Fourth of July Holiday Outdoor Safety

Lake Havasu, Ariz. - As firefighters continue their efforts to contain major wildfires burning throughout the United States, the public is reminded that use of fireworks is always prohibited on Federal public lands and state trust lands in Arizona. Dry conditions have already prompted fire officials to issue fire restrictions and closures across Arizona. Any spark has the potential to ignite a new fire, and sending fireworks into the air could have devastating effects.

“In addition to fireworks, we’re very concerned with illegal campfires on public lands,” said Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Colorado River District Fire Management Officer Mike Trent. “Campfires are not allowed in the Kingman Field Office and only allowed in developed campgrounds using agency-installed fire rings in the Lake Havasu and Yuma Field Offices. With the extreme heat and fire danger across the state, it doesn’t take much to start a wildfire.”

Trent added that the Colorado River District BLM Law Enforcement officers are patrolling looking for illegal campfires. The penalties for starting an illegal campfire can include fines up to $1,000 and up to a year in jail – or both. “America’s public lands are your public lands. If you see someone with a campfire in an area where campfires are prohibited, please report it,” continued Trent.

In the Kingman Field Office, the Wild Cow Springs, Windy Point, Packsaddle, and Burro Creek Campgrounds are popular weekend escapes. They are first-come, first-served and range from no fee to $14 per site per night depending on the campground.

The Lake Havasu Field Office’s 87 boat-in camp sites are very popular during the summertime. They are first-come, first-served. The sites are $10 per day for day-use for up to 6 people and $10 for overnight use for total of $20. For more than 6 people, there is an additional $2 per person charge for using the site. Annual passes are available for $100 for the year. The sites have restrooms, barbeque grills, tables, and shade ramadas.

Squaw Lake is a popular campground and recreation area north of Yuma, Ariz. The site has recreational vehicle and tent camping sites, boat launch, and a day-use area on a backwater of the Colorado River directly above Imperial Dam. Fees are $10 per day for day use and $15 for overnight camping.

For more information about camping opportunities, call the BLM Lake Havasu Field Office at 928-505-1200, Kingman Field Office at 928-718-3700, or Yuma Field Office at 928-317-3200.

The following Fire Restrictions are in effect for BLM public lands in the Kingman Field Office:

· Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove. Campfires and charcoal grills are prohibited.

· Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or a developed or improved recreation site or while stopped in an area at least six feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.

· Using tracer ammunition, explosives, or any incendiary devices (including explosive targets); fireworks are always prohibited on public lands.

· Mechanical and industrial prohibitions:

Operating any internal combustion engine off established roads;

Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame;

Using any explosive devices.

The following Fire Restrictions are in effect for BLM public lands in the Lake Havasu and Yuma Field Offices:

Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove. Campfires and charcoal are permitted in developed recreation sites or improved sites where agency-built fire rings or grills are provided.

Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, within a developed or improved recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least six feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.

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

For additional information on current fire restrictions, please call 1-877-864-6985, visit http://www.firerestrictions.us/, or contact your local BLM or Forest Service office, National Park Service Visitor Center, or Arizona State Forestry Department.