These 3 Arizona counties are under a fire restriction for all state owned land
Officials announced that a fire restriction for state land in Gila, Maricopa and Pinal counties would take effect Thursday morning, according to the forestry officials who cited warming temperatures and dry conditions with potential to start another wildfire.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management announced a stage 1 fire restrictions for state land in the three counties, including communities within that land.
The fire restrictions are in-place for the three counties' state-owned and managed land, including State Parks, highways, right-of-ways, and Arizona Department of Game of Fish areas, but did not include any incorporated municipalities within the area.
The decision was made after fire officials saw an uptick of fire activity in the region, and "believe restrictions are necessary at this time for public and firefighter safety," said a spokesperson for the state forester in a news release.
Here's what to know about the stage 1 restriction and what activities are prohibited
How long does the first restriction last?
The stage 1 fire restriction for state land in Maricopa, Gila and Pinal counties was scheduled to begin on Thursday at 8 a.m., and will stay in-effect until further notice, according to the state forester.
What do fire restrictions mean for stage 1?
A Stage 1 fire restriction prohibited the majority of activities that were risky when wildfire risk is high.
The forestry agency said the following were prohibited as long as the restriction was active.
No fire starting of any kind, including charcoal, wood or coal, other than in a developed campsite or picnic area.
No smoking unless within a closed vehicle, residence, or within a recreation or improved campsite and away from flammable matierals.
No fireworks or any incendiary devices.
No welding or operating a torch, such as an oxygen-acetylene welder or propane blowtorch.
The state agency said exemptions for any of the restriction would only be provided to federal, state or local law enforcement, or if all land in a particular area is within a city boundary.
The state forester was responsible for maintaining any exception.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Fire officials issue restriction on state land. Here's what to know
