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Authorities break up illegal 5,000-person party in Tonto National Forest

Park rangers responded to the party happening in the Lower Sycamore area on Saturday night.

ARIZONA, USA — An illegal party in the Tonto National Forest attended by thousands of people was broken up over the weekend. 

Park rangers responded to the party happening in the Lower Sycamore area on Saturday night.

Forest Service officials said the event was dangerous.

Authorities spotted partygoers committing multiple violations including driving under the influence, reckless driving, illegal fireworks and illegal target shooting.

Any event with more than 75 people is also required to have a permit, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

During the event, seven vehicle crashes were reported, and several off-road vehicles were stolen.

"Some of the roadways were blocked by campers, there was a collision, someone had to be mede-vaced," said Susan Blake, the spokewoman for Tonto National Forest.

One person had to be hospitalized after a crash and had to be airlifted due to barriers erected by the party-goers.

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office said eight deputies responded to the party. 

No citations were given and no arrests were made. 

Forest Services said law enforcement was outnumbered.

Illegal events can be reported to park rangers at:

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