Tonto National Forest Begins Fire Restrictions

The Tonto National Forest will prohibit most types of fire or fire-causing activities across the forest beginning tomorrow at 8 a.m. Rising temperatures & lower humidity levels are drying out vegetation across the forest, signaling the beginning of fire season. Building maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or charcoal burning device anywhere outside of exempted areas is prohibited on the forest. Petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns & heating devices are exempt & may still be used within the restricted areas. Restrictions also apply to smoking outside of a cleared area, operating internal combustion power tools, using welding equipment or any torches with open flames, operating any combustion engines without spark arresting devices in effective working order or discharging firearms except for taking game in accordance with Arizona hunting laws. Restrictions also prohibit off-road vehicle traffic, limiting any motorized use of the forest to authorized routes only. Most of the developed recreation sites on the Tonto, including campgrounds & picnic areas, have been exempted from this order, so campfires & charcoal grills will still be allowed at these locations. For a complete legal description and map of the restriction area, including exempted recreation sites, visit the Tonto National Forest website at www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto. Violation of these restrictions is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 & imprisonment for up to 6 months in jail. For more info regarding recreation sites & fire restrictions, please contact the Tonto National Forest at (602) 225-5200, or check online at www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto. For general info on fire activity & restrictions in Arizona call toll free 877-864-6985, or visit the Southwest Coordination Center website at http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/.