Tonto National Monument was established to protect numerous prehistoric archeological sites, including two well-preserved 14th century cliff dwellings. The protection of these sites for their ethnologic, scientific, and educational interest was the primary purpose for establishing the monument in 1907. The monument’s 1,120 acres is located within the lower Sonoran Desert Scrub Zone, a non-fire adapted ecosystem. The park’s fire management plan calls for all fires in the park to be suppressed to minimize damage to the park’s natural and cultural resources.
The park staff is small. Currently there are only two qualified collateral duty fire personnel within the park. The park relies on its local partners, including the Tonto Basin Fire District to provide initial attack assistance for wildfires in the park.
In 2008, the park was able to help improve the safety and capability of the Tonto Basin Fire District by providing local firefighters with specialized wildland fire equipment including mobile radios and personal protective equipment (PPE). This support was made possible through the Rural Fire Assistance Program as part of the National Fire Plan.
Contact: Susan Hughes, Chief Ranger
Phone: (928) 467-2241
*This story supports the National Fire Plan |
