Williams, Ariz., June 10, 2021 — The Kaibab National Forest will implement Stage 2 fire restrictions across the entire forest on June 11 at 8 a.m. due to increasing fire danger and the need to prevent human-caused wildfires during potentially dangerous fire conditions.

A temporary area closer order will also be implemented to protect 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 potentially result.

STAGE 2 PROHIBITIONS:

1.  Igniting, building, maintaining, or using a fire, including charcoal and briquettes.

2.  Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three (3) feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material.

THE FOLLOWING ACTS ARE PROHIBITED FROM 9:00 A.M. TO 8:00 P.M.:

3. Operating a generator, chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine for felling, bucking, skidding, processing, road building and woodcutting during industrial operations or firewood gathering capable of igniting a fire.

4. Using an explosive.

5. Blasting, welding, or operating any acetylene or other torch with an open flame.

EXEMPTIONS:

1. Persons using a stove or grill that is solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or pressurized liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels in an area at least three (3) feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material.

2. Persons operating generators with an approved spark arresting device in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the generator.

CLOSURE AREA:

The restricted area in the Bill Williams Mountain Closure consists of all National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the boundary beginning at the junction of County Road (CR) 73 and eastbound Old Route 66 in the City of Williams, then traveling south along CR 73 to its junction with Forest Road (FR)122, then following FR 122 west to its junction with FR 108, then following FR 108 north to its junction with I-40, then following I-40 east to the junction with Old Route 66 at the Country Club exit, then following Old Route 66 east, back to the point of beginning at its junction with CR 73, as depicted in Exhibit A of Order Number 03-07-21-13.

Fire restrictions are implemented to help prevent unwanted, human-caused fires and to limit the exposure of visitors during periods of potentially dangerous fire conditions.

These decisions normally occur when fire danger levels are very high and the potential for wildfire occurrences significantly increase. Criteria used to determine when to implement restrictions include carefully measuring current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, fire activity levels, enduring drought, and available firefighting resources. Fire restrictions typically remain in effect until the forests receive significant precipitation, at which time they will be rescinded, and the public notified.

Additional restrictions may be applied as conditions warrant. More information about the different stages of fire restrictions can be found on line at: bit.ly/KNF-FireRestrictions

Know Before You Go! The public can obtain current state and federal fire restrictions information across Arizona at wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions, and at the Coconino County website at: www.coconino.az.gov/firerestrictions

Additional information can be found at the following locations:
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Orders and Maps Alerts Page: bit.ly/KNF-Stage2FireRestrictionsAlert       

Bill Williams Mountain Closure Order Alerts Page bit.ly/BWMclosure2021

Fire Information Hotline: 928-635-8311

Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF

Kaibab Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF

Kaibab website “Recent News”: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab