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Fire restrictions removed on Kaibab Forest

WILLIAMS, Ariz. - The Kaibab National Forest rescinded all fire restrictions for the Williams and Tusayan Ranger Districts as of July 14, due to significant amounts of precipitation in the preceding week. The area closure for the Bill Williams Mountain Watershed is also rescinded as of that time.

On the North Kaibab Ranger District, restrictions remain in effect, but downgraded from Stage 2 to Stage 1. This means restrictions on the use of chainsaws or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine, and the discharge of firearms, have been lifted; however, the following restrictions remain in place:

• campfires will only be allowed in developed campgrounds; and

• smoking will be limited to buildings and enclosed vehicles.

Monsoonal weather has brought moisture to most of the forest, with as much as 1.5 inches of precipitation to areas of the Williams and Tusayan Ranger Districts. These weather systems also started multiple, small, lightning-caused fires across the forest last week, all of which have been suppressed.

Moisture has created wetter conditions that have lessened fire potential, though continued caution is still urged. Remember, to properly extinguish a campfire:

• pour lots of water on the fire to drown all embers; pour until the hissing stops;

• stir the campfire ashes and embers with a shovel; and

• make sure everything is wet, and cold to the touch.

The Prescott National Forest and the Coconino National Forest have not received as much precipitation as the Kaibab, and will remain at their current level of restrictions at least through the weekend.

For information on current fire restrictions throughout Arizona, please visit: www.azfireinfo.az.gov/

The Kaibab National Forest thanks the public for their continued patience and cooperation with ongoing efforts to increase fire safety on the forest.

For more information, please contact Public Affairs Specialist Patrick Lair at (928) 643-8172.


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