"It might be a scarey summer." Those are the words Tusayan Fire Chief Rob Evans used to describe what the community could face this year. A lack of rain, high winds, and warmer temperatures have the Fire District at the ready. Right now Tusayan is following the Forest Service directives and Tusayan is observing Stage One Restrictions.

Under the restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal and wood stoves are allowed in developed campgrounds only. The restrictions also limit smoking to within enclosed vehicles or buildings or in developed campgrounds. Using a device that is solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is allowed in areas that are clear of flammable materials.

On May 25th, there was a third of an acre fire  in town because of a carelessly tossed cigarette.

Chief Evans spoke at the May 29th Council meeting. he added, "I think we really need to be on top of this and the Fire department is going to be pretty agressive."

He says the department is doing regular patrols in around Tusayan, "Because my feeling is let's catch it while it's small."