With the number of fires throughout the state dwindling, the Tonto National Forest has lifted Stage 1 restrictions put in place on May 14. 

The restrictions had been implemented to limit the chance of man-made fires amid dry conditions. Recent monsoon storms have brought much-needed moisture that has reduced the threat.

Susan Blake is with the Tonto National Forest.

“We’ve had some monsoonal weather that’s come through and that’s actually helped quite a bit. In fact, these lightning fires that we have had recently in the last two weeks have been put out by the monsoon’s precipitation that has come through the area," Blake said. 

Blake says monsoon storms play a huge part in limiting Arizona’s wildfire season. And with relatively dry monsoons the past two years, the fire season was extended through October.