U.S. Forest Service Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests 30 South Chiricahua Drive Springerville, AZ 85938
Web: www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Twitter: @A_SNFs
News Release
Media Contact:
Kacy Ellsworth 928-333-6280
kacy.l.ellsworth@usda.gov
Alpine Ranger District Plan to Conduct Pile Burning into December 2019
Springerville, AZ – November 20, 2019 – The Alpine Ranger District on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests plan to conduct pile burning beginning Wednesday, November 21, 2019 through December 6, 2019, as weather conditions allow. The units consist of piled debris left over from recent timber sales surrounding the community of Alpine. Ignitions during snow storms and/or snow pack are necessary in order to minimize pile creep (the burning through duff and litter (forest soil organic matter) surrounding the pile).
Smoke will be visible from Alpine, along portions of Arizona State Hwy 180, as well as portions of Forest Road 275. Motorists are advised to drive safely as smoke may limit visibility. Lingering smoke may be present for up to one week after ignitions are complete. Fire managers will monitor the area while smoke is present. 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 through the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests email at as_portal_comments@usda.gov.
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