New campfire and smoking restrictions will be in place across southeastern Arizona starting on Monday.
It affects:
- Gila District
- Coronado National Forest
- Saguaro National Park
- Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
- Coronado National Memorial
- Chiricahua National Monument
- Fort Bowie National Historic Site
- Tumacácori National Historical Park
- Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
- Arizona State Forestry Division
The new restrictions will prohibit:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove fire, including within a developed recreation site, or improved site.
- Using an explosive
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building. (Smoking is prohibited in all federal buildings.)
- Operating or using any equipment powered by an internal combustion engine, except motor vehicles.
- Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.
- Discharging a firearm, air rifle or gas gun, except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal, or tribal law, and regulations.
- Possessing operating motor vehicles off National Forest System roads, including but not limited to cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, and ATVs, except for when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway, and except for parking overnight in Forest Service developed campground and trailheads.
As a reminder, fireworks are always prohibited on federal lands.
Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns and heaters that can be turned are allowed. The Coronado National Forest just asks that you make sure the area is clear of grass and other fuels.
If you violate any of these fire restrictions, you could face a Class B misdemeanor, which includes a find of up to $5,000 for an individual and up to $10,000 for a group. It could include a jail sentence of up to 6 months.
