4/1/16 7:30 am
Prescribed burning continues on Springerville Ranger District

Springerville, AZ, March 31, 2016;–For Immediate Release — The Springerville Ranger District on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests is planning to continue prescribed fire operations next week. The district plans to burn approximately 1350 acres on the Hideaways Unit, adjacent to the communities of Hidden Meadows and Greens Peak Hideaways. Resources have been identified in the burn plan to meet both resource and control goals.

Smoke will be visible from Round Valley, Arizona State Highway 260, U.S. Highway 60 and along Forest Road 118. The burn is to enhance 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 Habitat Partnership Committee and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

Implementation of smoke management actions near smoke sensitive areas such as towns and outlying residential areas. Precautions will be taken to minimize the adverse effects of smoke on the local communities. 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 the 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, consider staying indoors if possible. You can check the status for air quality at your location: https://nmtracking.org/en/environ_exposure/fire-and-smoke/

Questions or concerns contact Cary Stock, Springerville Ranger District Assistant Fire Management Officer at (928) 333-6351. Also, check out the ASNFs website at: www.fs.usda.gov/asnf