U.S. Forest Service-Tonto National Forest

Fuelwood E-Permits are now available to purchase online for the Tonto National Forest! Visit here to get your fuelwood permits today: https://epermits.fs2c.usda.gov/forest/0312.

For more information on fuelwood permits, visit our website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/tonto/forest-products/fuelwood-permits.

June is Great Outdoors Month: a perfect time to get outside and reconnect with your wild side.

Family, friends and even pets can join in on the fun. What’s your favorite way to enjoy your public lands? Tell us in the comments.

New Wildfire: 260 Fire is approximately .5 acres with forward progress stopped. Located on State Route 260 at mile post 257.

*Update*
2 p.m. Sunday, May 31

The highway is now open. Expect residual traffic.

---

*Closure*
1 p.m. Sunday, May 31

State Route 260 is closed in both directions at milepost 257 near Payson due to a brush fire.

There is no estimated reopening time.

For real-time traffic info, check http://az511.gov and the AZ511 app:
Apple: https://tinyurl.com/AZ511Apple
Android: https://tinyurl.com/AZ511Android

Forest Service offices will be closed today in observance of the federal holiday, but national forests and grasslands remain open for your enjoyment.

Stay safe, pack out what you pack in and enjoy your big backyard!

Do you have this upcoming Monday off and looking to go outside? Don't scratch those Tonto passes just yet. Memorial Day, May 25, is a fee-free day!

Plan your next adventure and check out recreational opportunities on our website.

Friendly reminder that the entirety of Tonto National Forest is in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions and emergency target shooting restrictions. Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun is prohibited. Only propane devices that can be turned off and on are allowed. No fires are allowed unless they're in a Forest Service installed metal or concrete fire structure within a designated developed site. can prevent wildfires. Read more on fire restrictions and exemptions to the rule here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/tonto/fire/fire-restrictions.

The Mesa Ranger District Office is experiencing phone issues. Phone calls can be received but personnel are not able to call out and return phones calls.

5/17/26 6:33 P.M. UPDATE: All lanes are now open.

---

*CLOSURE*

SR 87 southbound is closed near Sunflower due to a brush fire at milepost 207.

Expect delays. There is no estimated time to reopen the highway.

For real-time traffic info, check https://bit.ly/4daetVQ and the AZ511 app:
📱 Apple: https://bit.ly/4cTUxFk
📱 Android: https://tinyurl.com/AZ511Android

‼️A red flag warning has been issued this Sunday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. by US National Weather Service Phoenix Arizona.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions and Emergency Recreational Shooting Restrictions is also in effect for the entire Forest. Learn more about fire restrictions, including recreational shooting restrictions, and exemptions to the rule here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/tonto/fire/fire-restrictions.

Bronco Fire Morning Update 8:30 a.m.

Containment increased to 50% as acreage remains the same. This will be the final update unless there is significant change in fire activity.

Update- May 16 at 10:30 p.m.

Forward progress stopped at an estimated 100 acres.

New Fire Start:

Crews are responding to a new fire start on Forest Service Road 24 north of Bronco Trailhead on the Cave Creek Ranger District. The fire is estimated to be about 60 acres, actively burning at a moderate to high rate of spread due to red flag winds. Six engines and a hot shot crew are on scene engaging in fire suppression efforts. Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is assisting on scene.
Forest Service Road 24 is currently closed to public access while crews conduct fire suppression operations for firefighter and public safety.