Tonto Fire Restriction Reminder

As summer heats up & fire season reaches its most critical point, Tonto National Forest officials are reminding the public that fire restrictions are still in effect across the forest.

"Although most people realize they can't have open fires outside of developed recreation areas, there is still some confusion concerning other activities," said Tonto Forest Supervisor Gene Blankenbaker. "For example, target shooting is included in the restriction order & is banned across the forest, but we still have a lot of people out shooting on the weekends. This leads to some hefty fines for the shooters & to wildfires on public lands."

Other activities prohibited by the restriction order include smoking outside of a clear area, using chainsaws or other internal combustion power tools & all off-road vehicle traffic not on designated routes. The restrictions also prohibit the use of campfires & charcoal across the forest. However, 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 & 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 and restrictions in Arizona call toll free 877-864-6985, or visit the Southwest Coordination Center website at http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/.