Each year, tens of thousands of Arizona and interstate boaters visit Lake Havasu City and other river communities for Memorial Day weekend. But this year, the state will impose fire restrictions on travelers due to the high risk of wildfires in counties bordering the Colorado River.

The Arizona Forestry and Fire Department announced fire restrictions this weekend in Mojave, La Paz, and Yuma counties due to increased fire activity and an abundance of wildfire-potential fuel. These restrictions apply to State Trust lands other than incorporated municipalities and to all game and fish and wildlife sanctuaries in Arizona. Fire regulations also apply to all state parks outside the municipality, and Lake Havasu State Park is exempt from that regulation.

Visitors are prohibited from building, maintaining, using, or using fires outside of developed campgrounds and picnic areas on government lands surrounding Lake Havasu City, including the desert area south of SARA Park. Smoking on state property is prohibited except in enclosed vehicles or buildings, or in developed recreational facilities where all combustible materials have been removed. The use of fireworks or other pyrotechnic devices is prohibited.

All land within the city limits of Lake Havasu will be exempt from state fire regulations this year, but exploding fireworks and firing firearms within city limits are still against Lake Havasu city ordinances.

Fire restrictions in northern Arizona following a wet winter may have prompted an increase in vegetation along the Colorado River this year. Rising temperatures and dry weather mean the vegetation could soon become fuel for wildfires, increasing the risk of more fires this summer.

The Arizona Fire Department said it will continue to monitor areas in the state weekly and implement additional restrictions as needed.