Category Archives: Kaibab National Forest

Bill Williams Mountain and Sitgreaves Fire

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WILLIAMS – As of yesterday, the Bill Fire, located on the northeast side of Bill Williams Mountain is currently 3/10th acre in size. Crews hiked back to the fire today, improved the fireline perimeter and are now mopping up. The fire is 100% contained as of today. Smoke may still be visible as interior fuel and downed logs continue to burn.

The Mountain Fire, located on the southwest side of Sitgreaves Mountain, is 4 acres in size. Smoke is visible from Interstate 40, Highway 64, and the communities surrounding Sitgreaves. The Mountain fire is in mixed conifer with many dead, standing trees and steep slopes that pose a significant risk to firefighter safety. We are currently monitoring the fire and implementing a full suppression strategy. Firefighter and public safety is our highest priority.

Warm weather with 20% precipitation and the chance of isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue across the area through Saturday, which will allow continued spread and production of smoke. A 70-90% chance of precipitation and monsoon moisture is expected to return Sunday and into next week bringing cooler temperatures and more rain, likely reducing fire spread and smoke.

Two New Fire Starts on the Williams Ranger District

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WILLIAMS – This morning, crews are responding to two new fire starts on the Williams Ranger District.

A lightning storm passing through the area last night started a new fire on the northeast side of Bill Williams Mountain’s steep slope area. It was reported at approximately 5:45 a.m. this morning. The Bill fire is currently at 3/10th of an acre. Smoke is visible from town. Crews hiked up from the ski area early this morning and responded with a full suppression strategy. Six firefighters built line around the fire and are now mopping up.

Additionally, a new start was reported last night on the southwest side of Sitgreaves Mountain, above 8000 feet elevation. Two engines are responding this morning to assess this fire and are implementing a full suppression strategy.

Areas of Coconino and Kaibab national forests to close this weekend

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino and Kaibab national forests will temporarily close certain areas to public access beginning Friday and Saturday due to fire danger and for public safety, while all other parts of the national forests outside of the closure areas remain in Stage 2 fire restrictions.

On the Kaibab National Forest, the area of Bill Williams Mountain will be closed beginning Friday, June 17 at 8 a.m. Specifically, public access will be prohibited on all National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the closure area, generally located between County Road (CR) 73, Old Route 66 in the City of Williams, Forest Road (FR) 122, FR 108, and I-40. This includes Benham Trail, Bixler Saddle Trail, Bill Williams Mountain Trail, Bill Williams Connector Trail, Buckskinner Trail, City of Williams Link Trail, Devil Dog Loop Trail, and Clover Spring Loop Trail. Forest Road 122 will also be closed. FR 108 will remain drivable; however, motorists cannot park off the road.

On the Coconino National Forest, the areas of Pumphouse Wash/Kelly Canyon and Fisher Point/Walnut Canyon will be closed beginning Saturday, June 18 at 8 a.m. This includes Pumphouse Wash Dispersed Camping Area, Forest Road (FR) 237 and other roads within the Pumphouse Wash closure area. In the Fisher Point/Walnut Canyon closure area, all forest roads and recreation sites within the area will be closed. This includes Fisher Point, Marshal Lake, portions of the Arizona National Scenic Trail, Canyon Vista Campground, Sandys Canyon Trail No. 137, and more.

These area closures are in addition to the already-implemented emergency closure of most of the Coconino National Forest north of Interstate 40. For the official Closure Order and a map of this area, please see the official Closure Order.

With regards to both national forests, those with private inholdings will be allowed to access their property via a Forest Service Road but are prohibited from entering the surrounding National Forest lands. Exemptions will be issued for critical activities such as road work and surveys that are vital to continuing restoration operations, time-sensitive utilities and communications site work, and emergency response.

Forest managers consider several factors before implementing restrictions or closures, including current fire danger and fire activity, local, regional and national fire preparedness levels, expected weather conditions, availability of firefighting resources, and the economic impacts to businesses and communities. All northern Arizona national forests coordinate fire restrictions and forest closures with federal, state, tribal and local partners.

Closures are generally the last resort for land managers, who take many other steps to reduce the potential for human-caused fires and often consider closing only the most critical areas before a full forest closure. As such, additional area closures or even full forest closures could be forthcoming if conditions warrant.

Closures and restrictions will be in effect until hot, dry conditions are no longer forecast to continue and the forests receives enough widespread precipitation to lower fire danger.

For details and maps of these specific closure areas and their boundaries, visit the following pages online:

Forest Service personnel will make every effort to notify anyone in these areas to vacate before the closure is implemented.

Violating closures and fire restrictions carries a mandatory appearance in federal court, punishable as a Class B misdemeanor with a fine of up to $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or up to six months in prison, or both.

