FREDONIA — Kaibab National Forest managers urge the public to use extreme caution with campfires and any recreational activity that could potentially cause a wildfire.

As spring moves into summer, visitation to Kaibab National Forest is expected to increase. The Memorial Day weekend has historically marked the beginning of that transition, with campers and other visitors looking to enjoy the unique recreational opportunities the forest has to offer.

Fire managers would like to remind visitors that even though no fire restrictions are in place, fuel moisture levels can rapidly change in a very short timeframe, so there is always a need to be responsible with campfires.

Fire crews are ready to respond to any fires and will be patrolling the forest to inform visitors about weather and potential fire conditions.

The following suggestions will help ensure a safe visit to the Kaibab National Forest:

• If you don’t need a fire, don’t build one.
• Have a shovel and plenty of water on hand to put it out.
• Have more water than you think you will need.
• Never leave a campfire unattended.
• Use existing campfire rings to minimize impact to the surrounding soil.
• Ensure the area surrounding a campfire has a bare dirt buffer surrounding it.
• Be responsible with cigarettes and charcoal grills, and only dispose of resulting materials in an ashtray or ashcan.
• Always supervise children around a campfire.

As weather conditions become warmer and drier, fire managers will continue to assess the need to implement fire restrictions. Forest visitors may call the Kaibab National Forest fire information phone line at (928) 635-8311 for current conditions and the status of fire restrictions. To find out if fire restrictions are in effect anywhere in Arizona, visit www.firerestrictions.us/az.