(St. George, UT) — Due to extreme fire conditions the Arizona Strip District will implement fire restrictions on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) administered lands in northwestern Arizona in the Cedar Pockets region at the Virgin River Campground located in Mohave County.

The following prohibitions are effective within the Virgin River Campground until fire restrictions are rescinded:

1. Building or using a fire, campfire, charcoal grill, and the use of

briquettes in developed camping and picnicking areas. However, the use of propane and petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices is allowed.

2. Smoking, except within an enclosed building or vehicle and on a paved

road or while in an area at least six feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

3. The use of fireworks, flares, explosives or any incendiary device is

prohibited.

4. Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.

Violation of this Fire Prevention Order is punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000, or imprisonment of not more than 12 months, or both (43 CFR 9212.4).

The following persons are exempt from the restrictions of this Fire Prevention Order:

• Any federal, state or local officer or member of an organized

firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

• Persons with a permit specifically authorizing the prohibited act or

omission.

Due to exceptionally hot and dry weather, wildland firefighters in Arizona have already responded to numerous wildfires ranging in size from less than an acre to hundreds of thousands of acres. “We’re seeing a very heavy loading of fine fuels. Our current fire danger is ranging from high to extreme on windy days,” said Fire Management Officer Mark Rosenthal for the Arizona Strip District. “As we move further in to the wildfire season there’s a potential that fire restrictions could be extended across the Arizona Strip District.”