Location: Whiting Knoll Cause: Lightning Percent contained: 0%
Date Reported: June 30, 10 a.m. Size: 460 acres Fuel: Mixed Conifer, Ponderosa, grass understory Resources assigned: 5 engines, 2 hand crews, 1 bulldozer, 1 helicopter

Springerville, July 4, 2019 – For Immediate Release – The Whiting Knoll Fire is located approximately 8 miles southeast of Vernon, Arizona. Fire managers are utilizing existing roads and natural features as fire line to create a box in which they plan to contain the fire. Utilizing ground and helicopter assisted ignition, crews successfully began burn outs within the planning area on Wednesday. Burn outs are a strategy employed by fire managers where crews set fire to fuels between the edge of the fire and the fire line to reduce fuel load in the fire’s path in order slow and eventually stop the progress of the fire. Wednesday’s operations went as planned and without incident. While smoke will be visible from surrounding communities, prevailing winds are pushing the column away from densely populated areas.
Today crews will continue with burn out operations as weather conditions remain favorable. Localized smoke is expected to be heavy through the afternoon.
Weather: Dry, breezy and warm conditions are anticipated today. Friday, wind directions turn more southerly allowing a chance for moisture to move into the area, bringing a slight chances for showers and thunderstorms to the White Mountain area through the weekend.
Safety: Smoke may be heavy at times along U.S. Highway 60 between mileposts 374 and 379. Visitors are reminded to use their headlights and drive with caution through areas impacted by smoke. Most forest roads remain open in the fire zone, but forest visitors are asked to drive slow along Apache County Road 3123 and Forest Roads 117 and 65 and be alert for crews working along the road.
Individuals sensitive to smoke are encouraged to visit the Arizona Department of Health Services website at http://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/extreme-weather/index.php#wildfires-home
for additional information regarding the dangers of wildfire and prescribed burn smoke and wildfire preparedness. Air quality data from across the state can be viewed at www.Phoenix.net/PPMmain.aspx.
Fire restrictions: The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest is not currently in fire restrictions. Visitors are reminded to be very careful with fire. Never leave a fire unattended – even for a short time. Additional Information on wildfire and wildfire safety can be found at:
o Northeastern Arizona Public Information System: https://311info.net/ or call 311 or 928.333.3412 o Arizona Fire Restrictions: http://firerestrictions.us/az/ o Fire Restrictions and Red Flag Alerts: http://wildlandfire.az.gov/ o Wildfires Near Me: http://www.wildfiresnearme.wfmrda.com/
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