Fire Restrictions for Colorado River Area

Contact: Diane Williams 928- 505-1250 Office

Lake Havasu City, Ariz. – In an effort to prevent 2008 from becoming adevastating fire season, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announcedfire restrictions on 2.5 million acres of public lands along the Colorado River in Arizona and California.

Effective Wednesday, May 14, 2008, Stage 1 fire and smoking restrictionswill be enforced on all public lands within the BLM Yuma and Lake Havasu Field Office jurisdictions, and will remain in effect until rescinded. These restrictions are similar to those being implemented at this time inother areas of the State.The BLM is asking the public to use extreme caution when visiting publiclands this summer. Currently there are no plans to close any areas along the Colorado River area to public use.

The public is reminded that Stage 1 Fire Restrictions prohibit the following:

1. Open campfires, charcoal grills, and stove fires.
Campfires and charcoal grills are 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 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 three 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.

Violations of these restrictions are punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 and/or imprisonment of not more than 12 months.

While BLM hopes the weather and dry conditions in the area will not necessitate issuing fire restrictions beyond Stage 1, if conditions for increased fire potential progress during this fire season, Stage 2, 3, and4 restrictions could become necessary. Stage 2 restrictions would prohibitany open fires, and limit off road vehicle travel, as well as use ofinternal combustion engines (such as chainsaws, etc.). Stage 3 restrictions would authorize partial closure of affected areas, and Stage 4 restrictions would call for total closure of affected areas.

National Wildlife Refuges in the area (Imperial, Cibola, Bill WilliamsRiver, and Havasu) continue to enforce year round fire restrictions.

For fire restriction information in Arizona, call Toll Free: 1-877-864 6985

Visit the website: www.publiclands.org/firenews