Tonto National Forest

Tonto National Forest officials are reminding recreational visitors to refrain from gathering in large groups in the Lower Sycamore dispersed recreation area for the annual Christmas Tree Burn event which usually occurs in early to mid-January.

This year, the Tonto National Forest is asking recreational visitors to refrain from gathering in large groups for the annual Christmas Tree Burn event that occurs annually in early to mid-January.

In the past, thousands of visitors have gathered for this unofficial event to burn their spent Christmas trees in the Lower Sycamore area while recreating on the Tonto National Forest. Due to a multitude of factors, forest officials ask that all future gatherings for Christmas tree burnings and disposal be discontinued on the Tonto National Forest.

 Tonto National Forest officials have modified the Bush Fire public safety area closure order to allow more access. The modified closure order will be in effect Thursday, Nov. 25, 8 a.m.

Tonto National Forest officials will lift the Griffin Fire public safety closure order at 8 a.m., Friday, Nov. 20, 2020.

The Tonto National Forest in coordination with federal, state, and local partners will terminate the current Stage 1 Fire Restrictions and recreational shooting restriction effective Nov. 11, 2020 at 8 a.m. due to recent moisture, cooler temperatures and reduced fire activity.

The restrictions were implemented to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires during periods of high fire danger and elevated fire weather conditions. 

Tonto National Forest firefighters are responding to four separate lightning-caused fires in the area of Jake's Corner and Highway 188. The 604 Fire is the largest fire at approximately 20 acres in size. 

At this time, there are six engines, three crew modules and one helicopter assigned, and two heavy air tankers have been ordered. Fire managers are assigning resources to each fire based on priority and fire behavior.

The Tonto National Forest together with federal, state and local partners will extend Stage 1 Fire Restrictions due insufficient rain and continued dry fuel conditions on Friday, Oct. 30, 2020, at 12 a.m.

Tonto National Forest officials will lift the public safety closure orders for the Salt and Sears Fires at 8 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020.

Following these fires, Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) teams conducted assessments to identify impacts on the landscape from both fires and recommended actions for mitigation and management of the burned areas to protect the health and safety of forest visitors and to prevent additional resource damage.

Tonto National Forest officials are reinstating the original Bush Fire area closure area to protect the public from an incoming weather system that has the potential for flash flooding over the weekend. This expanded area public safety closure will be in effect Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020 at noon.

The Horton Fire is now 100 percent contained and remains at approximately 3 acres. Today, firefighters are improving fire lines and conducting mop up operations.

USDA Forest Service firefighters responded at approximately 6:30 a.m. Wednesday morning to the fire on the Payson Ranger District which was actively burning in timber on all sides. Gila County Fire Department and Sheriff’s office responded along with the Christopher-Kohl Fire Department.