Stage 1 Fire Restrictions and Emergency Recreational Shooting Order

PROHIBITIONS
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C § 551 and 36 C.F.R § 261.50(a) and (b), the following are prohibited on all National Forest System (NFS) lands, roads, and trails in the Tonto National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the “"Described Area"“):

1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, including charcoal and briquettes, outside a structure that is provided by the Forest Service within a designated area. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(a).
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least (3) feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material. 36 C.F.R § 261.52(d).
3. Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun. 36 C.F.R § 261.58(m).
    

EXEMPTIONS
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1. Persons using a device solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the device.
2. Any Federal, State, or Local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.
3. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2).
4. Persons engaged in legal hunting activity pursuant to State, Federal, or Tribal laws and regulations are allowed to discharge a firearm while taking wildlife.
    

DESCRIBED AREA
All National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the exterior boundaries of the Tonto National Forest, as depicted on the attached map at Exhibit A.
 

PURPOSE
The purpose of this Order is to provide for the public's health and safety and to protect National Forest System lands, resources, and facilities during the current period of high fire danger.
 

IMPLEMENTATION

1. This order shall be in effect from Friday, May 15, 2026, at 8 a.m. through Sept. 30, 2026, at midnight, unless rescinded.
2. A map identifying the Described Area is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices
3. A list of Definitions is attached and made a part of this Order as Exhibit B.
4. Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions.
5. A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
6. Contact the Cave Creek Ranger District in Scottsdale AZ, (480) 595-3300, the Globe Ranger District in Globe, AZ, (928) 402-6200, the Mesa Ranger District in Mesa, AZ, (480) 610-3300, the Payson Ranger District in Payson, AZ, (928) 474-7900, or the Tonto Basin Ranger District in Roosevelt, AZ, (602) 225-5395 for more information about this Order.