Springerville, AZ October 29, 2018 – The Springerville Ranger District on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests plan to conduct a 300 acre prescribed fire operation Thursday, Nov 1st, 2018 in the Wallow West Prescribed area; Township 7N, Range 28 East to Township 6N, Range 28 East. Ignition is dependent on the weather.

The terminology used for the type of prescribed burn on Thursday is called a blackline. A blackline is used to reinforce a containment line. The containment line will be needed for the future prescribed burn operation in the Wallow West Prescribed Unit, 1A. The total acreage for the blackline is 300 acres. The total acreage for the Wallow West Prescribed Unit, 1A is just over 10,000 acres. The prescribed burn for the Wallow West Prescribed Unit, 1A is planned for the future, however, because burns are dependent on the weather, no date is available at this time. The Wallow West Prescribed area project will help reduce the fuels from the Wallow Fire.

Once ignition occurs, crews will be on scene from ignition until there is no longer a threat of escape from the project boundaries. The burn may be canceled by fire managers if conditions become unfavorable.

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.

Questions or concerns contact the Springerville Ranger District at 928-333-6200 or visit the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest’s website at: www.fs.usda.gov/asnf