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Posted May 7, 2012, 9:35 am

Janet Rose Jackman TucsonSentinel.com

Continuing dry and hot conditions in Southern Arizona have created the high risk for wildfires, and Pima County and the Bureau of Land Management are enforcing fire restrictions on state and federal lands.

The restrictions went into effect Monday and bar the use of charcoal-burning devices, acetylene and other torches, and fireworks. Smoking is prohibited outdoors. Those wishing to smoke must do so inside a vehicle, building or developed campground that has been cleared of fire hazards, the BLM and Pima County said.

The restrictions are in effect for the following state parks and State Trust and Arizona Department of Transportation lands:

• All State Trust Lands and Department of Transportation Lands located outside of municipalities within Cochise County, Santa Cruz County, Pima County, Pinal County south of the Gila River, Graham County south of the San Carlos Reservation, and Greenlee County south of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest.
• Manhattan Claims
• Clarence May Memorial Wildlife Area
• Sierra Vista Shooting Range
• White Water Draw Wildlife Area
• Willcox Playa Wildlife Area
• Yarbrough
• Cluff Ranch Wildlife Area
• Catalina State Park in Pima County
• Arivaca Lake and Land in Pima County
• Santa Rita Wildlife Area in Pima County
• Three Points Shooting Range in Pima County
• Tucson Mountain Wildlife Area in Pima County
• Kartchner Caverns State Park in Cochise County
• Roper Lake State Park in Graham County
• Picacho State Park in Pinal County
• Patagonia State Park in Santa Cruz County
• Sonoita Creek State Natural Area in Santa Cruz County
• San Rafael State Natural Area in Santa Cruz County

The BLM also has prohibited the off-road use of motor vehicles, except when parking in an area clear of vegetation within 10 feet of a roadway.

A violation of the fire prevention order could result in a fine of up to $1,000 or as much as 12 months in prison, the BLM said. Federal, state and local law enforcement and firefighters are exempt from the restrictions.