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Have a safe holiday while obeying fire restrictions

Many in northern Arizona have been following media coverage of the Brins Fire in Sedona. Even closer to home was the fire that threatened portions of Flagstaff several weeks ago. We can't stop watching as we worry about the possibility of fire in our own backyards. Fire touches us all as drought conditions continue to prevail.

Our annual fireworks display ‹ touted as one of the best in Arizona ‹ has been cancelled as a result of the dry conditions. This is not the first time the fireworks have been cancelled due to extreme fire hazards. In 1996 and 2002 we missed the fireworks as well. However, many activities remain including the Fourth of July parade in downtown Williams and the ice cream social at the Methodist Church.

In the meantime, red flag warnings continue across the state and fire weather watches are now an every day occurrence. Hot, dry weather coupled with gusty winds are creating a scenario of dangerous fire potential until the monsoons arrive. And it remains uncertain exactly when the monsoons will arrive.

Firefighters will not likely have the opportunity to rest much this fire season. Delays in the monsoon season means that a longer period of "dry lightning" will continue to exist. These patterns could increase demands on this year's heavily used fire-fighting crews and resources.

The Bill Williams Mountain Watershed area has been closed until further notice. The city of Williams has closed Buckskinner Park. All activities are prohibited including camping, hiking, biking and on or off road motorized travel. Campfire and smoking restrictions remain in effect. Campfires and open-flame stove fires are not allowed ‹ even inside developed fee recreation sites.

Fire restrictions and some closures can change on a daily basis. Prior to visiting an area, it is always best to call ahead for up-to-date information. The latest fire restriction information can be found on the Web at www.azfireinfo.com or by calling 1-877-864-6985. Fire restriction information can also be obtained by calling the Williams-Forest Service Visitors Center at (928) 635-1418.

While we welcome visitors to our area in celebration of the Fourth of July, we ask that everyone remain cautious when it comes to fire. Please obey all fire restrictions. A fire would devastate our area and change Williams forever. If Bill Williams Mountain burned, we would lose our watershed, not to mention the beauty of Kaibab National Forest. This is not the time to be careless outdoors when the potential exists for any fire start to become a large wildfire.


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