Rim Forests Begin Fire Restrictions

PHOENIX Drought conditions and increased fire danger have resulted in the implementation of fire restrictions for the Apache-Sitgreaves, Coconino and Tonto national forests, which began February 23 at 8 a.m. Centered on the Mogollon Rim, the restrictions place limitations on campfires, charcoal fires and smoking. The Tonto National Forest also restricts chain saw use, welding, operating machinery without spark arresters and discharge of firearms, except while engaged in legal hunting activities. Use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, and heating devices are allowed within the areas where restrictions apply, and some developed campgrounds are also exempted from these restrictions. On the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, fire restrictions cover the area between the Rim Road (Forest Road 300) and the edge of the Mogollon Rim and an area immediately south of Highway 260 bordered by the Young Road (Forest Road 512) on the east and the Mogollon Rim on the south and west. On the Coconino National Forest, restrictions are in place along the Mogollon Rim, east of Highway 87, between the Rim and the Rim Road (Forest Road 300). Fire restrictions on the Tonto National Forest cover all land north of the Control Road (Forest Road 64) between the Irving Power Plant and the Young Road. The Pinal Mountains south of Globe have been included in the fire restrictions covering the Tonto National Forest. The restrictions place limitations on campfires, charcoal fires, smoking, chain saw use, welding, operating machinery without spark arresters and discharge of firearms, except while engaged in legal hunting activities. Use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, and heating devices are allowed within the areas where restrictions apply. The following developed campgrounds are also exempted from these restrictions and will still allow campfires in designated fire rings: Icehouse/CCC, Pinal, Pioneer Pass, Upper Pinal, Sulphide Del Ray and Tonto Creek. The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest has also implemented a forest closure on Promontory Butte adjacent to the Rim Road. This area is closed to public entry due to high fire danger and the lack of a safe route of travel in the event of a wildfire. For further information regarding recreation sites and fire restrictions, including maps and additional camping information, please contact the appropriate forest: *Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.fed.us/r3/ansf *Coconino National Forest, (928) 527-3600, www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino *Tonto National Forest, (602) 225-5200, www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto