Tag Archives: Kaibab National Forest

Firefighters fight fire in Williams with helo

Posted on by

Corrected 6/16/17 9:21 a.m.

WILLIAMS – With Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in effect as of 8 a.m. this morning, an amateur radio operator informed us of a fire began about 2 p.m. this afternoon in the area of the Williams Hiking Trail on the west side of Williams. The cause of the fire has not been released. All of this as a plume of smoke rose in the sky in the east from the Boundary Fire on Mt. Kendrick.

The area of fire appeared to be about an acre. A Chinook CH-47 helicopter with a Bambi Bucket was brought in and began dumping water from Santa Fe dam on the fire about 3 p.m. Firefighting efforts began to subside about 5:30

Stage I fire restrictions, will began today 8 a.m. across the entire Kaibab and Coconino national forests. The goal of the fire restrictions is to protect public health by reducing the number of preventable human-caused wildfires.
Under the 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. 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 barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three-feet of the device. Fireworks are always prohibited on all national forest lands. The national forests use fire restrictions to help prevent unwanted, human-caused fires and to limit the exposure of visitors during periods of potentially dangerous fire conditions.

Implementation of fire restrictions normally occurs based on a combination of factors that are carefully measured. Criteria used to determine when to implement restrictions include things such as current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, fire activity levels and available firefighting resources. Additional restrictions may be applied as conditions warrant. An explanation of the different stages of fire restrictions and what is typically prohibited during those stages can be found online at tinyurl.com/firestagesexplained.

Fire restrictions typically remain in effect until the forests receive significant precipitation, at which time they will be rescinded.

Forest officials would also like to remind visitors that having a campfire on the national forest while under fire restrictions is a violation that carries a mandatory appearance in federal court. Visitors should use extra caution when recreating on all public lands during fire season.

Know Before You Go!
The public can obtain additional fire information via the following:
Arizona Fire Restrictions – www.firerestrictions.us/az/Arizona Interagency Wildfire Prevention and Information Website – www.wildlandfire.az.gov/
Fire Restrictions on Public Lands in Arizona and New Mexico-1-877-864-6985
Coconino National Forest – www.coconinonationalforest.us
Kaibab National Forest – www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab

Aerial Ignition Operations Begin on Kendrick Mountain

Posted on by

WILLIAMS — Helicopter aerial ignition operations continue today near the Kendrick Mountain peak. The operations, in which incendiary devices are dropped from a helicopter to reduce dead and down fuels, began near the peak on Tuesday. The plan is to continue to use aerial ignition to bring fire slowly down the mountain. The tactics benefit the ecological conditions in the Kendrick Mountain Wilderness while minimizing impacts.

A community meeting in east Flagstaff (see above) on Thursday will provide information on the Boundary Fire and on potential impacts from smoke that may affect the eastern side of Flagstaff over the next several days. Health and emergency management personnel will also be on hand. Representatives of the Coconino and Kaibab national forests will discuss fire restrictions that take effect Thursday.

The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, at the Summit Fire District, 6050 E. Firehouse Lane, Flagstaff.

For more information, details, visit inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5209/. Quick updates are available via Twitter at @KaibabNF and @CoconinoNF. Follow us if you would like to be updated as information is received.

Red Flag Warning in effect today

Posted on by

WILLIAMS – The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for today until 7 p.m. that covers the Williams and Tusayan ranger districts of the Kaibab National Forest due to strong winds and low relative humidity.

Visitors to the Williams and Tusayan ranger districts of the Kaibab National Forest are advised to refrain from having a campfire when Red Flag Warning conditions exist. This advisory covers all campfires across the affected area, including in developed campgrounds, for the hours during which the Red Flag Warning has been issued.

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring or are imminent. A combination of strong winds and low relative humidities can contribute to extreme fire behavior. The campfire advisory remains in effect until the Red Flag Warning ends.

While the North Kaibab Ranger District is not under a Red Flag Warning, a Wind Advisory has been issued for that area today.

The Kaibab National Forest is committed to educating visitors about their role in helping prevent unwanted, human-caused fires. Avoiding having campfires on windy days is one way they can do that.

