Smokey Bear has a new home for the summer at the Safeway grocery store thanks to Store Manager, Tammy Elder. At his campsite display, Smokey will help teach shoppers the importance of wildfire safety such as never using fireworks on public lands. “The Kaibab National Forest is currently under extreme fire danger, stage II restrictions, and near record temperatures” said Fire Information Officer, Holly Krake. “With the Fourth of July holiday just around the corner, we want all forest visitors to be especially aware of how to have a fun, but safe fourth”.
Smokey’s new display includes a campfire ring with a ‘no campfire’ sign and a picnic table banner warning of extreme fire danger. Elder believes the message is right at home in her store. “We have so many tourists and visitors for the holiday weekend that will recognize Smokey and be reminded to be careful. I’m just so happy to partner with the local Forest Service to have him here”. Extreme fire danger means that fires start quickly, spread furiously, and burn intensely.
In 2011, more than 5.4 million acres burned across the United States due to human-caused wildfires. In times of critical fire conditions, reaching forests visitors is more important than ever. “Working with our local Safeway is a great way to reach thousands of people as they pick up supplies for their holiday weekend or just everyday shopping” said Krake. An extreme fire danger flyer will also be given to shoppers as they check-out.
Forest visitors are also reminded to comply with the Stage II fire restrictions and the closure of the Bill Williams Mountain Watershed on the Williams Ranger District. Fire restrictions and the Bill Williams Mountain Watershed closure will remain in effect until the area receives significant precipitation and fire danger decreases. Additional fire restriction information is available through the following sources:
- Kaibab National Forest Fire Information Line, 928-635-8311
- Kaibab National Forest Website, www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
- Arizona Fire Restrictions, http://firerestrictions.us/az/
- Fire Restrictions on Public Lands in Arizona and New Mexico, 1-877-864-6985