Editorial<br><br>Act as though the most severe fire restrictions are in place<br>
Beginning Monday, the following restrictions were lifted: the use of chainsaws, welding equipment, or operating acetylene or other torches, use of motorized vehicles off National Forest system roads, and the closure of the Bill Williams watershed. Smoking is now allowed in developed campgrounds and is still permitted in an enclosed vehicle or building. Fireworks are never allowed in the forest.
The following restrictions remain in effect: campfires are allowed only in developed campgrounds — Kaibab Lake, Whitehorse Lake, Cataract Lake, Dogtown Lake and Ten-X on the Williams and Tusayan Districts, and DeMotte and Jacob Lake on the North Kaibab District. Forest users are still able to camp in areas outside developed campsites, but still can only use pressurized liquid or gas stoves, and lanterns and heaters meeting safety specifications.
Lightning — nature’s way of igniting a fire — accompanies rain. To date, rainfall has been variable and inconsistent across the forest. Since June 26, fire fighters on the Kaibab have responded to close to 60 lightning caused fires. The majority of those fires were approximately one-half to one acre in size with the exception of the Mangum Fire on the North Kaibab that burned 165 acres.
While it is now legal to enjoy recreating in the National Forest, we must continue to monitor our own actions when it comes to fire safety. Whether fire restrictions are in place or not, it is important to act responsibly to preserve our forestlands. A fire on Bill Williams Mountain — which is our watershed — would devastate us all visually and financially. Williams’ greatest need is water. If our watershed were destroyed by fire, we would be forced to rely solely on well water to survive. This would be costly and would make water an even more precious commodity.
Level three water restrictions are now in place in Williams. Under level three restrictions, no filling or refilling of swimming pools, spas or wading pools is allowed. Residential irrigation can only occur two times weekly. Irrigation can only take place between the hours of 6 p.m.-8 a.m. on Thursday and Sunday for even numbered addresses, and on Wednesday and Saturday for odd numbered addresses.
There are no restrictions for effluent or gray water. Commercial water hauling has been halted, with the exception of delivery for residential purposes.
It is imperative that we continue to not only be safe with fire in our forest, but conserve water at the same time. We are fortunate to live in such a beautiful corner of northern Arizona. Let’s work together to keep it green.
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