Tonto National Forest is increasing its fire restrictions ahead of the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

Drought conditions, hot temperatures, and increased fire danger have resulted in an elevation of fire restrictions for the Tonto National Forest beginning at 8 a.m., Friday, May 23.

Most types of fire or fire-causing activities are prohibited across the entire Tonto National Forest.

Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or charcoal-burning device is prohibited.

Restrictions also apply to operating internal combustion power tools, using welding equipment or torches with open flames, operating combustion engines without spark-arresting devices in effective working order, or discharging firearms except in taking game in accordance with Arizona hunting laws.

Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or a developed recreation site.

Use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, and heating devices are allowed, if they are equipped with a switch or attached manual device that allows the fire to be extinguished immediately. Additionally some developed recreation sites are exempted from these restrictions.

Locations in the Mesa Ranger District where fires are permitted within the grades and grills provided include: Saguaro Lake Marina, Saguaro Del Norte, Butcher Jones, Canyon Lake Marina, Acacia, Boulder, Laguna, Palo Verde, Granite Reef, Phon D Sutton, Coons Bluff, Goldfield, Pebble Beach, Blue Point, Sheep’s Crossing, Water Users and the Larry Forbis Group Site.