ARIZONA — The Kaibab National Forest is offering firewood cutting permits for the 2016 fuelwood season. Permits are available immediately for the Williams and Tusayan districts, and they will be available starting May 2 for the North Kaibab district.

The 2016 firewood cutting season runs from April 15 to Dec. 31 for the Williams and Tusayan districts and from May 2 to Nov. 30 for the North Kaibab district.

The minimum cost for a personal use fuelwood permit is $20, which is good for four cords of wood. Firewood cutting permits can be purchased at the following locations during the specified hours Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays:

• Williams Ranger District, 742 S. Clover Road, Williams | 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. | (928) 635-5600
• Tusayan Ranger District, 176 Lincoln Log Loop, Grand Canyon | 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | (928) 638-2443
• North Kaibab Ranger District, 430 S. Main St., Fredonia | 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | (928) 643-7395

Free-use permits may also be available for specific areas on the forest. Individuals seeking such permits should check with the appropriate ranger district office for availability, locations and other information.

All permits issued will include a map, detailed cutting regulations and load tags that must be physically attached to each ¼ cord of firewood and visible from the rear of the vehicle. The goal of this load tagging system is to ensure accountability for the amount of wood removed from the forest.

The removal of fuelwood is permitted only from national forest lands in the district for which the permit is issued. Fuelwood cutters are reminded to take note of property boundaries and cut only on national forest lands.

Fuelwood cutters should be aware that chainsaws can throw sparks and ignite grasses and brush. Always carry a shovel and a fire extinguisher or water in case of a fire start. Additionally, all chainsaws must be equipped with a stainless steel spark arrestor screen. Cutters should check with forest offices periodically for information about the implementation of fire restrictions.

Detailed firewood cutting information and maps for each ranger district are available on the Kaibab National Forest website.