Fire Restrictions Lifted on Tonto National Forest

Fire restrictions have been lifted on the Tonto National Forest.

The retstrictions are no longer needed because fire danger has been reduced by increased moisture and humidity from the annual monsoon weather.

The fire restrictions are separate from the prohibition of fireworks at all times in all National Forests.

The use of of tracer bullets and incendiary ammo is also banned at all times on all National Forests. This is because there has been an increasing number of fire starts attributed to target or recreational shooting.

For more information about forest recreation sites and fire restrictions, contact the Tonto National Forest at (602) 225-5200 or online at www.fs.usda.gov/tonto.

Fire Restrictions On Tonto National Forest and in Gila County

Fire restrictions began yesterday on the Tonto National Forest. Most types of fire or fire-causing activities are prohibited across the entire forest.

Gila County has an ordinance that says that whenever the Tonto National Forest issues fire restrictions, similar restrictions apply to all unincorporated areas in Gila County.

Campfires are still allowed in fire grills and grates provided by the Forest Service in some developed recreation sites.

Tonto National Forest Lifts Fire Restrictions

Tonto National Forest officials have lifted all campfire and smoking restrictions on the Tonto National Forest, effective 8:am tomorrow (Friday).. The fire restrictions are no longer needed because fire danger has been reduced by increased moisture and humidity from the annual monsoon weather.

Forest Closures-Black Mesa Ranger District

From Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests:

Continued rising temperatures, extemely dry forests, current wildfires on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, and the forecast of possible dry-lightning in the area this week has prompted officials of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests to impose additional Forest Closures.

Black Mesa District Ranger Dee Hines reported at a community of near 300 people Saturday night in Heber, “We will be closing the rest of the Black Mesa District, but have decided to keep some manageable areas open.” He added, “I need to stress that closures mean closures to all public. If private lands border “closed” national forest land, access is still prohibited.”

Closed to public access: All national forest system lands, roads and trails as they currently exist within the administrative boundaries of the Black Mesa Ranger District.

Areas that will remain open with fire restrictions include:
Black Mesa Ranger District Administrative Site and the Tall Timbers County Park
Camp Shadow Pines Organization Camp Permit Area, The Arizona Department of Public Safety Administrative Site, and the Heber Work Center
Canyon Point Campground
Sinkhole Campground, Willow Springs Lake Day Use Area, Willow Springs Boat Ramp, and Willow Springs Lake
Rim Top Trailhead, Rim Lake Vista Trail (NFST # 622) between the Rim Top Trailhead and mile Post #3.7), including the Military Sinkhole Vista, Rim Vista, and Woods Canyon Vista occurring,
Rim Campground
Woods Canyon Recreation Area including the following Campgrounds: Aspen Campground, Crook Group Site, Rocky Point Day Use (Picnic) Area, Spillway Campground, Spillway Group Site,Woods Canyon Group Site, Woods Canyon Dump Station, Woods Canyon Administrative Site, Woods Canyon Maintenance Area, Woods Canyon Lake, Woods Canyon Store and Marina, and the Meadow Trail (NFST # 505)
Trail (NFST # 505)
Mogollon Rim Visitor Center

Routes EXCLUDED from closure include (depicted within Exhibit B):

National Forest System Road (NFSR) 238 the entire segment of road from its junction with Hwy 260 to the Canyon Point Campground, including NFSR segments 238A and 238B which are campground loop roads.

Visitors to any of the sites that remain open are allowed to be in the developed site only. Walking, hiking, biking or other types of travel outside the boundaries of the “open” developed site is prohibited.

Current fire restrictions prohibit campfires, and coal, wood or charcoal fires, smoking outside of a vehicle or building, and discharging firearms. Fire restrictions and area closures will be rescinded when the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests receives sufficient precipitation to lessen the risk of fire.

Fireworks are always prohibited in national forests.

Forest Service Law Enforcement and other personnel will be patrolling forest roads and trails. “We ask that people be extremely cautious outdoors at this time, be aware of your surroundings and report all illegal activity to proper law enforcement authorities.

Fireworks Prohibited on Federal Public and State Trust Lands

Government officials are reminding everyone that fireworks are always prohibited on federal public lands and state trust lands in Arizona. Dry conditions have also prompted fire officials to issue fire restrictions prohibiting the use of any flame—including smoking, wood and charcoal fires, welding and using firearms. Any spark has the potential to ignite a new fire.

For more information on current fire restrictions, visit wildlandfire.az.gov or call 1-877-864-6985.

Tonto Forest Increases Fire Restrictions

Tonto National Forest has increased fire restrictions due to drought conditions, hot temperatures and increased fire danger. Most types of fire or fire-causing activities are prohibited.

Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or charcoal burning device is prohibited.

Restrictions also apply to smoking outside of a cleared area, operating internal combustion power tools, using welding equipment or torches with open flames, operating combustion engines without spark-arresting devices, or discharging firearms except in taking game in accordance with Arizona hunting laws.

Use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns and heating devices is allowed, and some developed campgrounds are exempt from the restrictions.

Avoid Fire Areas, Help Through Organized Agencies

The Arizona Division of Emergency Management is asking the public to avoid areas where fires are actively burning to keep the area clear for firefighting operations.

Many of the people who show up at fire scenes offer to help or bring unrequested donations. While the generosity is very much appreciated, this can create an added burden and may even endanger those who are fighting the fire.

The Arizona Emergency Information Network says people can help by donating cash, services or products to non-governmental agencies that are providing assistance through an organized network. Go to www.AzEIN.gov.

Fire Restrictions on Tonto National Forest

Fire restrictions went into effect this week on the Tonto National Forest due to drought conditions, hot temperatures and increased fire danger. Most types of fire or fire-causing activities are prohibited.

Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or charcoal-burning device is prohibited.

Restrictions also apply to smoking outside of a cleared area, operating internal combustion power tools, using welding equipment or torches with open flames, operating combustion engines without spark-arresting devices, or discharging firearms except in accordance with Arizona hunting laws.

However, the use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, and heating devices are allowed, and some developed campgrounds are also exempted from the restrictions.

Also remember that all fireworks are prohibited on the Tonto National Forest at all times.

Fire Restrictions on State Trust Lands

Arizona State Forestry Division announces fire restrictions on State Trust Lands beginning Wednesday at Noon.The restrictions will continue through July 31 or until further notice.

The restrictions have become necessary due to increased fire danger and are being implemented to prevent human caussed wildfires. Contributing factors are high temperature, low humidity and high wind, as well as dry brush and grasses.

Campfires and charcoal burning devices are prohibited. But petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices are permitted.

Smoking is prohibited unless it is within an enclosed vehicle, building or developed campground.

Welding or using an open flame device is also prohibited.

And, as always, fireworks are not allowed on State Trust Lands.