The San Carlos Tribal Council, under the authority of the Tribal Constitution, Article V, Section 1, (f), opens all recreational areas to the public.

Monsoon moisture over the past few weeks has reduced the risk of fire danger. High humidity has increased moisture of dead fuels, rainfall has been spotty, however, Level 2 Fire Restrictions are still in effect.

The following acts are prohibited on San Carlos Apache Tribal lands until further notice:

  • Igniting, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, including charcoal and briquettes. Liquid petroleum or LPG fueled stoves may be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the device.
  • Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three (3) feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material. Smoking is prohibited in all Tribal facilities.
  • Operating an internal combustion engine other than a motor vehicle in forest and woodland areas is prohibited.
  • Discharging a firearm is prohibited.
  • Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame in forest and woodland areas is prohibited.
  • All motor vehicle travel is restricted to developed roads.

Those exempt from the restrictions are:

  • Any Federal, State, or Tribal employees, such as Tribal Resource Managers, Local Officers, and a member of and organized rescue or firefighter force in the performance of official duty.
  • Tribal residents, within their property, with a valid burn permit. San Carlos residents must obtain a burn permit for burning natural debris within the local community and adhere to the burn permit policy.
  • These restrictions do not apply to traditional ceremonies, religious events, wakes or residential and commercial properties.

Please be aware of the weather when camping (e.g., fishing, hiking, swimming, etc.) near fire affected areas, rivers and streams. Heavy rains can cause sudden flooding and flow downstream into community areas. Please be safe when outdoors, and watch for flash flood warnings.

Contact: Wilfred Steele, Fire Prevention Specialist, (928) 475- 2326 Ext.321, or (928) 961-0515, or [email protected]

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