Tonto National Forest to lift fire restrictions citing lower fire danger

Tonto National Forest announced that it will be lifting fire restrictions due to fire danger in the area being reduced because of increased monsoon activity.

Stage 2 Fire and Emergency Recreational Target Shooting Restrictions will be rescinded as of 8 a.m. on Monday after being imposed on June 30 to minimize human-caused wildfires during periods of extreme fire danger.

Forest officials did ask visitors to follow recommended best practices when building campfires. They also reminded the public that after being used campfires and charcoal embers from grills need to completely extinguished, adding that if they’re too hot to touch, they’re too hot to leave.

Additionally, it was advised to keep enough water and a tool on hand to drown and stir fires.

To prevent vehicles from igniting wildfires, the public was asked to double check trailer chains are not dragging before heading into the forest and keep up with maintenance of their cars.

Recreational target shooting can also cause wildfires when targets are set up in dry grass and other flammable fuels. Officials added shooting without a backstop or berm is dangerous and noted that only targets specifically produced for recreational target shooting are permitted for use in the forest.

Visitors can report abandoned campfires to the forest’s local district office or dispatch center at 480-457-1555.

Fire restrictions have also been lifted or eased at Coconino National Forest and the Grand Canyon’s South Rim.

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