WILLIAMS — aibab National Forest managers would like to remind visitors and the public to use extreme caution with campfires and any recreational activity that could potentially cause a wildfire as the holiday weekend approaches.

Although there are currently no fire restrictions in effect on the forest, fire danger will move to a rating of “High” on Friday May 27th on both the Tusayan and Williams Ranger Districts. Warmer temperatures, gusty winds, coupled with fuel moisture levels that change dynamically in the late spring and early summer months can significantly influence the potential for an unwanted wildfire in the forest.

We welcome people to visit and enjoy a wide variety of unique recreational opportunities the forest has to offer, but emphasize the message that there is always a need to be responsible with campfires.

Additional fire personnel will be out patrolling the forest this weekend to inform visitors about weather and potential fire conditions, but we offer the following suggestions to help ensure a safe visit to the Kaibab National Forest:

• Never abandon or leave a campfire unattended.
• Have a shovel and plenty of water on hand to put it out.
• Ensure the area surrounding your campfire is free of any burnable materials.
• Use existing campfire rings to minimize impact to the surrounding soil.
• Remember fireworks are prohibited on all National Forest Lands
• Dispose of all trash and debris in appropriate receptacles.

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.