Tucson Region

Restrictions lifted inside Coronado

Monsoon rains have soaked the Coronado National Forest enough for officials to lift campfire and smoking restrictions effective at 8 a.m. today. The worst of the fire season seems to have abated in Southeastern Arizona, though visitors to the forest should be cautious when building campfires, driving or smoking in areas with dry grass, said Dean McAlister, fire management officer for Coronado. "Although we're actually looking at a bit less of a chance for precipitation the next couple of days, we don't believe the monsoon is over, so we're going ahead and lifting the restrictions," said Coronado spokeswoman Gail Aschenbrenner. "A lot of areas have received really good moisture, other areas are a little bit spotty, but with the humidities up, it's really knocked back the potential for fire spread." Campfires and smoking in all areas of the forest had been banned since June 17, when "State II" fire restrictions were imposed. Forest visitors who want to build campfires outside of developed campgrounds in the Santa Catalina Ranger District of the forest, including Mount Lemmon and Redington Pass, must have permits to do so. The free permits can be obtained from fire prevention officers in the field and at the following locations: ● Forest Supervisor Office, 300 West Congress, 670-4552; ● Sabino Canyon Visitor Center, 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road, 749-8700; ● Palisades Visitor Center, milepost 19.9 on the Catalina Highway (open weekends only). Forest Service officials in Flagstaff also announced that they will lift fire restrictions for the Coconino National Forest at 8 a.m. Wednesday.