Reminder about Fire Restrictions
on the Kaibab National Forest
WILLIAMS, Ariz. – With the upcoming holiday weekend and the anticipation of increased visitation, the public is reminded that fire restrictions remain in effect on the Williams and Tusayan Ranger Districts. Under these restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal or wood stoves are prohibited on the forest, including in developed campgrounds. The restrictions also limit smoking to within enclosed vehicles or buildings. Fireworks are always prohibited on National Forest System lands.
Other restrictions prohibit:
using a chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine from 11:00 a.m to 8:00 p.m.,
operating an internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order
discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun unless engaged in a lawful hunt,
welding or operating a torch with open flame,
using an explosive,
possessing or using a motor vehicle off National Forest System roads, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway.
The public has raised questions about camping and parking vehicles on the Forest. The regulation states, ““Possessing or using a motor vehicle off National Forest System roads, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway; and except for parking overnight in Forest Service developed campgrounds and trailheads; 36 C.F.R. § 261.56.”
This means that all vehicles must remain on a marked Forest Road when driving. All parked vehicles must remain within 10 feet of a Forest Road AND only in an area that is devoid of vegetation. This is to keep sources of heat underneath the vehicle from igniting vegetation.
In addition, the Bill Williams Mountain Watershed on the Williams Ranger District is closed to entry. The watershed closure area description is National Forest Lands bounded to the east by 4th Street and County Road 73, to the south by Forest Service Road (FSR) 122, to the west by FSR 108 and to the north by Interstate 40.
These restrictions are deemed necessary to protect public health and provide for safety due to very high fire danger.
Tom Mutz, Acting Williams District Ranger said, “The Forest and campgrounds are open. People should come to the Kaibab and enjoy the outdoors while remembering it is everyone’s responsibility to help prevent wildfires from starting. We thank the public for their continued cooperation.”
Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns, and heaters that can be turned off are allowed.
The restrictions will remain in place until the forest receives significant precipitation and fire danger decreases. 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 additional information on fire restrictions on the Kaibab National Forest, call Punky Moore, Fire Information Officer, (928) 635-5653.
Punky Moore
Fire Information Officer
Kaibab National Forest
Williams/Tusayan Ranger Districts
928-635-5653 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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