Fire restrictions begin in Gila County

(GLOBE, AZ)— With the current dry, windy, hot weather conditions and increased fire danger, restrictions on open outdoor fires begin today for both the unincorporated areas of Gila County as well as the Tonto National Forest.

Gila County Ordinance 11-02 stipulates that each time the Tonto National Forest issues fire restrictions, similar restrictions will apply to all unincorporated areas within Gila County. This excludes all cities, towns and Indian Reservation lands.  The ordinance prohibits residents from building, maintaining attending or igniting open outdoor fires, bonfires, campfires, and fireworks. Each violation pursuant to this Ordinance shall result in a civil penalty not to exceed $500 for each violation. The complete ordinance can be found at: http://www.gilacountyaz.gov/boardofsupervisors/ordinances.html, under “Open Outdoor Fires.”

The Tonto National Forest Restrictions prohibit most types of fire or fire-causing activities including operating internal combustion power tools, welding equipment and torches throughout the Forest; however some developed campgrounds are exempted from the restrictions.  More information on the Tonto National Forest Fire Restrictions can be found in the post below or at www.fs.usda.gov/tonto.