Tonto National Forest Fire Restrictions To Be Lifted

Phoenix, AZ. — In coordination with federal, state and local partners, the Tonto National Forest will lift Stage 2 Fire and Emergency Recreational Target Shooting Restrictions across the forest beginning Monday, July 20, 2026, at 8 a.m. The decision to lift restrictions was based on increased monsoonal weather that lowered the fire danger across the forest. Fire restrictions are implemented to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires during periods of extreme fire danger and elevated fire weather conditions. Forest visitors are asked to adhere to best practices while building a campfire. Before leaving the forest, campfires and charcoal embers from grills must be completely extinguished after use. Always keep enough water on hand and a tool to drown and stir fires. If it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave. Dragging trailer chains and vehicle fires have the potential to ignite a wildfire. The public can help reduce this risk by double checking trailer chains before heading into the forest and keeping up with regular vehicle maintenance. Additionally, recreational target shooting has the potential to cause wildfires when users set up targets in areas with dry grass and other highly flammable fuels. Shooting without a backstop or berm is dangerous. Only targets specifically manufactured for the purpose of recreational target shooting are permitted to be used on the forest. Tonto National Forest visitors are reminded to report all abandoned campfires to the forest’s local district office, or to the dispatch center at 480-457-1555.