Fire Restrictions to be Lifted at Grand Canyon NP…

[Refer to their announcement HERE on the GCNP website.]

Grand Canyon, Ariz. – Due to the onset of monsoons and recent precipitation the National Park Service (NPS) lifted fire restrictions on the South and North Rims of Grand Canyon National Park effective immediately. Fire conditions within the park have moderated, with cooler temperatures and precipitation. First stage fire restrictions had been in place within Grand Canyon since June 30, 2011. The restriction included wood fires of any kind in developed campgrounds and residential areas.

In lifting fire restrictions, wood fires are again permitted in developed campgrounds and residential areas.

Although fire conditions at the Grand Canyon have moderated, the NPS still asks visitors and residents to be cautious when dealing with possible sources of ignition. To ensure public safety and to provide the highest degree of protection to park resources, please observe the following regulations:

• Keep campfires in established fire pits and grills in campgrounds and picnic areas along the rims and in fire pans along the Colorado River.
• Use an ashtray when smoking.

Historically, fire conditions moderate once the monsoons arrive. However, conditions can dry out again, especially in early fall. If this occurs, fire restrictions may again be implemented.

For additional information on Grand Canyon National Park, please call 928-638-7888 or visit the park’s website at http://www.nps.gov/grca.

 

-NPS-

County Fire Ban Lifted in Conjunction with U.S. Forest Service

[Information is HERE at County's website.]

Effective July 12, 2011, at 8:00 a.m., the Coconino County fire ban, which was imposed on June 10, 2011, will be lifted.  The ban was imposed on open burning on public and private lands in the unincorporated areas of the County.  The ban is lifted in conjunction with actions taken by the United States Forest Service to rescind restrictions on the Coconino National Forest and the Kaibab National Forest.

The following action is written into the County’s fire ban:

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution 2011-15 imposing a ban on open fires shall be lifted at the same time as the U. S. Forest Service lifts its restrictions of smoking and campfires outside developed recreation sites on federal lands.

While the ban has been lifted, citizens are encouraged to use caution on private and public lands and be sure to completely extinguish cigarettes and campfires.

For more information, call Paul Hellenberg, Coconino County Interim Emergency Services Manager, at (928) 679-8310.

 

Press release from Coconino & Kaibab NF….lifting of restrictions

WILLIAMS, Ariz. – Campfire and smoking restrictions will be lifted on the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests [emphasis added] beginning Tuesday, July 12 at 8 a.m.  In addition, the Bill Williams Mountain watershed closure will be lifted at the same time. Recent precipitation along with higher humidity and increased fuel moisture has lowered fire danger on the forest, thus decreasing the risk of major wildfires. The Prescott National Forest is expected to lift fire restrictions very soon.

Officials commented, “Although campfires and smoking will be allowed throughout the two forests, people should never leave a campfire unattended, always extinguish fires completely before leaving the forest, and dispose of cigarettes in ash trays. Remember, it is everyone’s responsibility to practice fire safety and prevent human-caused fires.”

Forest visitors are reminded that some campfire restrictions are always in effect, such as in forested areas within city limits of most northern Arizona communities. For more information about restrictions on public lands, call toll free 1-877-864-6985 or visit http://www.publiclands.org/firenews/AZ.php

As always, forest managers are asking visitors to follow the Leave No Trace principle: pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods.  Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter.

The public’s assistance is appreciated in preventing human-caused fires. For more information, please call Punky Moore, Kaibab Fire Information Officer (928-635-5653), or Brady Smith, Coconino Public Affairs Officer, (928-527-3490)
-USFS-

Additionally, Coconino NF sent the below info in an email:

This message is forwarded on behalf of Flagstaff Fire Department.

With today’s lifting of the City Fire Restrictions, the Flagstaff Fire Department’s Wildland Fire Crew will be taking advantage of recent moisture and plans to  implement a 10 acre prescribed pile burn today.  These piles were produced from past forest treatments which successfully resulted in reduced size and severity of the 2010 Hardy Fire.  Operations will be closely monitored to ensure good consumption and minimal smoke impact.  Smoke is expected to be of short duration and will disperse to the north and north east.  Today’s burn location is east of Little America Hotel and south of Butler Avenue along Harold Ranch road (T21 R7 S23 E 1/2).

If there are any questions regarding today’s planned ignitions, please contact the Flagstaff Fire Department Wildland Fire  Management program at 928-853-2735.

Reminder Fire Restrictions, Camping Clarification for Kaibab National Forest

Received from Kaibab National Forest
Visit their website for additional information: http://fs.usda.gov/kaibab

For Immediate Release June 30, 2011

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.

-USFS-

Punky Moore
Fire Information Officer
Kaibab National Forest
Williams/Tusayan Ranger Districts
928-635-5653

Coconino NF clarifies camping restrictions…

Reposting info from AzEIN (TY for the reminder and information.)

(Posted June 30, 2011, at 10:32 a.m.) The Coconino National Forest has received many phone calls from the public regarding camping with trailers and what the current restrictions mean for those with and without trailers.

A section of the current Forest Order (Prohibition, #9) states that the following is prohibited:

“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 (vertically or horizontally numbered) 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 catalytic converters and other sources of heat underneath the vehicle from igniting vegetation.

Visitors may NOT drive over areas of vegetation to place their trailers and may NOT park directly on a designated Forest Road.  Cross-country travel (travelling off designated Forest Roads) is NOT allowed by a motorized vehicle of any sort.

The Forest Order means that finding a suitable location for pulling a trailer off the road will be challenging, particularly with the number of visitors expected.  As a result, some campers may not find a spot to camp on the Forest at this time and during the busy holiday weekend.

“We hope that all of our forest visitors enjoy recreating in their beautiful National Forests.  We also hope that they will understand the importance of following current regulations and exercising good judgment so that the next generation can enjoy the same experiences,” said acting Deputy Forest Supervisor Mike Elson.  “We are in a critical period of fire danger and camping at this time comes with a very high level of personal responsibility to prevent wildfires.”

Dispersed camping is allowed, but vehicles may NOT drive over vegetation to unload their tents and camping supplies, and must abide by other restrictions such as no campfires and other restrictions listed below.  All vehicles must stay on a Forest Road while driving and can only be parked within 10 feet from the Forest Road at a spot that has no vegetation underneath the vehicle.

Additionally, the following restrictions remain in place until rescinded:

No fires, campfires, charcoal, coal or stove fires allowed (However, the use of pressurized liquid or gas fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices that can be turned off is allowed, so as long as the device does not burn/heat wood, coals and charcoal, lava rocks and the sort).

• No using explosives.
• No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
• No possession, discharge or use of any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device.
• No operating a chainsaw, or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine from the hours of 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (this means common generators that have a working spark arresting device may only be operated between the hours of 8 p.m. to 11 a.m.)
• No operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order.
• No welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.
• No discharging firearms, air rifles, or gas guns, except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal or tribal laws and regulations.

Violation of the restrictions is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment up to six months, or both.

 For more information on restrictions and to see the actual Forest Order, please visit www.coconinoforest.us online.