Tucson Region

National forest to tighten fire rules

The Coronado National Forest is tightening its fire restrictions because of the mounting danger of wildfires. Starting at 8 a.m. Thursday, all campfires will be prohibited throughout the 1.8 million-acre national forest. Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns and heaters meeting safety specifications are allowed both inside and outside of developed campgrounds. Forest officials say a good rule of thumb for determining what is legal is that if the heat source can be turned off, it is permitted. Smoking is prohibited while hiking, riding or visiting anywhere on the Coronado, which includes most of the major mountain ranges in southeastern Arizona. On May 21, a man who smoked on Mount Lemmon the day the 84,750-acre Aspen Fire started, and then lied about it to investigators, was sentenced to two years' probation and 200 hours of community service. Kenzo Butler, 23, wasn't charged with starting the fire because it could never be proved that his cigarette sparked the blaze. The fire destroyed 330 cabin sites. Fireworks are prohibited throughout the national forest system year-round. During the fire restrictions, the year-round free campfire permit system in the Santa Catalina Ranger District will be suspended. More information on fire restrictions in the Southwest is available online at www.fs.fed.us/r3/fire or by calling 1-877-864-6985.