Fire restrictions lifted on some state wildlife areas

PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Department has rescinded its fire restrictions on wildlife areas in the high country to correspond to the lifting of fire restrictions on the Prescott, Coconino, Kaibab and Tonto national forests.

State wildlife officials said that while fire restrictions can sometimes get confusing this time of year, there is a logic you can follow.

“If a state wildlife area is located within a national forest that has rescinded fire restrictions, then just expect the Game and Fish Department to follow suit and lift its restrictions,” said Field Operations Director Mike Senn.

“On the flip side,” Senn explained, “Many of the desert jurisdictions such as the Bureau of Land Management areas in the desert or along the Colorado River still have fire restrictions in place, so you can expect corresponding state wildlife areas such as the ones at Alamo Lake and Mittry Lake to retain their restrictions as well.”

For the latest updates on fire restrictions in Arizona, visit the Public Lands Information Center at www.publiclands.org/firenews/AZ.php.

The Game and Fish Department has lifted fire restrictions at:

• Lamar Haines Wildlife Area
• Raymond Ranch Wildlife Area
• Sunflower Flat Wildlife Area
• Roosevelt Lake Wildlife Area
• Three Bar Wildlife Area

Those state wildlife areas with fire restrictions remaining are:

• Alamo Lake Wildlife Area
• Arlington Wildlife Area (Maricopa County)
• Base and Meridian Wildlife Area (Maricopa County)
• Colorado River Nature Center
• Mittry Lake Wildlife Area (Yuma area)
• Powers Butte Wildlife Area
• Quigley Wildlife Area (Yuma area)
• Robbins Butte Wildlife Area
• Upper Verde Wildlife Area

In those wildlife areas with restrictions, no open fires are allowed – including charcoal-burning barbecues. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, is prohibited. However, you can still us gas and propane stoves, lanterns or heating devices.

“These are pretty much the same restrictions you will see at other locations. It’s all simple and straightforward – enjoy the outdoors but take the simple precautions to be safe out there,” Senn said.

Remember that just because fire restrictions have been lifted for many areas, this is still the fire season. “Fire Weather Watches” are issued when there is a possibility of critical fire weather conditions and you should listen for later forecasts and possible red flag warnings.