Officials implement Stage II fire restrictions, exemptions in Grand Canyon, Kaibab National Forest

In this 2016 file photo, fire burns along Cape Royal Road during nighttime burnout operations on the Fuller Fire, Grand Canyon National Park, July 17, 2016 | Photo courtesy of Grand Canyon National Park Service, St. George News

Fredonia, Ariz. — The U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service will implement additional fire restrictions, also known as Stage II fire restrictions, across the North Kaibab Ranger District and the South Rim, North Rim and Inner Canyon of Grand Canyon National Park beginning at 8 a.m. Friday.

Stage II fire restrictions are already in effect in the Williams and Tusayan ranger districts of Kaibab National Forest.

Visitors should be mindful that these new fire restrictions in Kaibab and Grand Canyon will limit certain activities and will remain in effect until rescinded, which typically occurs after significant and widespread moisture arrives and fire danger levels subside.


Read more: ‘If it can spark, it can cause a fire’: Tips on preventing human-caused wildfires


Restrictions

Under the Stage II fire restrictions to be implemented Friday across the North Kaibab Ranger District, the following are prohibited:

  • Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal or wood stove fire, including fires in developed campgrounds and improved sites.
  • Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
  • Discharging a firearm except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal or tribal laws and regulations.
  • Operating chainsaws or any internal combustion engine between the hours of 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.
  • Welding or operating acetylene or other torches with an open flame.
  • Using an explosive.
    • It is always illegal to use any explosives or fireworks on National Forest lands.

Under the Stage II fire restrictions to be implemented Friday across Grand Canyon National Park, the following are prohibited:

  • All wood burning and charcoal fires, campfires, warming fires and charcoal barbecues will be prohibited throughout the park. The restriction encompasses the entire park including all campgrounds and residential areas to include: Phantom Ranch, Cottonwood Campground and Indian Garden Campground.
  • Park stores will not sell firewood during this time.
  • These restrictions include all backcountry permit holders and thru-hikers.

Exemptions

Exemptions to the Stage II fire restrictions on the North Kaibab Ranger District 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 3 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 3 feet of the generator.
  • Operating motorized vehicles in compliance with the Kaibab National Forest’s Travel Management regulations. Parking off any road must be in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the vehicle.

Exemptions to the Stage II fire restrictions on Grand Canyon National Park include the following:

  • Pressurized liquid gas stoves, lanterns and heaters with shut-off devices are allowed.
  • Boats within the Colorado River corridor are exempted from the Stage II restriction.

Additional information

Members of the public can find additional information through the following resources:

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @STGnews

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