Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the Fourth of July on the Tonto but reminded, no fireworks allowed on national forest lands
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 district ranger stations will be closed July 4. Offices will resume normal business hours on Friday, July 5. District office locations and hours can be found on our website under Contact Us.
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 the entire 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.
“The recent rain across much of the Tonto has been beneficial, but it’s essential to remain cautious. We want to emphasize that despite the rain, many areas are still dry. As people head out for Fourth of July activities, we ask that they observe all Stage 1 Fire Restrictions,” said Tonto Fire Staff Officer Andy Mandell. “Roadside vehicle fires remain a cause of some wildfires, so proper maintenance of vehicle wheels and tires for cars, boats, and RVs can significantly reduce the risk of roadside fires.”
The Stage 1 Fire Restrictions order and map are available on the Tonto National Forest 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.
Be advised, Bartlett Dam and Horse Dam roads have reopened after being closed for safety due to the Boulder View Fire. Bartlett Lake Marina is open as well as recreation areas. The public is urged to avoid Forest Road 20 (Needle Rock Road) and all recreation sites along the Verde River, including Box Bar, Needle Rock Picnic Site and Needle Rock Beach which are inaccessible due to fire suppression operations for the Boulder View Fire.
To get the most up-to-date information about the Tonto, follow us on Instagram @tontonationalforest, X @TontoForest and Facebook @TontoNationalForest.
