05/15/2026
U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service
Tonto National Forest
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
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 8:00am through
September 30, 2026, at midnight, unless rescinded.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
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.
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