For information on all Arizona state and federal fire restrictions, including an interactive map, visit wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions. Additional information about the stages of fire restrictions, Forest Orders, and general forest conditions can be found at fs.usda.gov/kaibab and fs.usda.gov/coconino.

Kaibab NF to begin Stage 2 Fire Restrictions May 26

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WILLIAMS – Due to increased fire danger and for public safety, the Kaibab National Forest will elevate to Stage 2 fire restrictions forest wide beginning 8 a.m. Thursday, May 26.

Stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit the following:

  • Building, maintaining, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, including charcoal, coal, and briquettes, even in developed recreation sites. This includes smudge pots, pellet grills, and wood stoves. The only exception is using a stove or grill that is solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or pressurized liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels.
  • 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).
  • Blasting, welding, or operating any acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
  • During the hours of 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., 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. An exception is allowed for operating generators with an approved spark arrestor in an area barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the generator.

Explosives and fireworks are NEVER allowed.

Violations could result in mandatory appearance in a federal court, fines, and/or jail time.

The Kaibab National Forest’s Stage 2 fire restrictions do not prohibit target shooting. However, all existing regulations pertaining to discharging a firearm still apply.

Stage 3 restrictions/closures may be forthcoming if conditions warrant. Forest managers consider several factors before implementing fire restrictions or forest closures, including current fire danger and fire activity, local, regional and national fire preparedness levels, expected weather conditions, availability of firefighting resources, and the economic impacts on businesses and communities. The Kaibab National Forest continues to coordinate with federal, state, tribal and local partners.

Fire restrictions typically remain in effect until the area receives significant, widespread precipitation.

Other national forests and neighboring agencies are also elevating fire restrictions this week. For restriction information on state and federally managed lands in Az visit wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions. Find restriction information for Coconino County at coconino.az.gov/2595/Fire-Restriction-Information. Additional information about the stages of fire restrictions, forest orders, and general forest conditions can be found at fs.usda.gov/kaibab.

Forest Service goes into Stage 1 Fire Restrictions May 5

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Beginning Thursday, May 5 at 8:00 a.m., Stage 1 fire and smoking restrictions will be in effect on the Williams and Tusayan Districts (aka “South Zone”) of the Kaibab National Forest and the entirety of the Coconino National Forest.

Under Stage 1 restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal, and wood stoves are prohibited, except within a developed recreation site. Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building or a developed recreation site. Fireworks are always prohibited on all national forest and state lands.Using a device that is solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is allowed in areas that are barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the device.

Fire restrictions are implemented to help prevent human-caused fires and to limit the exposure of visitors during periods of potentially dangerous fire conditions. Decisions about fire restrictions are based on a combination of carefully measured factors. Criteria used to determine when to implement restrictions include current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, fire activity levels, enduring drought, and available firefighting resources.

Additional restrictions could be forthcoming if conditions warrant. Fire restrictions typically remain in effect until the area receives significant, widespread precipitation. Violations could result in mandatory appearance in a federal court, fines, or jail time. The public is reminded to always be extra cautious when recreating on public lands, regardless of restrictions.

For information on all Arizona state and federal fire restrictions, including an interactive map, visit wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions. Additional information about the stages of fire restrictions, Forest Orders, and general forest conditions can be found at fs.usda.gov/kaibab and fs.usda.gov/coconino.

Kaibab National Forest firewood permit sales begin May 2

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WILLIAMS – On Monday, May 2, the Kaibab National Forest will begin selling personal-use firewood permits for the 2022 season. Permit holders will be able to collect firewood from May 2 through November 30 on the North Kaibab Ranger District and through December 31 on the Tusayan and Williams Ranger Districts.

Permits are $20 for 10 cords of wood. Permit holders will receive maps, detailed cutting regulations, and load tags which must be physically attached to each ¼ cord of firewood and visible from the rear of the vehicle. The load tagging system helps maintain accountability and provides data for planning future firewood programs.

The 2022 load tags are not reusable. In 2020 and 2021, the forest issued reusable load tags to continue providing access to firewood while minimizing exposure during the pandemic. This season the Kaibab NF is returning to the single-use, quarter-cord tags.

Permits will be valid for firewood collection only within the ranger district from which the permit was purchased.

Permits for the Williams and Tusayan Districts will be issued only in person.

  • Williams Ranger District Office, 742 S. Clover Road, Williams; 928-635-5600
  • Tusayan Ranger District Office, 176 Lincoln Log Loop, Tusayan; 928-638-2443
  • Forest Supervisor’s Office (Williams and Tusayan permits only), 600 S. 6th St., Williams; 928-635-8200

Until the North Kaibab Ranger District Office reopens its doors, permits for this district may only be purchased by phone and will be issued by mail. Once the office is open, permits will be issued in person.

North Kaibab Ranger District Office, 430 S. Main St., Fredonia; 928-660-3913

The Kaibab NF firewood permits webpage will be updated with additional details throughout the season.

Nicole Branton selected as new Kaibab Forest Supervisor

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WILLIAMS — Southwestern Regional Forester Michiko Martin has announced that Nicole Branton will be returning to the region as the new Forest Supervisor for the Kaibab National Forest.

Branton has led complex, partner-driven natural resource management efforts since 2013, first as the Red Rock District Ranger on the Coconino National Forest in Sedona and, beginning in 2019, as the Deputy Forest Supervisor for the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in western Washington. In her 25 years of public service, Branton has also worked as a resource specialist and line officer in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Illinois, South Dakota, and Washington, D.C.

Branton will take the reins from Diane Taliaferro, who began serving as Acting Forest Supervisor after Heather Provencio’s departure last fall and ended her tour in early April.

“We’re grateful for the dedication that Diane brought to her time on the Kaibab National Forest and for her continued service,” said Martin. “Nicole will bring a wealth of knowledge as she follows Diane. The Kaibab National Forest and those they serve will continue to see high quality leadership as Nicole brings her experience and local understanding to this position.”

With a strong foundation in northern Arizona and a career built around collaborative problem-solving, Branton is well positioned to lead the forest through its many crucial projects including the Bill Williams Mountain Restoration Project, Burnt Corral Vegetation Management Project, Mangum Fire response efforts, Four Forest Restoration Initiative, and Northern AZ Grassland Restoration Project (a 2022 Joint Chiefs’ project).

“I am thrilled to be returning home to northern Arizona, and I’m honored to be selected as the Forest Supervisor for the Kaibab, a forest with a reputation for getting work done with partners and communities,” said Branton. “I have admired the Kaibab staff for a long time. I’m looking forward to working with them on the challenging yet rewarding tasks of protecting our climate-vulnerable communities through landscape scale restoration, deepening relationships with Tribes, and building socially equitable and environmentally sustainable outdoor experiences that support rural economies.”

Branton will begin her new role as Kaibab National Forest Supervisor May 8, 2022.

Fire managers to begin prescribed fire near Williams

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WILLIAMS — Kaibab National Forest fire managers are planning to conduct a prescribed fire near the Williams starting Wednesday, April 20 and continuing through the week, pending favorable weather conditions. The Three Sisters Prescribed Fire Project is located just north of Interstate 40, the City of Williams, and Kaibab Lake Campground, west of State Route 64.

Crews are aiming to treat up to 2500 acres total, burning 400 to 1000-acre units at a time. They will start at the northeast end of the project area between Forest Road 796 (Pipeline Rd) and Kaibab Lake, working their way west and south. Area residents can expect to see and hear a helicopter in the area, as fire managers plan to conduct aerial ignitions on portions of the burn.

By planning this project now, fire managers can take advantage of the forecast for cooler temperatures, higher humidity and favorable winds. In advance of operations, crews identified and prepared various features that they’ll utilize during their burn such as existing roads, dozer lines, and open spaces and natural breaks surrounding and throughout the units. Ignitions are scheduled to begin early in the day to allow most of the smoke to disperse before nightfall. Firefighters will remain on site through the night monitoring fire and smoke behavior.

Smoke will be highly noticeable from Interstate 40, State Route 64, H.A. Clark Memorial Field airport, Kaibab Lake, Valle, Parks, and the City of Williams. During the day, smoke will disperse northeast away from the city, and the continued breezes overnight will help minimize the amount of residual smoke that settles in low-lying areas around the community.

No closures are planned as part of this project. However, motorists are reminded to slow down and drive with heightened awareness when in the vicinity of active project areas.

Prescribed fires like the Three Sisters Project are part of the Forest Service’s comprehensive 10-year strategy for protecting communities and improving resilience in America’s forests. The intent of the Wildfire Management Strategy is to increase fuels treatments that help firefighters respond safely to incidents, restore and maintain resilient landscapes, and create fire-adapted communities. The plan calls for treating up to an additional 20 million acres of National Forest System lands, and up to an additional 30 million acres of other federal, state, tribal and private lands.

Kaibab National Forest Supervisor Provencio moving on

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WILLIAMS — Forest Supervisor Heather Provencio’s time on the Kaibab National Forest has come to an end. However, her story with the Forest Service Southwestern Region will continue as Heather moves to her new role: Special Assistant to the Regional Forester. Her experience and skills in natural resource management, as well as her commitment to relationships and collaboration, make Heather the perfect fit for this position where she will be leading special efforts for the region such as Infrastructure Bill implementation and regional strategic planning.

Provencio joined the Kaibab in October 2015. She has since worked diligently to improve forest health and restore fire-adapted ecosystems through efforts such as the Bill Williams Mountain Project, Four Forest Restoration Initiative, and reintroducing fire on a landscape scale. Provencio’s first job with the Forest Service was in 1985 as a firefighter on the Chevelon Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, and she has since served in many leadership roles throughout the agency.

