The Tonto National Forest will reduce Emergency Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, Friday, August 2
Due to recent monsoonal rains in the northern and higher elevation areas of the Tonto National Forest, Emergency Stage 1 Fire Restrictions will be lifted in parts of the Payson, Pleasant Valley, Tonto Basin, and Globe Ranger Districts starting Friday, August 2 at 8 a.m. However, the Cave Creek and Mesa Ranger Districts will remain in Emergency Stage 1 Fire Restrictions.
The northern and higher elevation regions have received 3-5 times more rainfall than the southern and lower elevation areas over the past six weeks, leading to increased fuel moisture levels and reduced fire danger.
“Fire managers continuously assess conditions across the forest to decide when to implement or lift fire restrictions,” said Fire Staff Officer Andy Mandell. “The criteria for these decisions include current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, fire activity levels, ongoing drought, and available firefighting resources. Fire restrictions may be reinstated if conditions change.”
The decision to lift Emergency Stage 1 Fire Restrictions from portions of the Tonto National Forest 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 portions of the Tonto:
- 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 a designated area. A fire structure is a permanent metal or concrete structure specifically designed to contain a campfire or cooking fire that the Forest Service or equivalent installed and maintains. Designated areas are developed recreation sites such as campgrounds and picnic areas that are maintained and administered by the Forest Service, shown on the current Forest visitor maps, and equipped with permanent fire structures;
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least (3) feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material. Deposit cigarette butts and remains in an ashtray or inside a building; do not toss or discard on the ground; and
- Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun within the Described Area.
Exemptions to Emergency Stage 1 Fire Restrictions include:
- Persons using a device solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the device;
- Any Federal, State, or Local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty;
- Persons with a written Forest Service authorization specifically exempting them; and
- Persons engaged in legal hunting activity pursuant to State, Federal, or Tribal laws and regulations are allowed to discharge a firearm while taking wildlife.
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.