For detailed weather information including warnings issued by the National Weather Service, visit www.wrh.noaa.gov/fgz/. For homeowners interested in reducing wildfire risks at their residences, visit www.firewise.org.

Prescribed Fire Update: Forecasted transport winds cause adjustment in today’s operations

Posted on by

FREDONIA – As a result of this morning’s weather forecast, North Zone fire managers elected to adjust the scale and firing plan for today’s prescribed burn on the Jacob Ryan North Basin Unit located just north of Jacob Lake because forecasted transport winds from late morning through evening were predicted to be unfavorable for smoke dispersion.

“Instead of initiating large-scale broadcast burning operations, we focused on conducting a small-scale pile burning operation along portions of the burn unit boundary,” said Burn Boss Dave Robinson. “Northerly transport winds could have resulted in undesirable diurnal smoke impacts to the Jacob Lake Area and Highway 89A.”

Meanwhile, fire managers did successfully conduct pile burning operations, and reduce fuels along portions of the burn unit boundary. Likewise, they reinforced pre-burn preparation activities and observed fire behavior in portions of the burn unit – increasing firefighters’ situational awareness as they prepare to move forward into tomorrow’s planned operations.

Fire managers will re-visit weather conditions again tomorrow morning and move forward with the large-scale broadcast burning operations if air quality and smoke dispersion are favorable for meeting both forest health and public safety goals and objectives. Tomorrow’s weather forecast indicates that transport winds will shift back to a southeast/westerly pattern, which should greatly reduce the potential for diurnal smoke impacts the area.

As a reminder, implementation of prescribed fires is dependent on weather and fuel conditions including winds, temperature, humidity, moisture of the vegetation and ventilation conditions for dispersal of smoke, as well as prior coordination with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. For additional information on the Smoke Management Division of the ADEQ and to view prescribed burns authorized on any given day, please visit www.azdeq.gov/programs/air-quality-programs/smoke-management.

Additional fire information for the Kaibab National Forest can be obtained through the following sources:

  • Fire Information Recorded Hotline: 928-635-8311
  • Find us on Facebook: @KaibabNF
  • Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF
  • (Text ‘follow kaibabnf’ to 40404 to receive text messages.)
  • Kaibab website “News & Events”: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
  • InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5194/

Prescribed Fire Alert: Fire managers plan burn north of Jacob Lake

Posted on by

FREDONIA – North Zone fire managers plan to conduct a prescribed burn within the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest as early as Thursday, June 1, if weather, fuel moistures, air quality and smoke dispersion remain favorable for meeting both forest health and public safety goals and objectives.

Hand and aerial ignitions on the 3,764-acre unit, approximately 2 miles north of Jacob Lake, could continue for several days depending on forecasted weather, fuel conditions and resource availability. By further reducing accumulated forest fuels that exist in the area, fire managers plan to reduce surface fuel loads within the unit to approximately 5 tons per acre. Currently, fuel loading through much of the Basin Unit can be characterized as moderate with an average of 10-to-15 tons-per-acre across the entire unit, according to North Zone fuels specialist Dave Robinson.

In the interest of both firefighter and public safety, forest visitors are reminded to obey all traffic signs and use caution when traveling in the vicinity of the prescribed fire as firefighters and fire-related traffic will be present, and while winds are expected to disperse the smoke to the north-northeast, motorists are cautioned to anticipate light smoke along Highway 89A throughout the day and settle into lower elevations and drainages overnight through midmorning. However, fire managers will strive to minimize smoke impacts to the community as much as possible, and will only commence ignitions when conditions exist that will allow for adequate ventilation.

As a reminder, implementation of prescribed fires is dependent on weather and fuel conditions including winds, temperature, humidity, moisture of the vegetation and ventilation conditions for dispersal of smoke, as well as prior coordination with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. For additional information on the Smoke Management Division of the ADEQ and to view prescribed burns authorized on any given day, please visit www.azdeq.gov/programs/air-quality-programs/smoke-management.

