Fire restrictions on Tonto National Forest begin today, 8 am
All fireworks prohibited year-round
PHOENIX
(May
16, 2012) – Drought conditions, hot temperatures and increased fire
danger have resulted in fire restrictions for the Tonto National Forest
beginning at 8 a.m. today. Most types of fire or fire-causing activities
are prohibited across the entire Tonto National
Forest.
Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or charcoal-burning device is prohibited.
Smoking is only allowed only in a developed campground,
vehicle, or building.
Restrictions also apply to
operating internal combustion power tools, using welding equipment or
torches with open flames, operating combustion engines without
spark-arresting
devices in effective working order, or discharging firearms except in
taking game in accordance with Arizona hunting laws.
Use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, and heating devices are allowed, and some developed campgrounds are
also exempted from these restrictions. (Please see attached list).
“Because of ongoing drought, dry forest conditions, and exceptionally
low relative humidities, fire restrictions
are needed to protect forest users, structures and natural resources
from the increased potential for dangerous wildland fires,” said Tonto
National Forest Acting Deputy Clay Templin. “These precautionary
measures are intended to enhance our visitors’ quality
recreation experiences. Most areas of the Tonto National Forest remain
available for recreation activity, including all the Salt River system
lakes.”
“We continue to remind the public that all fireworks are prohibited on the forest at all times,” emphasized
Templin.
Violation of these restrictions is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and imprisonment for up to six months.
For more information regarding forest recreation sites and fire restrictions, please contact the Tonto National Forest at (602)
225-5200, or check online at www.fs.usda.gov/Tonto
For general information on fire activity and restrictions in Arizona call toll free 877-864-6985, or visit the. Southwest
Coordination Center website: http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc or
http://www.publiclands.org/firenews/AZ.php
Useful Websites:
National Incident Information System
www.inciweb.org
Southwest Coordination Center:
http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc
National Interagency Fire Center:
www.nifc.gov
National Fire Plan:
www.forestsandrangelands.gov
FireWise:
www.firewise.org
ARIZONA Websites:
www.azfireinfo.com
(fire prevention and restrictions)
www.publiclands.org/firenews/AZ.php (fire restrictions and other public
lands information) www.azsf.az.gov.
(wildfire information and Firewise)
www.azein.gov (Arizona Emergency Information Network for ALL hazard emergency and
disaster information)
Fire Restriction Information: Toll free 1 (877) 864-6985
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