Tag Archives: FIre Safety

Wildfire, recreational safety: Everyone’s responsibility this holiday weekend

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WILLIAMS — Kaibab National Forest officials are expecting increased numbers of visitors at the forest’s more popular recreational areas over the Independence weekend. Visitors are encouraged to use caution during all recreational activities that could potentially cause personal injury or a wildfire. The following are tips for having a safe and pleasant visit to the Kaibab National Forest:

 Campfires, Smoking and Fireworks: Forest visitors are reminded that although some areas of the forest have received some isolated moisture, the forest remains in very high fire danger and campfire and smoking restrictions are in effect in order to protect public health and reduce preventable human-caused fires.

 Stage 1 fire restrictions include:

  • Campfires, charcoal grills, and stove fires are prohibited except in designated fire pits in developed recreation sites only.
  • Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns, and heaters are authorized provided these devices can be turned on and off.
  • Smoking is only permitted in enclosed vehicles, buildings or developed recreation sites.
  • Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework is prohibited year-round on all National Forest lands. This includes “legal fireworks” available in some retail stores.

To learn more about Arizona fire restrictions, visit firerestrictions.us/az.

 Summer Monsoons: The potential for flash floods, lightning and widespread rainfall can occur with little warning. Visitors are advised to check weather forecasts, seek appropriate shelter during storms and visit MonsoonSafety.org for more information regarding monsoon awareness and safety tips.

 Camping: Whether planning to rough it this holiday weekend or simply enjoy a scenic drive, there are many ways to enjoy your National Forest. Forest officials encourage visitors to Know Before You Go. This online resource provides helpful tips to help visitors maximize a memorable and safe experience.

 Dispersed Camping:  Picnicking and camping outside of developed recreation areas on the forest is allowed unless otherwise posted. There are extra responsibilities and skills necessary for dispersed camping. As a reminder, camping rules and regulations are in place to make your experience a safe one while protecting natural and cultural resources so they remain unspoiled for other forest visitors. Visitors should provide their own water, Tread Lightly, and follow Leave No Trace Principles.

 Motor Vehicle Use:  The rules for motorized vehicles may vary between forests and districts. Please refer to the free Motor Vehicle Use Maps for each district for details. Visitors may download district MVUMs for various electronic devices here.

 Wildfire Information: Forest visitors may also call the Kaibab National Forest fire information phone line at (928) 635-8311 or subscribe to wildfiresnearme.wfmrda.com for current fire conditions. This web-based app is a free subscription service and may be customized to individual areas of interest and sent real-time via text or email.

Visit the forest’s website at www.fs.usda.gov/main/kaibab for all other forest information or call the local ranger stations for the latest information on outdoor recreational experiences:

  • Williams Ranger District: (928) 635-5600
  • Tusayan Ranger District: (928) 638-2443
  • North Kaibab Ranger District: (928) 643-7395

Campfire Safety Urged This Memorial Day Weekend

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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.