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Tonto National Forest begins fire restrictions
PHOENIX (May 6, 2005) – The Tonto National Forest will prohibit most types of fire or firecausing activities across the forest beginning Thursday, May 4, at 8 a.m.

Rising temperatures and lower humidity levels are drying out vegetation across the forest, signaling the beginning of fire season.

Building maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or charcoal burning device anywhere outside of exempted areas is prohibited on the forest. Petroleum fueled stoves, lanterns and heating devices are exempt and may still be used within the restricted areas. Restrictions also apply to smoking outside of a cleared area, operating internal combustion power tools, using welding equipment or any torches with open flames, operating any combustion engines without spark arresting devices in effective working order or discharging firearms except for taking game in accordance with Arizona hunting laws.

Restrictions also prohibit offroad vehicle traffic, limiting any motorized use of the forest to authorized Most of the developed recreation sites on the Tonto, including campgrounds and picnic areas, have been exempted from this order, so campfires and charcoal grills will still be allowed at these locations.

For a complete legal description and map of the restriction area, including exempted recreation sites, visit the Tonto National Forest website at http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto.

Violation of these restrictions is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and imprisonment for up to six months in jail.

For more information regarding recreation sites and fire restrictions, please contact the Tonto National Forest at (602) 225-5200, or check online at http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto.

For general information on fire activity and restrictions in Arizona, visit the Southwest Coordination Center website at http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/.

Tonto Lifts Closures, Modifies Fire Restrictions

PHOENIX (July 3, 2006) – Tonto National Forest officials have lifted the closure order limiting public access to the Mogollon Rim and the Pinal Mountains.

The closure is no longer needed because fire danger has been reduced by increased moisture and humidity. These same wetter conditions have prompted officials to modify some of the fire restrictions which still cover the forest.

Developed campgrounds on the Payson Ranger District, including Ponderosa, Houston Mesa, Tonto Creek, Christopher Creek and Sharp Creek, are now allowing campfires in designated fire rings. Campfires are still prohibited on the Pleasant Valley and Globe ranger districts, which includes the Canyon Creek cluster of campgrounds, all campgrounds along the Young road and all of the campgrounds in the Pinal Mountains.

Campfires and charcoal use are still permitted on the Tonto’s lakes and rivers, but only on provided fire rings and pedestal grills at developed recreation sites