Tonto National Forest offices closed for the 4th of July holiday
Forest Service officials encourage everyone to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday weekend on the Tonto National Forest but remind visitors that all fireworks and pyrotechnic devices are prohibited on all national forest lands.
In observance of Independence Day, the Tonto National Forest Supervisor’s Office and district ranger stations will be closed July 4. Offices will resume normal business hours on Wednesday, July 5. Office hours can be found under About Us on the Tonto’s homepage.
Currently, the Tonto is under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions which prohibits building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, including charcoal and briquettes, outside a structure that is provided by the Forest Service within designated areas for portions of the forest. Under these restrictions, discharging a firearm, air rifle or gas gun, except for persons engaged in legal hunting activities, is prohibited on the Tonto. Fireworks and the use of exploding targets are always prohibited year-round on national forests.
Portions of the Payson and Pleasant Valley Ranger Districts including portions of the Pinal Mountains on the Globe Ranger District are exempt from Stage 1 Fire Restrictions as referenced in the restriction order and restriction map, Exhibit A.
“We encourage recreational visitors and families to enjoy the Tonto during the holiday weekend leading up to the Fourth of July, but please be advised we are in extreme fire danger. Observing the current fire and target shooting restrictions can help reduce the risk of wildfires,” said Andy Mandell, fire, fuels, and aviation management officer for the Tonto. “Roadside vehicle fires continue to be a cause of some of our wildfires. Proper maintenance of vehicle wheels and tires for cars, boats and RVs can go along way in preventing a roadside fire.”
The Stage 1 Fire Restrictions order and map are available on the Tonto’s Alerts and Notices webpage. Restrictions will remain in effect until forest officials determine that conditions have changed sufficiently to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.
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