AZ Forestry will conduct a one day prescribed burn in Navajo/Apache counties on 9/15/2020. Ignitions will begin at 9 am in the area of US 60, near mile marker 370, northeast of Show Low. The burn is expected to last one day and is weather dependent. Smoke will be visible in the area throughout the day and likely into Wednesday. The burn helps reduce piles left from fuels reduction work in the area.
Cow Canyon Fire September 8, 2020
Location of Origin: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, Alpine Ranger District
Start Date: August 18, 2020 Size: Approx. 248 Acres
Cause: Lightning Percent Contained: 10
Personnel: 0
Resources Assigned: 0
The Cow Canyon Fire, ignited by lightning on August 18, 2020 on the Alpine Ranger District, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, is burning in steep, rugged terrain, is in a remote location within the Blue Range Primitive Area and has minimal values at risk, therefore, is in Monitor Status.
The Cow Canyon Fire, approximately four miles southeast of the Blue Camp in the Blue River Drainage, has grown to approximately 248 acres. The fire started on the north side of Lanphier Canyon and moved to the south crossing the canyon just to the west of Cashier Spring.
Franz Cabin and Corral are located to the east of the fire near Franz Spring. The fire will be monitored for movement to the east that may impact the cabin. Firefighters created a helispot near the cabin during the Whoa Canyon Fire in early July and will utilize that, if necessary, to help protect the cabin and corrals.
The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests issued a temporary trail closure order effective today, September 8, 2020. The following trails are closed for public health and safety due to wildland fire activities along the trails:
Cow Flat Trail (#55) beginning at the trail junction of Bonanza Bill Trail (#23), following the Cow Flat Trail (#55) to the southwest until it meets the junction of WS Lake Trail (#54).
Lanphier Trail (#52) at the trailhead at the junction of National Forest Service Road (NFSR) 281, following the trail to the southeast until it meets Cow Flat Trail (#55).
South Canyon Trail (#53) at the trailhead at its junction with NFSR 281, following the trail to the southeast until it meets Cow Flat Trail (#55).
Smoke may be visible east of Hwy. 191 on the Alpine and Clifton Ranger Districts, west of Saddle Mountain, and near the town of Glenwood, New Mexico. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and active prescribed burns can be found on Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s webpage: https://azdeq.gov/.
For further information, please contact the Alpine Ranger District at 928-339-5000 or email Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests at as_portal_comments@usda.gov.
Lofer Fire and Flash Fire Update for September 08, 2020
| Lofer Fire Summary | |
| Location: 15 miles east of Whiteriver Fire Cause: Lightning Fire Size: 1,256 acres | Containment: 50% Fuel Type: Timber, brush, litter Resources: 133 incident personnel |
Lofer Fire: Yesterday afternoon, crews carried out firing operations along the K.L. Ridge which allowed firefighters to strengthen containment lines and promote a low intensity backing fire down Big Bonito Creek. Firefighters have begun to restore areas disturbed by containment and suppression efforts. This is being done to limit erosion along fire lines as well as to enhance the aesthetics of the landscape. Today, crews will be assessing if there is an additional need for firing operations while other resources will continue with suppression repair efforts.
There will be a local type 3 organization transitioning tomorrow evening for the Lofer and Flash Fires. As containment continues to increase and fire activity decreases, the updates for the fire will only be posted to the BIA Forestry & Wildland Fire Management – Fort Apache Agency if there are any significant changes.
Flash Fire: The Flash Fire is 51 acres in size and approximately 90 percent contained.
Values and Objectives: Safety of incident responders and the public remains the number one priority. Incident personnel will continue to protect traditional gathering sites, recreation areas, the Mount Baldy Wilderness, commercial timberlands and watersheds, and continue to protect riparian areas to the Apache trout.
Closures: For your safety and firefighter safety, please avoid the wildfire area and avoid access roads into the fire. An approximate ten-mile section of BIA 55 Road remains closed to the public.
Smoke: Smoke from California fires has increased dramatically and will again move into Arizona. Gusty winds today should move lingering smoke out of the area.
Important Reminders: Today, strong gusty winds are predicted, and we ask that everyone be careful with their campfires and extinguish it completely when you are leaving. Campfires are prohibited in undeveloped campgrounds and the public is reminded to be fire safe in developed campgrounds. Never leave a campfire unattended and be sure to drown your campfire with water and stir it up to suffocate any remaining heat.
Fire information is available on the BIA Forestry & Wildland Fire Management – Fort Apache Agency at www.facebook.com/biafaafiremgt and on InciWeb at inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7093/