Fire restrictions go into effect 8 a.m. Thursday for recreation areas at major Tonto National Forest lakes near the East Valley.
They include Roosevelt, Apache, Canyon and Saguaro lakes east of Mesa and Horseshoe and Bartlett lakes northeast of Cave Creek. Rising temperatures and winds are drying out vegetation and increasing wildlife risk, forest officials said.
Most types of fires and fire-causing activities will be prohibited. Restrictions apply also to areas along state routes 60 and 188, as well as along the Verde River, and the Mazatzal Wilderness Area to the Mogollon Rim. Information:
