The entire Tonto National Forest began emergency fire restrictions on Thursday.
The fire restrictions include bans on campfires, barbecues, fireworks and recreational shooting. Forest officials say they’re concerned over growing fire dangers, like this week’s human-caused Slate Fire, which shut down a highway.
Tonto National Forest's fire staff officer Andrew Mandell says that fire was just one consideration leading to the restrictions ,and they include decisions on "how many human caused fires we’re getting. What our fuel moistures are, current fire workload, observed fire behavior, our ability to quickly control those fires that we are getting."
The Tonto entered less restrictive fire conditions around this same time the last two years.
More Arizona Wildfires News
-
A wildfire is spreading in southeastern Arizona. As of Saturday morning, the Bryce Fire has burned 850 acres and is 25% contained. -
Cave Creek announced that Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect through Oct. 1 due to high risk of wildfires. This bans spark-generating activities outdoors unless specifically permitted. -
A wildfire in Cochise County that started on Monday has grown to 2,300 acres. Officials expect it to continue to grow. -
The EPA ended a $1 million grant that Flagstaff was using to help provide residents with resources and trainings in times of environmental emergencies such as wildfires. -
Flagstaff officials are encouraging residents to dispose of pine needles in four specific dumpsters in different parts of the city. It's one of the city's efforts to reduce wildfire dangers.
