Kaibab National Forest to start fire restrictions

Restrictions to begin today

Officials with the Kaibab National Forest plan to implement fire restrictions at 8 a.m. today within the Williams and Tusayan Ranger districts. These restrictions are deemed necessary to protect public health and safety and prevent human-caused wild land fire starts.

The restrictions will prohibit fires, campfires, charcoal, coal or wood stoves outside of developed campgrounds and limit smoking to within enclosed vehicles or buildings or in developed campgrounds. Fireworks are always prohibited on National Forest land.

Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns and heaters meeting safety specifications will continue to be allowed, as will campfires in developed campgrounds.

"As we continue to move through fire season, conditions are becoming warmer and drier," said Doug Ottosen, Kaibab National Forest fire staff officer. "Fire restrictions are an effective tool to prevent human-caused fires."

The fire restrictions will remain in place until the Kaibab National Forest receives significant precipitation. Violation of the prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000, imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.

For current information on fire restrictions on the Kaibab National Forest, please call (928) 635-8311 or visit www.fs.fed.us/r3/kai. For additional information about fire restrictions on public lands in Arizona and New Mexico, call toll free 1-877-864-6985 or visit http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/.