FREDONIA — North Zone fire personnel are responding to a lightning-caused wildfire in the vicinity of Sowats Point located on the North Kaibab Ranger District of Kaibab National Forest. The fire began shortly after 2 p.m. and is estimated to be approximately 20 acres.

This lightning-caused wildfire is the first to occur since the North Kaibab Ranger District went into fire restrictions, and as monsoonal activity creeps closer, lightning strikes will become more common. Fire officials would like to remind visitors that the forest is still in Stage II fire restrictions, and will remain in effect until significant moisture arrives.

Forest officials would also like to remind visitors that having a campfire on the national forest while under fire restrictions is a violation of the law requiring a mandatory appearance in federal court and consequent fines and possibly jail time. Visitors should use extra caution when recreating on all public lands during fire season.

Members of the public can find additional information through the following sources:

· Website: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
· Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF (Text ‘follow kaibabnf’ to 40404 to receive text messages.)
· Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF
· Arizona Fire Restrictions: firerestrictions.us/az