Saguaro National Park is next on list for fire restrictions | Environment

Following in earlier footsteps the National Park Service has added Saguaro National Park to its list of sites put on fire restrictions.

The restrictions will be in place at both locations – Rincon and the Tucson Mountains – starting today.  These are the same restrictions imposed at other public lands across Southern Arizona.

The fire restrictions prohibit the following acts:

• Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove fire, including within a developed recreation site or improved site [36 CFR 2.13(a)]. Exception: The use of liquid petroleum or LPG fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices is allowed as long as such devices meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety.
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle [36 CFR 2.21(a)]

Not listed in the above restrictions, Park officials would like to remind visitors that use of fireworks (of any kind) is prohibited on National Park Service lands.

These restrictions are put in place to ensure the safety of park visitors and employees and for the ultimate protection of National Park Service lands, resources and facilities.  Restrictions will be in place until conditions improve and the danger of a wild fire occuring is lessened. 

Violators will face a fine of not more than $5,000, or imprisonment for no more than six months, or both.

For local fire restrictions and fire information for Federal, Tribal and State lands in Arizona and New Mexico, visit http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc.

For further information about restrictions at Saguaro, please call the Saguaro Fire Information Hotline at (520) 733-5150 or contact Chief Ranger Bob Love at (520) 591-1013, or Park Ranger Andy Fisher at (520) 733-5139.