4/5/16 –  The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest would like to remind everyone that they will be continuing the control burn in the Springerville Ranger District beginning tomorrow April 6, 2016. They are planning on burning 1,051 acres, weather dependent, near Greens Peak Hideaways/Hidden Meadow.  This will be the only burn scheduled for this week as a cool, moist weather pattern is forecasted to move into our area beginning Thursday and remain into next week. Smoke should disperse to the southwest-southeast through our operations tomorrow.  Smoke will settle into local area drainages overnight with clearing by 0930 the following morning.

The burn is in cooperation with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Arizona Game and Fish habitat partnership committee.

Goals of the burn are to; protect the local communities from high severity wildfire, enhance wildlife habitat and improve forest health.

Fire resources from Alpine, Lakeside, and black mesa ranger districts will provide additional support for the burn to meet resource and control goals.

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