SAN CARLOS — The San Carlos Tribe is not taking any chances this wildfire season.
On Saturday, May 31, the Tribal Council announced the forests on the reservation are officially closed to the public for the foreseeable future, due to the implementation of Stage 3 fire restrictions.
“Due to extreme drought, increasing temperatures and little to no rain predicted in the near future, the potential for catastrophic wildfire is extreme,” The Tribal Council wrote in a prepared statement. “This forest closure is for the protection of the public health, safety, property and natural resources. It is the intent of this closure to reduce the likelihood of human-caused wildfires on the san Carlos Apache Indian Reservation.”
The fire restrictions also close roadways north of U.S. Highway 70, including Route 8, Road 1100 North and Road 1300.
Talkalai and San Carlos lakes will remain open for recreation; however, campfires are prohibited.
