressed by fire crews, there is always some place where you can camp, hike, fish, visit historic sites or take a leisurely drive to enjoy the scenery.
Land management agencies, tribal governments, counties and cities pay particularly close attention to fire prevention and preparedness every year - regardless of moisture - to ensure that your outdoor experiences will be pleasant and safe. Often, controlled burning activities are also planned for the spring - see the PRESS SECTION for details.
YOUR bottom line? Always plan outdoor excursions wisely; call local authorities to check on any last-minute changes in conditions before you leave. Point and click at the interactive map of Arizona above to search all of the state's recreation sites for phone numbers and other details.
BE CAREFUL with fire year round. And remember ALL FIREWORKS (EVEN SPARKLERS) ARE ILLEGAL IN ARIZONA!!
WHAT`S OPEN:
Most EVERYTHING!! except for the few areas listed below.
WHAT`S RESTRICTED:
Different land managing agencies establish their fire restrictions for their lands in different ways. Some use national forest or ranger district boundaries, county lines or other administrative areas. Use the maps found throughout this website to clarify where you might be restricted from using fires. Start here to find county or national forest boundaries.
NATIONAL FORESTS
As of July 1st, Tonto National Forest has LIFTED the restrictions which began May 14th. Click here for details.
For the west zone of the forest ONLY, Prescott National Forest has LIFTED the restrictions posted May 21st. Click here for details.
Coconino National Forest has also announced restrictions to begin May 21th for their lands "below The Rim." Click here for details.
BLM LANDS
BLM has posted restrictions beginning May 14th in several locations. Click here and scroll down the page for details in the different Press Releases.
Here is a map showing BLM Field Office boundaries.
NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES
OPEN FIRES of any type are PROHIBITED on these refuges year round.
NATIONAL PARKS
NONE OF THE NATIONAL PARKS AND MONUMENTS IN ARIZONA ARE CURRENTLY OBSERVING ANY SEASONAL FIRE RESTRICTIONS.
However, National Parks and Monuments maintain differing restrictions on cooking and campfires year round - use the interactive map above to locate individual sites and check the NOTES at the bottom of a site's page for local restrictions.
BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS (BIA)
Hopi Tribal lands remain under restrictions year round and other reservations observe seasonal restrictions.
San Carlos Apache Agency lands entered restrictions on May 13th. For further information regarding these restrictions please call (928) 475-2326 or click here.
Quechan Tribal lands have fire restrictions for campfires, check locally for compliance requirements.
The Colorado River Indian Tribes have closures of designated areas, check locally for compliance requirements.
To contact individual tribes about local conditions, use the following numbers: Tohono O'odham (520-383-8276), San Carlos Apache (928-475-2326), Salt River Pima (480-850-8244), Navajo Nation (928-729-4007), Hopi (928-734-2106), Gila River Community (520-796-5900), Fort Apache (928-338-5326).
Please remember, tribal lands are NOT public lands; please observe all tribal restrictions on access, photography, etc.
STATE PARKS, STATE TRUST LANDS and STATE WILDLIFE AREAS
STATE TRUST LANDS within Maricopa, Gila, Yuma, La Paz, Pinal and Yavapai Counties are observing Fire Restrictions as of May 14th.
Mohave County lands were included as of June 26th. For details, click here.
ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT has followed suit at nine of their Wildlife Areas. Click here for details.
Remember, any non-hunting, out-of-season recreation on State Trust Lands requires a permit from the Arizona State Land Department.
Click here to locate Arizona State Parks and call ahead to the individual park to check for any local restrictions.
OTHER PUBLIC LANDS
The City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department banned open and charcoal fires as well as smoking outside of enclosed vehicles in city mountain parks and desert preserves on Monday, May 11. For more info, click here.
WHAT`S CLOSED:
Local conditions sometimes require land managers to close access or use of areas within their jurisdiction. ALWAYS check with local offices before venturing out on to Arizona's public lands.
In the Apache-Sitgreaves, Highway 273 is now open. This summer they will start a paving project; at this time (6/8/09), no date has been set, but the public will be able to travel on one side of the road while the other is being paved.
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SEEING SMOKE IN ARIZONA? MAYBE IT'S INTENTIONAL
Many agencies and tribes practice prescribed burning to eliminate excess fuels and reduce fire danger. Weather and environmental conditions play a key role in the timing and accomplishment of these projects. People in these areas will see and smell smoke for the duration of the burn; smoke inversions may occur during nighttime hours. As always, firefighter and public safety are the top priority.
Sometimes, naturally caused wildfires are allowed to burn for the same reasons. The objective of any such "managed" fire is to protect, maintain and enhance resources, and, as nearly as possible, allow fire to function in its natural ecological role within defined boundaries.
Before a fire is put into such status, land managers evaluate several criteria. For example, archaeologists and wildlife biologists inspect the area to ensure wildlife habitats and archaeological sites will not be harmed as a result of the fire or management practices. Once a fire is actively managed, meaning boundaries, weather and fuels conditions under which the fire will be allowed to burn are established.
In both cases, agency fire managers follow strict guidelines, monitoring burn conditions and the generation of smoke. If you are concerned about how wildfire smoke can affect your health, click here (http://www.nps.gov/archive/zion/Fire/SmokeHealth.htm ).
For an example of a News Release about a prescribed burning project, click here.
If you are concerned about how wildfire smoke can affect your health, go to this website.
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