Fire Restrictions Implemented County-Wide In Response To Increased Wildfire Risk

Due to critical fire weather conditions, including high temperatures, low humidity, dry vegetation, and sustained winds, Mohave County has enacted fire restrictions for all four Fire Zones within the unincorporated areas of the county. These restrictions take effect 8:00 a.m. on May 23, 2025, and remain in place until such time as the Determination of the fire emergency is rescinded.

The restrictions prohibit all open fires, campfires, and the use of consumer fireworks in the unincorporated areas of Mohave County, excluding State, Federal, and Tribal Lands, except for July 4, 2025, at elevations below 4,500 feet. This action is authorized under Mohave County Ordinance 2013-04 and Arizona Revised Statutes § 36-1606, which allows local jurisdictions to restrict or prohibit the use of permissible consumer fireworks in areas determined to be under a fire emergency. 

It is important to note that while Arizona law allows the sale of certain fireworks, Mohave County prohibits their use during a fire emergency in accordance with ARS § 36-1606 and local ordinance. Possession alone is not a violation—but ignition, discharge, or use of consumer fireworks is strictly prohibited under thecurrent emergency fire conditions, except as noted for July 4 at elevations below 4,500 feet. 

EXEMPTIONS INCLUDE: 
- Fires set or permitted by authorized federal, state, or local officers in the course of official duties. 
- Fires for disease and pest control by the State Entomologist or County Agricultural agents. 
- Fires permitted by the United States, State of Arizona, or federally recognized tribes for fire prevention, watershed rehabilitation, or vegetative management. 
- Fires permitted by the Mohave County Emergency Management Officer or designee with written documentation. 
- Cooking fires fueled by propane or charcoal. 

WHAT FIREWORKS ARE PROHIBITED UNDER ARS § 36-1606? 
While Arizona allows the sale of certain consumer fireworks, ARS § 36-1606 makes clear that counties may restrict or prohibit use during times of elevated fire danger, particularly when Stage One or higher fire restrictions are in place. Mohave County, under current fire emergency conditions, prohibits the use of any fireworks that meet the following criteria: 

Not Permissible: Fireworks designed to rise into the air, explode, or fly above the ground are strictly prohibited. This includes but is not limited to: 
- Firecrackers 
- Bottle/Sky rockets 
- Missile-type rockets 
- Helicopters 
- Aerial shells 
- Roman candles 
- Torpedoes 
- Mine devices 
- Shell devices (mortars)  
- Aerial salute kits 
- Reloadable tubes 

Permissible (Sale May Be Allowed, Use Restricted): The following consumer fireworks are generally considered permissible under Arizona law but are still restricted from use during a fire emergency in Mohave County: 
- Cylindrical/Cone fountains 
- Illuminating torches 
- Wheels 
- Ground spinners 
- Toy smoke devices 
- Wire/Flitter sparklers or dipped sticks 
- Multiple tube ground and handheld sparkling devices (if compliant with NFPA 1124) 

Violations of this proclamation are considered a Class 2 misdemeanor under county ordinance and are subject to fines up to $750 and/or up to four months in jail. 

The fire restrictions will remain in effect until the Emergency Management Officer determines that emergency fire conditions no longer exist. 

For questions or more information, contact: 
Mike Browning – Emergency Management Coordinator 
(928) 753-0739 | emsm@mohave.gov