Additional fire information for the Kaibab National Forest can be obtained through the following sources:

· Fire Information Recorded Hotline: 928-635-8311
· Find us on Facebook: @KaibabNF
· Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF
· (Text ‘follow kaibabnf’ to 40404 to receive text messages.)
· Kaibab website “News & Events”: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
· InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5194/

Prescribed burns planned to begin this week near Tusayan

Posted on by

TUSAYAN – Crews plan to begin working on two prescribed burns near Tusayan beginning Tuesday and will likely continue burning for several days providing weather conditions remain favorable for meeting forest health objectives and smoke dispersion.

Ignitions will occur tomorrow on 250 acres of slash piles on the Flying J prescribed fire project located just west of Grand Canyon airport. On Wednesday operations will shift to the Reed prescribed fire project where fire officials hope to treat approximately 600 acres using a broadcast burn. This unit is located about 6 miles east of Tusayan.

The removal of cured slash piles is critical for reducing hazardous fuels that can often threaten rural communities, particularly when they are located adjacent to developed infrastructure and residential homes. Broadcast burning is utilized to introduce fire to ground surfaces over much wider areas which also consume accumulations of dead and down debris lessening the potential for a catastrophic wildfire.

Smoke is expected to disperse away from sensitive areas for both of these burns during the day. Residual smoke may settle into drainage and low lying areas overnight but will dissipate rapidly throughout the morning hours. Smoke may be visible from Highway 64 and from the communities of Grand Canyon, Valle and Tusayan. Light smoke may linger overnight and in the early morning hours.

Officials remind motorists to always use caution when driving on roadways where visibility may potentially be impacted by smoke. Fire managers work closely with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, partners in the Grand Canyon National Park, as well as surrounding Native American tribes to monitor air quality.

Notifications of upcoming prescribed burns are provided regularly throughout the season. The public can find this information online or through a recorded hotline. Contact your local Kaibab National Forest office for additional information.

• Inciweb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5160/
• Fire Information Recorded Hotline: 928-635-8311
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF/
• Twitter: twitter.com/kaibabnf (Text ‘follow kaibabnf’ to 40404 to receive text messages.)
• Kaibab website “News & Events”: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab

Maintenance work to begin on Forest Road 110 on Williams Ranger District

Posted on by

WILLIAMS – A contractor working for the Kaibab National Forest will begin a road maintenance project May 21 on Forest Road 110 on the Williams Ranger District in order to ensure the popular route continues to meet Forest Service road standards.

This work will include basic maintenance, replacement of gravel, and cleaning out of culverts. The section of FR 110 to receive this maintenance work begins at the intersection of County Road 73, also known as Perkinsville Road, and continues until just before the intersection with FR 109.

Forest Service road engineers expect the road maintenance work to continue for about four weeks and likely be complete by June 19. While the road will not be closed during the project, motorists can expect delays and should exercise caution while traveling through the area due to varying road conditions and the presence of heavy equipment.

FR 110 is used frequently by Kaibab National Forest visitors to access camping, hunting and other recreational opportunities. Forest visitors seeking a spot for dispersed camping are encouraged to consider other routes on the Williams Ranger District during the duration of the road maintenance work given the likelihood of dust and noise near the project area.

Forest Service engineers regularly evaluate and monitor road conditions across the forest to determine priorities for work. FR 110 has been in need of maintenance for some time, and forest managers expect visitors to have an improved experience once the current project is complete.

To contact the Williams Ranger District office, call (928) 635-5600. Additional Kaibab National Forest is available through the following sources:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/kaibabnf (Text ‘follow kaibabnf’ to 40404 to receive text messages.)
Kaibab website “News & Events”: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab

North Kaibab Ranger District to open campgrounds on May 15

Posted on by

FREDONIA – Recreational campgrounds on the North Kaibab Ranger District will open May 15 and remain open until Oct. 15.

Both the Jacob Lake campground and the DeMotte campground will be open and available for public recreation and overnight camping. The Jacob Lake campground is located 30 miles southeast of Fredonia, Ariz. on U.S. Route 89A at roughly 7,900 feet. The DeMotte campground is located about 25 miles south of the Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center on Arizona Highway 67 at roughly 8,700 feet.

A complete list of amenities may be found at Recreation.gov by searching for the specific campground. Campers are reminded to be mindful of any rules associated with the campground and always maintain fire safety when making a campfire. To stay current with any fire restrictions in Arizona go to firerestrictions.us/az.

