For Release: June 23, 2009
Contact: Chad Benson, Fire Prevention Officer (928) 718-3750

Kingman, Ariz - To prevent unwanted human caused wildfires the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Colorado River District has announced fire restrictions on 2.4 million acres of public lands south and east of the Colorado River in Mohave, La Paz and Yavapai Counties, Arizona.

Effective Thursday, June 25, 2009, fire and smoking restrictions will be enforced on all public lands within the BLM Kingman Field Office jurisdictions. These restrictions are similar to those already implemented in other areas of the state.

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 to public use.

Fire Restrictions prohibit the following acts

Open campfires, charcoal grills, and stove fires. Campfires and charcoal grills are only permitted in BLM-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 are allowed provided such devices meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety. Developed sites in the Kingman Field Office area include Burro Creek Campground, Wild Cow Campground, Windy Point Campground and Packsaddle Campground.

Smoking will only be allowed inside buildings, motor vehicles, camp trailers or while stopped in an area at least six feet in diameter that is cleared of all flammable material.

Use of fireworks, flares, or other incendiary devices.

Welding or the use of any torch or metal cutting implement.

The restrictions are necessary due to extreme fire danger from prolonged hot and dry weather conditions. The restrictions will continue until conditions warrant rescinding.

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

Current fire restriction information can also be found online at www.publiclands.org/firenews or call toll free 1-877-864-6985. To report a wildfire or illegal fire use, please call the Kingman Field Office at (928) 718-3700 or State Fire Dispatch at (800) 309-7081.

The BLM manages more land – 256 million acres – than any other Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western States, including Alaska. The Bureau, with a budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM’s multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.

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