Fire restrictions begin May 11 on Tonto

PHOENIX (May 6, 2011) – Drought conditions, hot temperatures and increased fire danger have resulted in fire restrictions for the Tonto National Forest beginning at 8 a.m., Wednesday, May 11. Most types of fire or fire-causing activities are prohibited across the entire Tonto National Forest.

Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or charcoal-burning device is prohibited.

Restrictions also apply to smoking outside of a cleared area, operating internal combustion power tools, using welding equipment or torches with open flames, operating combustion engines without spark-arresting devices in effective working order, or discharging firearms except in taking game in accordance with Arizona hunting laws.

Use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, and heating devices are allowed, and some developed campgrounds are also exempted from these restrictions.

“Because of ongoing drought, dry forest conditions, and exceptionally low relative humidities, fire restrictions are needed to protect forest users, structures and natural resources from the increased potential for dangerous wildland fires,” said Tonto National Forest Fire Staff Officer Clay Templin. “These precautionary measures are intended to enhance our visitors’ quality recreation experiences. Most areas of the Tonto National Forest remain available for recreation activity, including all the Salt River system lakes.”

“We continue to remind the public that all fireworks are prohibited on the forest at all times,” concluded Templin.

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

For more information regarding forest recreation sites and fire restrictions, please contact the Tonto National Forest at (602) 225-5200, or check online at www.fs.usda.gov/Tonto

For general information on fire activity and restrictions in Arizona call toll free 877-864-6985, or visit the. Southwest Coordination Center website: http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc or http://www.publiclands.org/firenews/AZ.php

Useful Websites:
National Incident Information System www.inciweb.org
Southwest Coordination Center: http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc
National Interagency Fire Center: www.nifc.gov
National Fire Plan: www.forestsandrangelands.gov
FireWise: www.firewise.org

ARIZONA Websites:
www.azfireinfo.com (fire prevention and restrictions)
www.publiclands.org/firenews/AZ.php (fire restrictions and other public lands information) www.azsf.az.gov. (wildfire information and Firewise)
www.azein.gov (Arizona Emergency Information Network for ALL hazard emergency and
disaster information)

Fire Restriction Information: Toll free 1 (877) 864-6985