Kaibab National Forest reopens to public entry
Fire restrictions and area closures remain in place
Williams, Arizona, July 6, 2021 — As of today the Kaibab National Forest has rescinded the full forest closure. Although most of the forest is now open to public entry, Stage II Fire Restrictions and the Bill Williams Mountain closure will remain in place. In addition, an area closure is in place for the Raphael Fire.
The majority of the Kaibab has received enough rain in the last month to increase live fuel moisture levels that, combined with the recent cooler temperatures, the risk of severe fire behavior has been reduced.
However, the persistent drought means fire danger is still very high, and the forecast calls for warm and dry weather with isolated thunderstorms bringing dry lightning. The public is reminded to remain vigilant while visiting the National Forest – abide by the restrictions and closures and refrain from any behavior that may accidentally start a wildfire. Drivers should avoid dragging chains and driving vehicles over dry vegetation. Stay informed of forest conditions before and during your visit.
Stage II Fire Restrictions
Under Stage II restrictions, fires (including charcoal and briquettes) are prohibited on all National Forest lands. Smoking is also prohibited forest-wide 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.
The following acts are prohibited from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.: Operating a generator, chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine; using an explosive; blasting, welding, or operating any acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
Stoves or grills that are solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or pressurized liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels are allowable. Generators with approved spark arresting devices are also permitted in areas that are barren or cleared of any flammable material at least 3 feet around the generator.
Bill Williams Mountain Closure Area
The Bill Williams Mountain Closure consists of all National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the area bordered by County Road (CR) 73, Old Route 66, Forest Road (FR) 122, FR 108 and, Interstate 40, as depicted in Exhibit A of Order Number 03-07-21-13. This includes the following trails: Bill Williams Trail, Clover Spring Trail, City of Williams Link Trail, Bixler Saddle Trail, Benham Trail, and Devil Dog Mountain Bike Loop.
Raphael Fire Closure
For public safety, an area closure is in effect for the Raphael Fire in and around Sycamore Canyon. On the Kaibab National Forest, the closure area is generally bordered by Forest Roads 125, 105, 12, 109, and 13 as depicted in Order Number 03-09-00-21-281. Included in the closure area are the following popular locations: JD Dam, Yew Thicket Trailhead (TH), Deadman TH, Pomeroy Tanks TH, Sycamore Falls TH, Sycamore Rim TH’s, Canyon Overlook Trail (#70), Sycamore Rim Trail (#45), portions of the Overland Road Historic Trail (#133), and roads to Sycamore Point. Roads bordering the closure area are open. White Horse Lake and Campground are also open. The public should refer to the Coconino and Prescott National Forests for their Raphael Fire closures.
All Kaibab National Forest Orders can be found online at www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/kaibab/alerts-notices. Additional information about the Kaibab National Forest is available through the Fire Information Hotline, 928-635-8311 , or by following @KaibabNF on Twitter and Facebook.
| Brienne Pettit Public Affairs Officer Forest Service Kaibab National Forest c: 928-310-6035 brienne.pettit@usda.gov 800 S. 6th St. Williams, AZ 86046 www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab Caring for the land and serving people |