“Although my career has taken me to wonderful locations across the country, my heart belongs to the Southwest. I am thrilled that my next adventure allows me to continue serving the communities of Region 3,” says Provencio. “At the same time, it is with a heavy heart that I move on from the Kaibab. It has been my pleasure and honor to work with so many forest staff and partners who share my passion for public lands and managing this special landscape. Although I will miss the forest, I feel comforted knowing I’m leaving it in good hands.”

A permanent Forest Supervisor is expected to be on board in early 2022. In the interim, Diane Taliaferro will serve as the Acting Forest Supervisor. Taliaferro comes to the Kaibab from the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire where she is the Deputy Forest Supervisor. Diane is no stranger to the Southwestern Region and Kaibab National Forest. She spent 10 years in the region, working on the Santa Fe and Gila National Forests as well as at the Southwestern Regional Office, during which she frequented northern Arizona for both work and pleasure.

Provencio’s last day with the Kaibab is Friday November 5 and Taliaferro will begin as Acting Forest Supervisor Monday, November 8.

Kaibab National Forest Announces Prescribed Burning Plans for Fall 2021, Spring 2022

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WILLIAMS — Fire managers on the Kaibab National Forest are planning for the 2021 fall and 2022 spring prescribed fire burning season that is expected to begin in October of this year.

A final decision on which units will be ignited will be made based on environmental conditions, resource availability, fuel moisture levels, air quality and forecast weather as outlined in the prescribed fire plan.

The following project areas are planned for treatments on the Tusayan and Williams Ranger Districts:

Three Sisters Rx Project: Just north of the City Williams, approx. 4000 acres
Marteen Rx Project: 5 miles northwest of Spring Valley, approx. 4700 acres
Round Rx Project: 10 miles south of Williams east of Vista Point, approx. 5000 acres
Reed Rx Project: South and northeast of Tusayan, approx. 6600 acres.
Russell Rx Project: Southeast of Tusayan, approx. 1000 acres.
Blue Stem Rx Project: Southeast corner of Tusayan District, approx. 7700 acres.

On the North Kaibab Ranger District and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, the Forest Service and National Park Service operate as a single, interagency fire program referred to as the “North Zone” that is responsible for all fires on National Forest and National Park lands. The following projects areas are planned for treatments on the North Kaibab Ranger District (NKRD) and the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park (GRCA):

Big Ridge East Rx Project (NKRD): 2 miles east of Jacob Lake, 472 acres.
Buffalo Hill Rx Project (NKRD): 1 mile SE of Jacob Lake, 4519 acres.
Road Hollow North Rx Project (NKRD): 9 miles S of Big Springs, 1739 acres.
Road Hollow South Rx Project (NKRD): 9 miles S of Big Springs, 2281 acres.
Big Saddle Rx Project (NKRD): 1/2 mile north of Crazy Jug, 957 acres.
Dry Park Tower Rx Project (NKRD): 3 miles west of DeMotte, 1400 acres.
Dry Park Blowdown Rx Project (NKRD): 3 miles west of DeMotte, 1400 acres.
Dry Park Lakes Rx Project (NKRD): 3 miles west of DeMotte, 4067 acres.
North Ridge Heavies Rx Project (GRCA): along Kaibab NF boundary, 50+ acres.
Slopes Rx Project (GRCA): west of North Entrance Station, 500+ acres.
Harvey Meadow Rx Project (GRCA): north of Grand Canyon Lodge, 43 acres

Fire plays a beneficial role in maintaining the ecological stability of many landscapes including the Kaibab National Forest. Managers use prescribed fire as a practical means to reduce risks associated with uncharacteristic wildfires that can pose significant threats to public health and safety.

The Forest Service’s land management strategy is centered on long-term forest health, which includes reducing forest fuels and using prescribed fire on the landscape. A healthy forest is a resilient forest that undergoes fire occurrences on a regular basis. The Kaibab National Forest works with partners, collaborators, and communities to clearly identify objectives and address concerns during the planning process for prescribed fires.

Officials recognize that impacts to air quality may be unpleasant at times, however they can significantly reduce the amount and limit the duration of smoke more effectively using prescribed methods than in an uncontrolled wildfire situation. Additionally, fire managers will actively monitor atmospheric conditions daily and use strategies to minimize smoke impacts to rural developed areas.

During operations, fire personnel and vehicles working in these vicinities will be visible to the public. Motorists are reminded to slow down and drive with heightened caution when passing through active project areas.

Individual news releases will be forthcoming throughout the season, detailing specific information about each burn.

All prescribed burning on the Kaibab National Forest is subject to approval by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. For additional information about the Smoke Management Division of the ADEQ and to view prescribed burn authorizations, please visit: legacy.azdeq.gov/environ/air/smoke/index.html