Vanessa Hickman
Deputy State Land Commissioner
Arizona State Land Department
602.542.4621

Current news and key information as provided by the State Land Department's Public Affairs, Legislative & Communication Manager

State Land Department News & Information

Fire Restrictions in Effect on State Trust Lands

(Phoenix, Az May 14, 2009) --The Office of the State Forester will implement fire and smoking restrictions starting at 12:00 PM on Thursday, May 14th, 2009, in cooperation with the Tonto National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, US Fish and Wildlife, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and other state, Federal and local government entities.

The restrictions have become necessary due to developing hot, dry weather along with annual plant growth which contributes to an increasing fire danger. These conditions greatly increase the risk of major wildfires.

The restrictions will apply to all State Trust Lands within Maricopa, Gila, Yuma, La Paz, Pinal and Yavapai Counties. The restrictions will remain in effect until July 31, 2009 or until further notice.

The restrictions are as follows:

Building, maintaining, or using a fire, campfire, or charcoal burning device except as specifically permitted by the State Forester on a case by case basis is prohibited. Petroleum fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices are exempt from these restrictions.
Using fireworks as defined in ARS § 36-1601 is prohibited.
Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, building, developed campground, or stopped in an area at least 10 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials is prohibited.
Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with an open flame is prohibited.

These restrictions apply to all permits and leases issued by the State Land Department and holders of hunting and fishing licenses. Any state, federal, or local fire or law enforcement officer, or member of an organized firefighting force is exempt from these prohibitions while in the performance of their official firefighting duties.

For more information call:

Cam Hunter 602 771-1416
Judy Wood 520 628-5480 x202