Dry Conditions Trigger Fire Restrictions at Tonto National Forest and Tonto National Monument

News Release Date: May 23, 2017

Contact: Hilary Clark, [phone]

Roosevelt, AZ - Effective on May 24th, all districts of the Tonto National Forest and the Tonto National Monument are going into Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. 

Beginning May 24, 2017, and until rescinded, the following are prohibited:

• Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove other than in a developed campsite or picnic area where grills are provided. 
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site/improved site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
• Discharging a firearm except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal, or tribal laws and regulations. 

Fireworks are always prohibited year-round on federal lands:

Violation of restrictions on federal lands is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor, by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual and up to $10,000 for an organization; or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months or both. Violators also may be held responsible for reimbursement of fire suppression costs. 

Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns and heaters possessing shut-off devices are allowed. When using a portable stove, make sure the area is clear of grasses and other fine fuels. Prevent stoves from tipping and starting a fire. 

Fires in developed campsites or picnic areas where grills are allowed should never be left unattended and should be completely extinguished upon departure. Always, drown, stir, and repeat until the fire is cold to the touch. 

Cigarettes should never be thrown out the window of a vehicle. Instead, ashtrays should be used in order to prevent wildfires. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out cigarette butts while hiking or camping. 

Maintain spark arrestors and do not run power equipment on windy days. Never park a vehicle over dead grass, the catalytic converter can ignite the vegetation. 

Fire conditions as well as localized closures and restrictions are subject to change. Because tribal, federal, state and local mandates are different, they may have some differences in their restriction notices. For a more detailed explanation concerning agency restrictions and fire information in general, please contact the nearest land management agency office where you plan to work or play, visit http://wildlandfire.az.gov or call the toll free Southwest Fire Restrictions Hotline [phone].

Tonto National Monument protects two cliff dwellings built by the salado people over 700 years ago. Established as a national monument in 1907 by President Teddy Roosevelt, the cliff dwellings were part of the early archaeological preservation movement in America. The Monument is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. except for December 25. Directions and additional information are available on the Monument's website, www.nps.gov/tont, or you may call [phone].

No camping is available at Tonto National Monument. The nearest camping is available at Windy Hill Campground in Tonto National Forest. For more information on camping visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto/

For more information contact:
[phone] and [e-mail]
or visit:
https://www.nps.gov/tont
https://www.facebook.com/TontoNPS
https://www.instagram.com/TontoNPS
https://twitter.com/tonto_nps