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Pima County declares fire emergency, implements Stage II restrictions
PIMA COUNTY, May 21, 2025 – The Pima County Board of Supervisors, in a unanimous vote at its May 20 regular meeting, passed a resolution to declare a fire emergency in unincorporated Pima County and implement Stage II fire restrictions for County-owned property, effective immediately.
The restrictions align with recommendations from the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management and federal land management agencies amid drought conditions as wildfires have already broken out across the state and there is expected continued elevated wildfire risk. Besides state lands, similar restrictions are already in place on all lands controlled by the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and National Parks Service.
The restrictions apply to County-owned property – parks, campgrounds, washes, RV parks, the Fairgrounds, leased properties such as Old Tucson, and County wildlands and ranches. Pima County preserves and protects more than 250,000 acres and also has thousands of acres of urban parks.
“Protecting our communities and natural landscapes from the threat of wildfires is a top priority,” said Sandra Espinoza, the director of the Pima County Office of Emergency Management.
“The danger that southeastern Arizona is currently facing, compounded by current and forecasted weather, have us primed for the potential of a wildfire that could affect people’s way of life and their health and safety. Any wildfire produces toxic smoke, can impact travel and vacation plans, and simply put, puts firefighters and public lives in danger.”
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No open flames, including campfires, wood/charcoal grills. Gas grilling is allowed.
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No shooting of a firearm, including target shooting, except at a developed shooting range or while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal, or tribal laws and regulations.
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No use of consumer fireworks.
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No spark-generating activities such as welding, unless essential and conducted with strict safety measures.
In the County’s Parks & Recreation system, this will mean no grilling at rented ramadas – or along the Chuck Huckelberry Loop -- using the elevated charcoal grills installed by P&R, or any other grills that use charcoal. Anyone who has reserved ramadas and intended to use the grill and would like a refund should contact Parks & Recreation at 520-724-5000.
The restrictions include no campfires/fire pits or activities that create sparks or flames in any Conservation Lands & Resources natural resource parks, mountain trail parks, campsites, trailheads, picnic areas, ranch or conservation lands. Call 520-724-5159 or email gilbertraycampground@pima.gov to cancel a reservation at Gilbert Ray Campground.
The Tucson metro area and Catalina Mountains are in severe drought condition. The rest of the County, including Green Valley/Sahuarita, Avra Valley, Three Points, the Tohono O'odham Nation, and Ajo, are in extreme drought conditions, according to a map jointly produced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and National Drought Mitigation Center.
Be Prepared, Stay Safe
As we enter the season of high fire risk, it's important to remain vigilant and prepared. Here are some steps to increase your wildfire preparedness:
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Create a Fire-Resistant Space: Clear away dead vegetation and maintain a defensible zone around your property.
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Stay Alert: Always check local fire conditions and stay informed about ongoing fire restrictions. Sign up for MyAlerts, Pima County’s mass notification system that provides emergency messaging to electronic devices.
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Develop an Emergency Plan: Create a family evacuation plan and have a go-bag ready with essentials in case an emergency occurs. Need to start a plan? Go to ready.gov and click on the “Make a Plan” tab at the top.
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