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Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Fire restrictions lifted on Tonto National Forest

Phoenix, Ariz. (July 20, 2010) – All campfire and smoking restrictions affecting the Tonto National Forest are being lifted, effective at 8 a.m., Wednesday, July 21.

The fire restrictions, which covered the entire forest, are no longer needed because fire danger has been reduced by increased moisture and humidity from the annual monsoon season. These wetter conditions prompted officials to lift the forest fire restrictions which have been in place since June 11.

“Although campfires and cooking fires will now be allowed throughout the forest, we ask visitors to remain cautious and properly extinguish their fires. Campfires have to be cold enough to touch before they are left,” said Clay Templin, Tonto National Forest Fire Staff Officer. “Campfires should be put out by drowning with water and stirring the ashes first with a shovel, then bare hands, to ensure the fire is cold -- and dead out.”

Forest Supervisor Gene Blankenbaker thanked the efforts made by the visiting public during the period of fire restrictions which began last month.

“We appreciate the public’s support during these fire restrictions,” Blankenbaker said. “We thank everyone for their patience and understanding while access and activities on the Tonto were restricted during this fire season. We appreciate our visitors’ patience and support of the restrictions.”

For more information, visit the Tonto website at http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto.

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