Elevated fire restrictions in effect on Tonto

                 PHOENIX (June 13, 2013) – Drought conditions, hot temperatures and increased fire danger have resulted in elevated fire restrictions for the Tonto National Forest beginning at 8 a.m., Wednesday, June 19.  Most types of fire or fire-causing activities will be prohibited across the Tonto National Forest.

The following are prohibited: 

1.      Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove, anywhere on the forest, including fires in developed campgrounds.

2.      Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.

3.      Discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device.

4.      Discharging a firearm, except while engaged in a lawful hunt.

5.      Using an explosive.  An explosive is defined as any chemical compound, mixture, or device, the primary or common purpose of which is to function by explosion.

6.      Operating a chainsaw, or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine. 

7.      Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with an open flame.

Exceptions to the restrictions include the following:

1. Operating or using a motor vehicle, boat or other watercraft, or any other internal combustion engine, with a spark-arresting device properly installed, maintained, in effective working order, and meeting established safety standards.
2. Residents, owners or lessees of land, and holders of Forest Service special use authorizations within the restricted area are exempt from prohibition number 1 (building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or wood or charcoal-burning stove) provided such fires are within a permanent structure (e.g. dwelling) and a spark-arresting device is in use.

                 “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 and all explosive and incendiary devices are prohibited on the forest at all times,” concluded Templin.

Violation of these restrictions is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 for individuals, $10,000 for organizations, 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      

Know Before You Go!  To help visitors understand where and when fire restrictions and possible closures exist, there are several resources available. Additional fire information can be obtained at these resources: 

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 Arizona Fire Restrictions:  http://firerestrictions.us/az

Other useful websites:

Phoenix Interagency Fire Center: http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/dc/azphc/

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