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Restrictions for long 4th of July weekend
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, 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. And remember, fireworks are illegal in Arizona.
Campfire and smoking restrictions are in effect as follows:
National Forest Lands---The Tonto NF and Prescott NF have implemented campfire and smoking restrictions and the Coconino NF implemented campfire and smoking restrictions on Tuesday, July 1. The Tusayan and Williams Ranger Districts of the Kaibab NF, south of the Grand Canyon implemented campfire and smoking restrictions on June 25.
Tribal Lands/BIA--- Hopi Tribal lands remain under year-around restrictions and Navajo Reservation within Arizona and Pima-Maricopa Community lands , as well as San Carlos Apache Tribe lands implemented restrictions in May.
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.
Fire restriction and closure information can also be found at www.azfireinfo.com and http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/ or by call toll-free 1-877-864-6985.
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, 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. And remember, fireworks are illegal in Arizona.
Campfire and smoking restrictions are in effect as follows:
National Forest Lands---The Tonto NF and Prescott NF have implemented campfire and smoking restrictions and the Coconino NF implemented campfire and smoking restrictions on Tuesday, July 1. The Tusayan and Williams Ranger Districts of the Kaibab NF, south of the Grand Canyon implemented campfire and smoking restrictions on June 25.
Tribal Lands/BIA--- Hopi Tribal lands remain under year-around restrictions and Navajo Reservation within Arizona and Pima-Maricopa Community lands , as well as San Carlos Apache Tribe lands implemented restrictions in May.
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.
Fire restriction and closure information can also be found at www.azfireinfo.com and http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/ or by call toll-free 1-877-864-6985.
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