For Immediate Release

July 10 , 2006  

Contact:  Supervisor's Office Coconino Forest - 928-527-3600 or
Supervisor's Office Kaibab Forest - 928-635-8200
                                                                                   

FLAGSTAFF, AZ—Campfire and smoking restrictions will be lifted on the Kaibab and Coconino National Forests beginning Wednesday, July 12, at 8 a.m.  Recent rains have decreased the fire danger on both forests, thus decreasing the risk of major wildfires.

“Although campfires and smoking will be allowed throughout the two forests, people should properly extinguish cigarettes in ash trays, and ashes in a campfire ring should be cold enough to touch before they are left,” says Coconino Fire Staff Officer Bruce Greco.  “Campfires should be put out by drowning them with water and stirring with a stick or shovel.”

Forest visitors are also reminded that some campfire restrictions are always in effect, such as in forested areas within Flagstaff city limits and within Oak Creek Canyon.

Area closures remain in effect for the Brins Fire northwest of Sedona on the Coconino National Forest and the Warm Fire on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest.  These closures will remain in place until hazards associated with the fires can be mitigated.   

As always, forest managers are asking visitors to follow the Leave No Trace principle:  pack it in, pack it out.  Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods.  Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter.

“The public deserves thanks for their diligence throughout this summer,” said Doug Ottosen, Kaibab National Forest fire management officer.  “If it weren’t for people exercising caution, we could have had a lot more fires.  That diligence should continue even though we are removing restrictions.  Fire safety is a year-round priority.”

For additional information about fire restrictions on public lands in Arizona and New Mexico, call toll free 1-877-864-6985 or visit http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/

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