Additionally, the Kaibab Camper Village, which is privately owned and managed but surrounded by Kaibab National Forest, is also scheduled to be open from May 14 through Oct. 15. Kaibab Camper Village offers full RV hookups and tent sites, and is located just 40 miles from the Grand Canyon National Park North Rim. For more information on Kaibab Camper Village, please visit kaibabcampervillage.com or call 928-643-7804.

To make reservations at the Jacob Lake campground or the DeMotte campground, please visit Recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777. For additional information on all of the Kaibab National Forest recreational sites please visit fs.usda.gov/recmain/kaibab/recreation.

Maintenance work begins on Forest Road 302 on Tusayan Ranger District

Posted on by

TUSAYAN –A contractor working for the Kaibab National Forest began a road maintenance project this week on Forest Road 302 on the Tusayan Ranger District in order to ensure the popular route continues to meet Forest Service road standards.

The contractor is using heavy equipment to haul gravel from Dillman Pit, located about 9 miles southeast of the project location, to FR 302 where it is then being spread across the roadway to improve surface conditions. The section of FR 302 receiving this maintenance work begins at the intersection of Highway 64 south of Tusayan and continues about 5.4 miles to the intersection of FR 688.Forest Service road engineers expect the road maintenance work to continue for about five weeks and likely be complete by the end of May. While the road will not be closed during the project, motorists can expect delays and should exercise caution while traveling through the area due to varying road conditions and the presence of heavy equipment.

FR 302 is used frequently by Kaibab National Forest visitors to access camping, hunting and other recreational opportunities. Forest managers recommend using FR 688 as an alternate route during the duration of the FR 302 maintenance project in order to bypass delays and dusty conditions. Forest visitors seeking a spot for dispersed camping are also encouraged to consider other routes on the Tusayan Ranger District given the likelihood of dust and noise near the project area.

Forest Service engineers regularly evaluate and monitor road conditions across the forest to determine priorities for work. FR 302 has been in need of maintenance for some time, and forest managers expect visitors to have an improved experience once the current project is complete.

To contact the Tusayan Ranger District office, call (928) 638-2443. Additional Kaibab National Forest is available through the following sources:

  • Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF/
  • Twitter: www.twitter.com/kaibabnf (Text ‘follow kaibabnf’ to 40404 to receive text messages.)
  • Kaibab website “News & Events”: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab

Kaibab National Forest to offer firewood permits beginning May 1

Posted on by

WILLIAMS – The Kaibab National Forest will offer firewood cutting permits for the 2017 firewood season beginning May 1 for all three ranger districts.

The minimum cost for a personal use firewood permit is $20, which is good for four cords of wood. Firewood cutting permits can be purchased at the following locations and during the specified hours Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays:

· Williams Ranger District, 742 S. Clover Road, Williams; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; (928) 635-5600
· Tusayan Ranger District, 176 Lincoln Log Loop, Tusayan; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; (928) 638-2443
· North Kaibab Ranger District, 430 S. Main St., Fredonia; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; (928) 643-7395

The 2017 firewood cutting season will remain open across the entire forest from May 1 to Nov 30. Free-use permits may also be available for specific areas on the forest. Individuals seeking such permits should check with the appropriate ranger district office for availability, locations and other information.

All permits issued will include a map and detailed cutting regulations as well as load tags, which must be physically attached to each ¼ cord of firewood and visible from the rear of the vehicle. The goal of this load tagging system is to ensure accountability for the amount of wood removed from the forest.

The removal of firewood is permitted only from National Forest lands on the district for which the permit is issued. Firewood cutters are reminded to take note of property boundaries and cut only on National Forest lands.

Firewood cutters should also be aware that chainsaws can throw sparks and ignite grasses and brush. Always carry a shovel and a fire extinguisher or water in case of a fire start. Additionally, all chainsaws must be equipped with a stainless steel spark arrestor screen. Cutters should check with forest offices periodically for information about the implementation of fire restrictions.

Detailed firewood cutting information and maps for each ranger district are available on the Kaibab National Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/kaibab/fuelwood.