On Friday, May 30th, both Coconino and Kaibab National Forests will be implementing Stage II fire restrictions beginning at 8:00 AM. This is due to the increasing fire danger and will remain in effect until we get sufficient moisture from the summer rains. These will hopefully start sometime in July.
On the Kaibab National Forest, restrictions will apply only to the Williams and Tusayan Ranger Districts as conditions aren’t as dry on the North Kaibab District yet. However, things could change so check with the district before heading into the forest for current conditions and restrictions.
Note, these restrictions DO NOT APPLY to Grand Canyon campgrounds. There are currently no fire restrictions in the park. Fires are only allowed in designated campgrounds and may only be ignited in grills or designated fire rings. For camping and hiking below the rim, fires are NEVER allowed.
Stage II fire restrictions prohibit the following:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or stove fire, including fires in developed campgrounds and improved sites.
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
- Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun, except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal, or tribal laws and regulations.
- Operating any internal combustion engine from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (This does not include vehicles. This is aimed at things such as chainsaws, weed-eaters, gas-powered landscaping tools, and the like.)
- Welding or operating acetylene or other torches with an open flame.
Exemptions to the restrictions include the following:
- Using a device fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the device.
- Operating generators with an approved spark arresting device within an enclosed vehicle or building or in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the generator.
- Operating motorized vehicles in compliance with forest Travel Management regulations.
Please be careful with any heat source. We had an extremely dry winter, and the persistent windy weather make conditions ripe for wildfires.
One final note; there is currently a lightning-caused fire on the North Rim being allowed to burn for management purposes. The so-called Galahad Fire is over 700 acres and located near the Point Sublime Road. Starting May 29, two road closures are in effect for public and firefighter safety; the W4 road is closed from the junction of the FS268B road south to Point Sublime and the W1 road, also known as the Point Sublime Road, is closed from the W4 junction, east to the western end of the Basin.