A long 4th of July weekend could spell trouble for Arizona firefighters as some Fourth of July celebrants start their extended “weekend” earlier this year to participate in outdoor activities.  Fire danger is very high throughout much of Arizona and is extreme in the Prescott NF, as well as for lands managed by the Phoenix, Arizona Strip, and Colorado River Districts of the BLM.  

The Southwest Area (Arizona, New Mexico, and West Texas) recently changed to Preparedness Level 5 which means that several zones are experiencing major fires and critical national resources are fully utilized.  

Additional firefighting resources and support may not be available, or their arrival may be delayed for multiple operational periods.  With resources stretched fighting so many fires here and in many other states, now is the time to be extra careful during the 4th of July holiday weekend ensuring you are part of the prevention solution rather than the wildfire problem.  

Humidity readings have been consistently in the single digits in much of the state.  The low humidity, hot weather and winds coupled with low fuel moisture spell dangerous wildfire conditions and an increased chance of any start becoming a major wildfire.  

Around the state, monsoon-type storms are moving across portions of Arizona resulting in numerous    dry lightning fires.   Some areas have seen rainfall, while much of the state has received none.  

 There is an abundance of fine fuels this year after the late winter rains.  Fires in grass, weeds, and other fine fuels are usually caused by careless smokers, catalytic mufflers, power equipment such as welders, or improperly maintained spark arrestors.  Fire starts in the fine fuel type could result in faster spreading and more destructive desert fires.  

When heading out to Arizona’s great outdoors, if you are unsure of where you are going or what road to take, don’t go there until you are sure and you can confirm your destination’s fire restrictions and/or closures.  On average, sixty per cent of Arizona’s 3,500 annual wildfires are human-caused, don’t make it 3,501.  And remember, fireworks are illegal in Arizona.  

Campfire and smoking restrictions are in effect as follows:

√ Bureau of Land Management Administered Lands—-Lands managed by the Phoenix District Office as well as those managed by the Yuma and Lake Havasu offices of the Colorado River District.  The Arizona Strip will implement campfire and smoking restrictions on Monday, June 30th.  The Kingman Field office will implement campfire and smoking restrictions on Tuesday July 1, 2008.

√ National Forest Lands—-The Tonto NF and Prescott NF have implemented campfire and smoking restrictions and the Coconino NF will implement campfire and smoking restrictions on Tuesday July 1, 2008.  The Tusayan and Williams Ranger Districts of the Kaibab NF, south of the Grand Canyon implemented campfire and smoking restrictions on June 25th, 2008.

 √ US Fish and Wildlife Service—-Year-around fire restrictions are in effect along the Colorado River within the Imperial, Cibola, Bill Williams River, Buenos Aires, and Havasu National Wildlife Refuges.  

√ National Park Service—- National Parks and Monuments are managed year-around with different campfire restrictions than other Federal lands, check locally for compliance requirements.

√ Tribal Lands/BIA—- Hopi Tribal lands remain under year-around restrictions and Navajo Reservation within Arizona and Pima-Maricopa Community lands were placed under restrictions beginning May 1st.   The San Carlos Apache Tribe implemented restrictions on May 21st.           

√State of Arizona—-Lands managed by the Arizona Forestry Division within Gila, La Paz, Maricopa, Yavapai, Yuma, and Mohave counties.  The AZ Game and Fish Department implements restrictions in their Wildlife areas at the same time as surrounding/adjacent public lands.

 √ Other Lands—-Hualapai Mountain Park will implement campfire and smoking restrictions on July 1, 2008.  Fire and/or smoking restrictions could be in effect on some private lands within Arizona as well as within your community’s city limits.  Also, Fire Districts or County officials may have already implemented restrictions.  If you are unsure whether you can weld, use power equipment, or are allowed a backyard fire, contact your local Fire Department, Fire District, or County office.

When fire restrictions and closures are in effect for large parts of Arizona, individual units may implement changes at any time, especially if early rains reduce fire danger.  It is impossible to list all fire restrictions, so please call ahead to the local office where you plan on visiting or working to get the most up-to-date information or visit their website to see the latest maps.  Fire restriction and closure information can also be found on websites www.azfireinfo.com and http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/ or by calling toll-free 1-877-864-6985.