Western Outdoor Times - Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!

Winds, prolonged drought, and high temperatures have combined to make Arizona's forests and desert areas extremely dry. Long-term drought, changing fuel conditions and the resulting unpredictable fire behavior, combined with increased human activity suggest that this has the potential to be a busy fire year. Conditions change; for your safety, stay informed on current and predicted conditions in your community, and when you are enjoying the outdoors.

Think Before You Act!

It only takes one spark on dry grass, leaves, branches or pine needles to start a wildfire. Even live trees and brush are dry enough to easily ignite.

Wildfires impact recreation areas and may destroy homes and cabins, and threaten lives.

Chainsaws, dragging trailer safety chains, carelesssly tossed cigarettes, fireworks, abandoned campfires, debris buring around homes and property, and discharge of firearms are all known causes of wildfire.

Warn others of potential dangers and behaviors that may start wildfires.

Report All Wildfires To 911

Camping, Picknicking

Drown, stir, feel - If it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave

In Arizona, many areas due to dry conditions will enter into fire restrictions in late April or May and typically rescind those seasonal restrictions in September or October. This is seasonally variable. Fire restrictions vary, but most mean that no open fires are allowed except in established campgrounds with fire grills or pits. Some areas have prohibited all fires except gas or propane camp stoves; some restrict all types of flame.

Check the weather and plan accordingly.Take plenty of water for cooking, drinking and putting out your campfire (where permitted).

• Never burn when windy;

• Never leave your fire unattended;

• If it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave.