Tonto National Forest - News & Events Tonto National Forest reinstates Bush Fire area closure due to weather PHOENIX, Oct. 22, 2020 – Tonto National Forest officials are reinstating the original Bush Fire area closure area to protect the public from an incoming weather system that has the potential for flash flooding over the weekend. “This year, the Tonto National Forest experienced an unprecedented wildfire season that challenged everyone from firefighters to the communities surrounding the forest,” said Acting Forest Supervisor Tom Torres. 2324 E. McDowell Rd. If it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave. Mesa, Arizona 85205 36 C.F.R. Supervisor's Office Stage 1 Fire Restrictions were set to expire on Sept. 30, but were extended through Oct. 31, 2020, or until rescinded, whichever occurs first. For more information on Tonto National Forest Restrictions, visit our website or call the following district ranger stations for more information: Cave Creek Ranger District (480) 595-3300; Globe Ranger District (928) 402-6200; Mesa Ranger District (480) 610-3300; Payson Ranger District (928) 474-7900; and Tonto Basin Ranger District (602) 225-5395. (928) 402-6280, Mesa Ranger District “We appreciate the public’s cooperation during this unprecedented season of extreme fire danger,” said Acting Forest Supervisor Tom Torres. Phoenix, Arizona 85006 Campfire safety and prevention is always a priority. Please visit the Tonto National Forest website for more information and to review current closure orders. Saguaro Lake & Lower Salt River – Starting at Stewart Mountain Dam following waterline east to Mormon Flat Dam then along waterline west to the courtesy dock near the end of Forest Road 206 (Saguaro Del Norte Recreation Area) above the lake. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on all National Forest System lands described in this Order (the "Restricted Area") and as depicted on the attached map, hereby incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A, within the Tonto National Forest in Maricopa, Gila, Yavapai, and Pinal Counties, Arizona. Forest officials remind the public the Tonto National Forest is still under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Roosevelt, Arizona 85545 (480) 610-3300, Payson Ranger District Violators of the above restrictions are subject to fines and/or imprisonment. Tonto will implement Stage 2 Fire Restrictions starting May 12 Contact (s): Marianne Thomas PHOENIX, May 11, 2020 — For Immediate Release. The fire was contained at … FR 19 to Bartlett Reservoir Jojoba Boat Launch and Bartlett Marina, FR 459 to Yellow Cliffs Boat Launch and SB Cove Day Use Area, FR 582 from SR 87 to the Buckhead Mesa Landfill, FR 583 from SR 87 to Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. Note – Bermuda Flat, Cholla Bay and Bachelor Cove Shoreline Areas are closed. (480) 595-3300, Globe Ranger District Forest Service Home | USDA.gov | recreation.gov | Recreation Customer Service Standards | USA.gov | Whitehouse.gov, Plug-Ins | FOIA | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy | Important Notices | Information Quality, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tonto/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD814653, Learn about campfire safety and prevention tips. “The public is very passionate about the Tonto and we thank everyone for cooperating with these restrictions across the forest. Firefighters are currently engaged in fire suppression operations on the Sears Fire and crews continue to respond to new starts on the forest.”. The extreme fire danger is due to insufficient monsoonal moisture this season, high temperatures and continued dry fuel conditions. Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun. Then following the western waterline south down to the Yellow Cliffs Boat Ramp and SB Cove Day Use Areas which are open, then south down the waterline to the Rattlesnake Day Use Area which is open. Always keep enough water on hand, and a tool to drown and stir fires. Scottsdale, AZ 85262 The detailed closure order can be found on the Tonto National Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto by clicking on the Closure Orders & Restrictions in Effect link. (602) 225-5200, Report Wildland Fires They have since merged and are being referred to as the Griffin Fire. Free WiFi is featured throughout the property. Fines and punishments are determined by a federal court judge. 40202 N. Cave Creek Rd. Virtual Services Offered by phone and email. Open fires in dispersed recreation areas remain prohibited. Roosevelt Lake - Beginning at the intersection of State Route (SR) 188 and Forest Route (FR) 84 Grapevine Road, then north along FR 84 to the east side of Grapevine Boat Ramp at the waterline of Roosevelt Lake. Globe, Arizona 85501 Virtual Services Offered by phone and email. The fire … (928) 402-6280, Mesa Ranger District The Tonto National Forest will begin Stage 2 Fire Restrictions May 12 at 8 a.m. in conjunction with other federal and state land management agencies in Arizona. 28079 N. Az Hwy 188 § 261.58(m). The Mountain Fire, which was reported Friday … 1009 E. Hwy 260 Then along Bush Highway east to the Blue Point Bridge, then following the southern bank of the Salt River around east back to the Stewart Mountain Dam. Globe, Arizona 85501 (928) 402-6200 The purpose of these restrictions is to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires during periods of high fire danger and elevated fire weather conditions. Human-caused Bush Fire burns 151,075 acres in Tonto National Forest as evacuations ordered 12 News 6/13/2020 Fact check: Milwaukee elections flash drive transferred to county office without tampering Never leave a PHOENIX, Oct. 5, 2020 –Tonto National Forest officials will lift the Superstition Fire public safety closure order on Oct. 6, 2020. Mesa, Arizona 85205 The fire restrictions can be viewed online at https://bit.ly/3057Le1. Then back down to the waterline of Bartlett Reservoir and then south along waterline back to Bartlett Dam. Secondary Number: 36 C.F.R. PHOENIX - The Rolls Fire … The Gin Fire, Champion Fire and Griffin Fire were all burning in the Tonto National Forest. Phoenix, Arizona 85006 § 261.52(d). The so … They cited recent moisture, cooler temperatures and reduced fire activity. Bartlett Reservoir - Beginning at Bartlett Dam along the waterline south and then east and then north up to the confluence of the Verde River. Extreme Fire Danger Leads to Tonto National Forest Closures Authorities say many sections of the Tonto National Forest will be closed starting at 6 a.m. Thursday because of extreme fire … (480) 610-3300, Payson Ranger District (602) 225-5395. A portion of the Bush fire burns through the Tonto National Forest, Tuesday, June 16, 2020, as seen from Apache Junction, Ariz. “We are currently seeing record setting fire danger conditions and new fire starts have become increasingly difficult to control. Tonto National Forest modifies Bush Fire area closure to allow more access PHOENIX, Oct. 26, 2020– Tonto National Forest officials have modified the Bush Fire public safety area closure order to allow more access. For more information about the One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire campaign, please visit: https://wildlandfire.az.gov/prevention-news, Forest Service Home | USDA.gov | recreation.gov | Recreation Customer Service Standards | USA.gov | Whitehouse.gov, Plug-Ins | FOIA | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy | Important Notices | Information Quality, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tonto/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD759503, https://wildlandfire.az.gov/prevention-news. Canyon Lake – Starting at Mormon Flat Dam south along Mormon Flat Dam access road to SR 88 then east along SR 88 to Tortilla Creek Drainage then following drainage northwest to Canyon Lake waterline then along waterline to the base of Horse Mesa Dam then along waterline back to Mormon Flat Dam. Payson, Arizona 85541 Under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, cooking devices that are fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuel, that can be turned off immediately with no remaining burning material may be used in safe areas devoid of vegetation. 7680 S. Six Shooter Canyon Rd. 40202 N. Cave Creek Rd. Credit: Tonto National Forest Author: 12 News … 5140 E. Ingram St. Campfires, and charcoal BBQs must be completely extinguished after use. PHOENIX, June 30, 2020 Wildfires have burned more than 224,500 acres this year on the Tonto National Forest. Igniting, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, including charcoal and briquettes, outside a fire structure that is provided by the Forest Service within a designated area. § 261.52(a). 24 hours, Cave Creek Ranger District Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three (3) feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material. Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are as follows: Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 1-866-746-6516 is located in Payson. Fire crews are battling a 5,200-acre wildfire near Cave Creek in the Tonto National Forest. (928) 402-6200 The holiday home provides The extreme fire danger is due to insufficient monsoonal moisture this season, high temperatures and continued dry fuel conditions. This holiday home comes with 3 bedrooms, a living room and a fully equipped kitchen. “The Tonto National Forest is still experiencing an active wildfire season. Fire officials use several criteria to determine when to modify fire restrictions, including current and predicted weather, fuel moistures, fire activity and available firefighting resources. Roosevelt Lakeview Mobile Home Park off of SR 188 at Roosevelt Lake, but not beyond the park. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. The Stage 3 Forest Closure means that all National Forest System lands contained within the Tonto are closed to the public, with the exception of the following: According to Neil Bosworth, Forest Supervisor, the decision is rooted in public and firefighter safety during the extreme fire danger currently being experienced throughout Arizona. Supervisor's Office Ongoing extreme fire danger due to dry conditions and hot temperatures following a wet winter that produced an abundance of dry brush and grass, have led Tonto officials to close the state’s largest national forest beginning at 6 a.m. on July 2. Abandoned campfires continue to be a major cause of wildfires. Previous post: Extreme fire danger due to dry conditions and hot temperatures following a wet winter that produced an abundance of dry brush and grass, have led Tonto National Forest officials to close the state’s largest national forest beginning on July 2, 2020. Then following FR 206B to the Bush Highway, then north along the Bush Highway to SR 87 then along SR 87 to the Forest Boundary. Tonto National Forest Retreat with Deck & Fire Pit! The Bush Fire was concentrated in the Four Peaks Wilderness area of the national forest. Secondary Number: Recreational target shooting remains prohibited at this time; however, legal hunting activities are permitted in areas not affected by a closure order. Roosevelt, Arizona 85545 28079 N. Az Hwy 188 “Additionally, it is extremely important that people travelling along highways through these areas ensure that their vehicles and trailers are in good condition and tow chains are properly secured to avoid causing roadside fires.”. A brush fire has burned 600 acres in the Tonto National Forest near Bush Highway and State Route 87 as of Saturday evening, according to the Tonto National Forest.Officials said the fire… Learn about campfire safety and prevention tips. Firefighters have been unable to contain a fast-moving wildfire in the Tonto National Forest in Arizona. “We understand that closing the Tonto impacts businesses, partner agencies and the public as well as our restoration and other work on the forest,” Bosworth said. At over 2.9 million acres, the Tonto National Forest is the largest national forest in Arizona, and the seventh largest national forest among 154 USDA National Forests. Violations of these restrictions are punishable as a Class B misdemeanor, which means a fine of up to $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment of up to six months, or both. (602) 225-5395. Then south along the waterline to the Jojoba boat launch which is open, then up FR 19A to FR 19, then south to FR 185 and Bartlett Marina, which is open. Tonto National Forest officials said they're lifting fire and recreational shooting restrictions effective Wednesday. (480) 595-3300, Globe Ranger District (602) 225-5200, Report Wildland Fires Campfires and charcoal fires in developed campgrounds and picnic areas, are allowed but only in Forest Service rings and BBQs. Tonto National Forest, where the clash took place, is the largest in Arizona at more than 2.9 million acres. MARICOPA COUNTY, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) -- The Bush Fire has now burned over 186,000 acres with 42% containment in the Tonto National Forest as of Monday afternoon, according to fire officials. PHOENIX, Sept. 29, 2020 – The Tonto National Forest will continue Stage 1 Fire Restrictions due to extreme fire danger in all vegetation types across the forest. “Everyone is prohibited from entering the forest, unless specifically permitted for emergency activities. The Central Fire was 0% contained as of Monday, having jumped from state forest land and crossed the western edge of Tonto National Forest, northeast of … Numerous fires on the Tonto National Forest including the Bush Fire have been caused by vehicle fires, sparks from tow chains, or flat tires already this season. Fire crews fully contained the Horton Fire which began burning Wednesday morning near Horton Springs in the Tonto National Forest, fire officials announced Thursday. The modified closure order will be in effect this evening, Oct. 26 at 8 p.m. (928) 474-7900, Tonto Basin Ranger District 7680 S. Six Shooter Canyon Rd. Houston Mesa Campground – Elk, Black Bear, and Mountain Lion Loops. 5140 E. Ingram St. The fire started Saturday afternoon and is now being called the Bush Fire. 24 hours, Cave Creek Ranger District Officials closing Tonto National Forest July 2 Some Lakes, forest roads will remain accessible PHOENIX, June 30, 2020 Wildfires have burned more than 224,500 acres this year on the Tonto National Forest. 36 C.F.R. PHOENIX — A lightning-caused wildfire burning in the Tonto National Forest has grown to 1,960 acres with zero percent containment as of Monday night. Payson, Arizona 85541 Then following the waterline east to the confluence of the Salt River. The Rolls Fire was sparked by lightning on Aug. 18 and has consumed more than 1,000 acres in the Tonto National Forest. “Steps to minimize the risk of fires and the danger to people are more important than recreation at the moment” Bosworth added. The fire sits at 80% containment as of Sunday morning, officials said. It is burning 151,075 acres as of Friday morning. The Sears Fire is burning on Cave Creek Road near Forest … 2324 E. McDowell Rd. Then continuing along the Roosevelt Lake waterline northwest to the confluence of Tonto Creek. Then following the Forest Boundary south and west and across the Salt River to the Bush Highway. 1-866-746-6516 Brush fire in Tonto National Forest closes SR 87 Firefighters said they expect to have the fire fully contained by the end of the day. Scottsdale, AZ 85262 (928) 474-7900, Tonto Basin Ranger District PHOENIX, Sept. 29, 2020 – The Tonto National Forest will continue Stage 1 Fire Restrictions due to extreme fire danger in all vegetation types across the forest. CAVE CREEK, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) - The Sears Fire burning in the Tonto National Forest near Cave Creek has grown to 14,476 acres with 60% containment as of Oct. 3. Then up Tonto Creek to FR 60 then southwest to SR 188 and southeast along SR 188 back to the intersection of FR 84. 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