We have had a couple of incidents in the past couple of days where property owners in the community have violated the County Ordinance restricting the use of open burning. I would like to remind everyone that starting, and or maintaining a fire, including charcoal fires outdoors is a violation of the Gila County Ordinance 11-02. Violations of this ordinance will result in a civil penalty not to exceed $500.00. If a person violates the fire restrictions in the National Forest the penalties can be as much as $5,000.00 and up to six months in jail. If your illegal fire activities in the National Forest results in a wildfire, you can be held responsible for the costs incurred to fight the fire, in addition to jail time.
The wallow Fire last year cost more than $79 million dollars to fight.
These restrictions are not instituted for the purpose of inconveniencing anyone, but rather to protect the National Forest as well as you and your neighbors from the devastating effects of a wildfire.
If you see or witness a violation of these restrictions, whether on private property or in the National Forest, please report it by calling 911 so the situation can be dealt with appropriately and expeditiously. Your safety and the safety of our communities depend upon everyone obeying the law and being vigilant in the effort to reduce the threat of wildfire.
The Houston Mesa Fire Department would also like remind everyone that we are very active right now with the local Firewise program and have been working with Grant funds to help our property owners get their homes and properties in Firewise condition. If anyone would like more information on the Firewise Grant program or if there are questions and/or concerns about the current fire restrictions, please do not hesitate to call the Fire District Fire Administrative Office at 928-472-7908. If there is no answer, leave a message and someone will return your call as soon as they are available.
