Under the authority of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et. seq.) and pursuant to the 43 CFR 9212.2 and 50 CFR parts 25, 26, and 27, this Fire Prevention Order establishes fire restrictions for Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, and serves as a reminder to the public that the restrictions listed below are always in effect on Bill Williams River, Cibola, Havasu, and Imperial National Wildlife Refuges.
In the interest of public safety, and in compliance with 43 CFR 9212.2 and 50 CFR parts 25, 26, and 27 the US Fish and Wildlife Service is taking actions to compliment and support state and local wildfire prevention. All state and local wildfire laws and regulations shall apply to all public lands within the Lower Colorado River National Wildlife Refuges.
Effective April 30, 2007, through October 31, 2007, or until conditions change, the following acts are prohibited. The effective dates of this closure are subject to extension or withdrawal on Kofa National Wildlife Refuge based on the fire danger severity rating. These acts are prohibited on Bill Williams River, Cibola, Havasu, and Imperial National Wildlife Refuges at all times.
1. BUILDING OR USING A FIRE, CAMPFIRE, CHARCOAL, WOOD STOVE, OR TIKI TORCH. Propane and petroleum-fueled stoves and lanterns are allowed provided they are placed at least 10 feet from any surrounding vegetation.
2. SMOKING. Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle or building, in a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least ten feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
3. USE OF FIREWORKS, FLARES, OR OTHER INCENDIARY DEVICES IS
PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES ON NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES.
Any Federal, State, or local officer or member of an organized fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty are exempt from the restrictions contained in this Fire Prevention Order.
Violation of a Fire Prevention Order is punishable by a fine of not more than $100,000, or imprisonment of not more than 12 months, or both (43 CFR 9212.4 and 50 CFR part 28).
