With increasing fire danger across Arizona, Tonto National Forest officials will implement Emergency Stage 1 Fire Restrictions and Recreational Target Shooting Restrictions for the entire forest beginning Thursday, June 6 at 8 a.m.
Over the past 30 days there have been numerous human-caused fires on the Tonto. As a result, fire officials are implementing these forest-wide restrictions to drastically reduce the potential for human-caused fires with the increase in fire danger throughout Arizona. These wildfires include Wildcat, Horseshoe, Sugar and most recently the Spring and Adams fires. The specific cause of these human-caused wildfires ranged from vehicle fires to recreational target shooting. All told, these fires burned almost 23,500 acres in just over a month.
These Emergency Stage 1 Fire Restrictions also include recreational shooting restrictions in an effort to protect public and firefighter safety, as well as impacts to natural resources on National Forest System lands. Restrictions will remain in effect until Forest Service officials determine that conditions have changed sufficiently to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.
The decision to enter Emergency Stage 1 Fire Restrictions was made in conjunction with other federal and state land management agencies in Arizona.
Emergency Stage 1 Fire Restrictions prohibit the following acts when visiting the Tonto:
Exemptions to Emergency Stage 1 Fire Restrictions include:
Fire Staff Officer Andy Mandell, of the Tonto National Forest, urges the public to adhere to current fire restrictions. “An overwhelming number of fires are caused by vehicles that are not properly maintained and dragging trailer chains,” said Mandell. “Having your vehicles regularly inspected and maintained along with observing Emergency Stage 1 Fire Restrictions can help reduce the risk of wildfires in Arizona.”
With current high temperatures, parking over dry grass has the potential to spark a wildfire. The public can play a key role in preventing wildfires by making sure their vehicles are properly maintained to reduce the chances of having to pull off the road due to car issues.
Violation of fire restrictions is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and imprisonment for up to six months. For more information regarding the fire restrictions closure order, shooting restrictions and an accompanying map, see Alerts & Warnings.
The public can obtain current state and federal fire restrictions information across Arizona on the Arizona Interagency Wildfire Prevention and Information website.