Little Springs Prescribed Burn
Springerville, AZ, October 13, 2017 – The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests’ Black Mesa Ranger District plans to conduct a prescribed burn, weather permitting, within the Little Springs prescribed burn area starting on October 16 and possibly through November, or as long as it takes to complete the burning operation. This burn will be around the Forest Lakes area on the north side of Highway 260. The whole burn project will encompass about 1,900 acres and will take place along Forest Roads 99, 99A, 237, and Highway 260.
Prescribed burning provides many benefits and is essential to maintaining healthy forest ecosystems. This prescribed fire is a follow up to previous mechanical treatments within parts of the unit. It provides habitat diversity, recycles plant nutrients into the soil and encourages new growth for a variety of plants used by wildlife and livestock. Prescribed burning of forest ground fuels also reduces the threat of large scale wildfire impacts to private lands. This will provide protection for the adjacent private lands including the community of Forest Lakes and the Ryan Ranch.
Once ignition occurs, crews will be on scene from ignition until there is no longer a threat of escape from the project boundaries.
For questions or concerns please contact the Black Mesa Ranger District at (928) 535-7300. Dial 311 for the Northeastern Arizona Public Information System, visit our website at www.fs.usda.gov/asnf and our Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs/.
Brady Park Prescribed Burn
Springerville, AZ, October 13, 2017 — For Immediate Release — The Springerville Ranger District on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests is planning to conduct prescribed fire operations October 16 and 17 if weather conditions are conducive to meeting objectives. The district plans to burn approximately 1,469 acres on the Brady Park Unit, 6 miles southeast of Vernon. Personnel will remain on scene to monitor the burn through the week as needed.
Ignitions will occur throughout the morning to minimize the adverse effects of smoke on the local communities. Smoke will be visible from Round Valley, Arizona State Highway 260, US Highway 60 and along Forest Roads 117, 404, and 65. Motorists are advised to drive safely when approaching areas where prescribed fire activities may limit visibility and hinder fire personnel operations.
All prescribed burns are approved through the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) before ignition begins. The ADEQ monitors air quality and determines whether or not it will be a good day for smoke dispersion. Although smoke from prescribed fire can still be noticeable, it is usually for a shorter time and considerably less smoke than wildfires produce. If you are sensitive to smoke or have respiratory problems, stay indoors if possible. Prescribed burning enhances wildlife habitat and watershed conditions, while promoting forest health and protecting communities from the effects of future high severity wildfire. This prescribed fire is in cooperation with the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Habitat Partnership Committee, as well as the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Mule Deer Foundation.