Stage 2 Restriction Begin June 13

WILLIAMS, Ariz., June 9, 2020 — The Coconino and Kaibab national forests of northern Arizona will implement Stage 2 fire restrictions across both forests at 8 a.m. June 13 due to increasing fire danger and the need to prevent human-caused wildfires during potentially dangerous fire conditions.

The Kaibab National Forest will also temporarily close the Bill Williams Mountain watershed just southwest of the City of Williams due to the area’s susceptibility to uncharacteristically severe wildfire and the post-wildfire flooding that would result.

The Stage 2 fire restrictions will prohibit the following:

1. Fires, campfires, charcoal, coal and wood stoves.
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material.
3. Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame.
4. Operating a chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine between the hours of 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Visitors may use devices that are solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned immediately on and off with no remaining burning material. Fireworks and explosives, including exploding targets, are never allowed on national forests.

The Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest previously implemented Stage 2 fire restrictions June 3. The expansion of the restrictions across the entire Coconino National Forest as well as the Kaibab National Forest is necessary to reduce the risk of wildfire in order to preserve public health and safety.

An explanation of the different stages of fire restrictions and what is typically prohibited during those stages can be found online at www.tinyurl.com/firestagesexplained. The public should be aware that fire restrictions often exist on non-federal land, such as city, county and state. For information about fire restrictions across the entire state, visit https://firerestrictions.us/az/.

Stage 2 fire restrictions will remain in effect until significant precipitation reduces fire danger levels. Violation of the restrictions on national forests is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment up to six months, or both. 

For information about the Bill Williams Mountain watershed closure on the Kaibab National Forest and a detailed map of the closure area, visit www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab.

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