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 weather.
These conditions prompted officials to lift the forest fire restrictions
which have been in place since May 15.
“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 Acting Fire Staff Helen
Graham. “Campfires should be put out by drowning with water and
stirring the ashes with first a shovel, then bare hands,
to ensure the fire is cold -- and dead out.”
“The
use of tracer bullets and incendiary ammo is banned on all national
forests at all times,” concluded Graham,
“whether we are in fire restrictions or not. We are concerned because
an increasing number of fire starts on our forest are attributed to
target or recreational shooting.”
Acting Forest Supervisor Clay Templin acknowledged the cooperation of the visiting public during the period
of fire restrictions which began two months ago.
“We
appreciate the public’s support during these fire restrictions,”
Templin said. “We thank everyone for their
patience and understanding while access and activities on the Tonto
were restricted during this wildfire season. We appreciate our
visitors’ patience and support of the restrictions.”
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