Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or charcoal-burning device is prohibited. Smoking is only allowed in a developed campground, vehicle, or building.
Restrictions also apply to 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.
“Fire restrictions are needed to protect forest users, structures and natural resources from the increased potential for dangerous wildland fires,” said Tonto National Forest Acting Deputy Clay Templin.
“These precautionary measures are intended to enhance our visitors’ quality recreation experiences. Most areas of the Tonto National Forestremain 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,” Templin added.
Fire restrictions on State lands will prohibit campfires, charcoal-burning devices and use of acetylene or other torches. Smoking is also prohibited unless it is within an enclosed vehicle or building, developed campground or area that is cleared of all flammable Arizona Under Fire Restrictions Memorial Day campers and travelers urged to be cautious materials.These restrictions include a prohibition on the use of any fireworks.
“In light of the increasing fire danger and wildfire activity we are seeing in the southeastern portion of the State, these fire restrictions are necessary to prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public health and safety,” said State Forester Scott Hunt. “It’s especially important that Arizonans follow these restrictions and others implemented locally to limit the potential of devastating fires this summer.”
Pursuant to A.R.S. 37-623, the State Forester is given authority to declare prohibitions on fire-causing activities in the unincorporated areas of the state during times of high fire potential. These fire restrictions apply to the following State Trust Lands, Game & Fish Wildlife Areas, Arizona State Parks, and Department of Transportation right-ofway property in southeast Arizona:
Arizona State Trust Lands and Department of Transportation Lands:
All State Trust Lands and Department of Transportation Lands located outside of municipalities within Cochise County, Santa Cruz County, Pima County, Pinal County south of the Gila River, Graham County south of the San Carlos Reservation, and Greenlee County south of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest.
Arizona State Parks (by County):
Cochise County: Kartchner Caverns State Park
Graham County: Roper Lake State Park
Pima County: Catalina State Park
Pinal County: Picacho State Park
Santa Cruz County: Patagonia Lake State Park, San Rafael State Natural Area, and Sonoita Creek State Natural Area
State Park campgrounds will remain open; however these seven parks in Southeastern Arizona will be under fire restrictions. Please call (602)-542-4174 regarding fire restrictions in all 27 State Parks or go to AzStateParks.gov for more information.
Arizona State Game and Fish Wildlife Areas (by County):
Cochise County: Manhattan Claims, Clarence May Memorial Wildlife Area, Sierra Vista Shooting Range, White Water Draw Wildlife Area, Willcox Playa Wildlife Area, and Yarbrough.
Graham County: Cluff Ranch Wildlife Area and Roper Lake and Land.
Pima County: Arivaca Lake and Land, Santa Rita Wildlife Area, Three Points Shooting Range and Tucson Mountain Wildlife Area.
Pinal County – South of the Gila River: Aravaipa Canyon Wildlife Area and Picacho Reservoir.
Santa Cruz County: Agua Caliente Road, Bog Hole WildlifeArea, and Coal Mine Spring.
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
