Forest district records zero human-caused wildfires in 2014

TUSAYAN, Ariz. (AP) - A forest district south of the Grand Canyon says it had zero human-caused wildfires last year, marking the first time that's happened since 1965.

Officials with the Kaibab National Forest's Tusayan Ranger District say it was quite a challenge. The 562-square-mile ranger district gets millions of visitors a year.

Abandoned campfires had been the leading cause of wildfires blamed on human activity.

Fire prevention specialist Bob Blasi says he patrolled the forest, visited local schools and consistently preached a message of wildfire prevention.

Officials say nearly 40 percent of the ranger district also has been subject to thinning or managed fires to reduce the risk of wildfire.

The district has averaged about seven human-caused wildfires per year over the past 20 years.