By admin 
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Fire officials say most of Arizona’s recent wildfires are human-caused, sparked in areas where open flames are prohibited under current fire restrictions.
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With the cause of the Papa Fire still under investigation in northern Arizona, state fire officials are urging residents to pay close attention to fire restrictions as Arizona enters peak fire season in June and July.
“We’re just going to get busier as the days progress,” said Tiffany Davila with State Fire and Forest Management.
Recent fires could have been prevented
Fire crews are responding to several fires across the state, many of which Davila said could have been avoided.
“A lot of these fires, they’re not intentional,” Davila said.
A recent fire near Tonto Basin started when someone was working on a gate. Investigators say a single spark from metal work ignited a fire that destroyed a couple of structures.
“This isn’t the first time that we’ve had a fire start like this and unfortunately, it’s not going to be the last time,” Davila said.
A couple of weeks ago, another fire sparked in a riverbed near Wickenburg and erupted into a wildfire that burned down several RVs.
Last month, near Yarnell, a wildfire started when someone pulled over to cook on a charcoal grill.
“We have fire restrictions in place in that area. Charcoal is not allowed,” Davila said.
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Travelers contributing to fire starts
Fire officials say unintentional fires started by travelers are a growing problem.
“We’ve had fire starts from tire blowouts,” Davila said.
Another cause is people hauling trailers with chains hanging too low, hitting the road, and causing sparks. Chain holders available at local hardware stores can prevent this issue.
In the Tonto National Forest, Davila said crews continue to encounter abandoned campfires.
“We’re still seeing our resources working to go out and patrol and check for those abandoned campfires,” Davila said.
Stage 1 fire restrictions
Stage 1 fire restrictions prohibit:
- Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal or wood stove other than in a developed campsite or picnic area. Persons using a device solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off are exempt.
- Smoking unless it is within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or improved site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
- Discharging or using any kind of fireworks and incendiary devices.
- Welding or operating acetylene or other torch device with an open flame.
Federal, state or local officers or members of organized rescue or firefighting forces in the performance of official duty are exempt. All land within a city boundary is exempt unless otherwise stated in the city ordinance.
Stage 2 fire restrictions
Stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit:
- Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal or wood stove including fires in developed campgrounds or improved sites. Persons using a device fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off are permitted. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the device.
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
- Discharging a firearm except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal or tribal laws and regulations.
- Operating any internal combustion engine.
- Chainsaw use from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.
- Using an explosive.
Exemptions include:
- Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act
- Industrial operations where specific operations and exemptions are identified and mitigation measures are implemented as outlined in an agency plan
- Operating generators with an approved spark-arresting device:
- Within an enclosed vehicle or building, or
- In an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the generator
- Operating motorized vehicles on designated roads, so long as you park in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway
- Persons conducting activities in designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice
- Any federal, state, or local officer, member of an organized rescue or firefighting force, or other authorized personnel in the performance of an official duty
- All land within a city boundary is exempted unless otherwise stated by city ordinance
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