Monday, July 11, 2011

Some fire restrictions in Tonto National Forest to be lifted

Fireworks prohibited at all times
PHOENIX (July 11, 2011) – With increased moisture and monsoonal weather actitivities, Tonto National Forest officials are reducing some forest fire restrictions beginning Wednedsay, July 13 at 8 am.  

The two area closures around the Mogollon Rim and the Mt Ord, Four Peaks and Three Bar Wildlife area will be lifted effective Wednesday, July 13.  These closures have been in effect since June 17.
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 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 is allowed, and some developed campgrounds are also exempted from these restrictions.
 
“We’re not completely out of wildfire danger yet, so these modified fire restrictions are needed to protect forest users, structures and natural resources from the potential of dangerous wildland fires,” said Tonto National Forest Fire Staff Officer Clay Templin. “We will continue to monitor the situation and lift the remaining restrictions once the wildfire threat lessens.”  

“We continue to remind the public that all fireworks are prohibited on the forest at all times,” concluded Templin.

Violation of these restrictions is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 for individuals, $10,000 for organizations, 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

No comments:

Post a Comment