Monsoon Arrival Helps Lift Fire Restrictions & Closures

Phoenix, AZ, ----"The monsoon rains have helped reduce the fire danger allowing land managers to lift most fire restrictions and closures across Arizona," stated Pam McAlpin, Arizona BLM Fire Management Officer. "A large portion of Arizona has received significant rainfall, however, it is not as extensive as we would like. Some areas have not received any heavy rains." On Thursday, August 4, 23 "reporting units" still recorded high to extreme fire danger in various areas of Arizona. Lightning-caused fires are occurring from storms around the state this past week, with the largest, growing to 300 acres. A forecast of higher humidity and an increased chance of rainfall in the desert areas should lessen the fire danger over the next week. With this year's record fuels in the lower elevations, a few days of low humidity and wind could change the fire potential quickly in the desert areas of the state. In fact some areas have received heavy downpours during lightning storms and fires have broke out the next day after only a couple hours of afternoon heat and made runs of 50 acres in the dried heavy grass types. Seasonal campfire and smoking restrictions remain in effect only on BLM lands across the state. Restrictions in wildlife refuges along the Lower Colorado River are in effect year-round. In addition, the Black Mesa portion of the Agua Fria National Monument remains closed. The fire closure of San Tank Mountains Area A in the Sonoran Desert National Monument has been lifted as has the fire closure in the Hassayampa Wilderness due to the J Canyon Fire. Fire closures remain in effect at the local level as a result of wildfires in that area. For example, closures are in effect on portions of the Edge, Cave Creek, and Bart Fires on the Tonto National Forest. There may be other smaller areas also closed around the state due to unsafe conditions near wildfires. "Even though we are in the monsoon season, there are still areas that remain dry and everyone is urged to be careful with campfires and smoking materials, especially in dry grassy areas, McAlpin added. There always seems to be an area somewhere in the state that is dry enough to burn, no matter the time of year." The latest restriction/closure information can be found on websites www.azfireinfo.com and http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/ or by calling toll-free 1-877-864-6985.