Tonto National Forest lifts Emergency Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, Friday, August 23

Fire officials will lift Emergency Stage 1 Fire Restrictions across the entire Tonto National Forest beginning Friday, August 23 at 8 a.m. due to recent monsoon rain and lower fire danger.

Tonto fire officials implemented Emergency Stage 1 Fire Restrictions to reduce the risk for human-caused wildfires when the fire danger increased substantially during the summer. The decision to enter into restrictions was coordinated with local, state and other federal land management agencies in Arizona with the goal of reducing wildfires that could threaten communities, natural resources, critical infrastructure and firefighters. 

“While we are happy to see a decrease in fire danger, temperatures are still forecasted to be around 100 degrees for the next couple of weeks,” said Fire Staff Officer Andy Mandell for the Tonto National Forest. “With recreational target shooting and campfire restrictions being lifted, visitors are urged to shoot responsibly in areas free of vegetation and be especially vigilant about practicing campfire safety.”

Remember, never leave a campfire unattended and when it's time to put the fire out, dump lots of water on it, stir it with a shovel, then dump more water on it. Make sure it is COLD before leaving the campsite. If it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave! For more information about campfire safety visit Smokey’s website for how-tos and tips at https://smokeybear.com/en/prevention-how-tos/campfire-safety. 

The public is reminded, dragging trailer chains and vehicle fires always have the potential to ignite a wildfire but the public can reduce this risk by double checking their trailer chains before heading out to the forest and having regular vehicle maintenance.

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