Tonto National Forest Begins Fire Restrictions

PHOENIX (May 21, 2007) – Drought conditions, hot temperatures, and increased

fire danger have resulted in fire restrictions for the Tonto National Forest that began May 23 at 8 a.m.  The forest will prohibit most types of fire or fire-causing activities 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 is allowed, and some developed campgrounds are also exempted from these restrictions. (Please see attached list).

For further information regarding recreation sites and fire restrictions, please contact the Tonto National Forest at (602) 225-5200, or check online at www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto.

For general information on fire activity and restrictions in Arizona call toll free 877-864-6985, or visit the Southwest Region Web site at www.fs.fed.us/r3/fire.

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 recreation sites and fire restrictions, please contact the Tonto National Forest at (602) 225-5200, or check online at www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto.

For general information on fire activity and restrictions in Arizona call
toll free 877-864-6985, or visit the U.S. Forest Service Southwestern Region Web site at www.fs.fed.us/r3/fire.

The following developed campgrounds allow campfires in provided campfire
rings:

Cave Creek Ranger District

Bartlett Lake Recreation Area: Bartlett Lake Marina , Jojoba, Rattlesnake Cove, S B Cove, Bartlett Flat (below high waterline), and Yellow Cliffs

Lower Verde River Recreation Area: Riverside Campground

Horseshoe Lake Recreation Area: Horseshoe Campground, Mesquite Campground

Needle Rock Recreation Area: Needle Rock Campground

Seven Springs Recreation Area: CCC Campground

Globe Ranger District

In the Pinal Mountains:  Pioneer Pass,  Sulphide Del Ray, Kelner, Ice House CCC, Pinal, Upper Pinal, Warnica Group Site, and Jones Water, off AZ Hwy. 77 north of Globe; Oak Flat, off AZ Hwy 60 east of Superior

Mesa Ranger District

Saguaro Lake Recreation Area: Saguaro Lake Marina, Saguaro Del Norte, Butcher Jones

Canyon Lake Recreation Area: Canyon Lake Marina, Acacia, Boulder, Laguna, Palo Verde

Pleasant Valley Ranger District:  NO campfires; no exceptions.

Tonto Basin Ranger District

Apache Lake Recreation Area: Apache Lake Marina, Burnt Corral, Crabtree, Three-mile Wash, Davis Wash, Upper Burnt Corral

Roosevelt Recreation Area: Roosevelt Lake Marina, Vineyard Schoolhouse, Frazier, Indian Point, Windy Hill, Cholla, Cholla Bay, Bachelor Cove, Grapevine, Cottonwood, Bermuda Flat

For further information about restrictions throughout Arizona, please go to the following Web sites:  Southwest Coordination Center http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc or www.azfireinfo.com or call 1-877-864-6985

Useful Web Sites:

Incident Information System (nationwide):   http://inciweb.org/
National Interagency Fire Center: www.nifc.gov
National Fire Plan: www.fireplan.gov
FireWise:  www.firewise.org
National Incident Information Center: www.fs.fed.us/news/fire
Arizona Governor’s Forest Health Council: www.governor.state.az.us/FHC