Beginning the week of November 5, weather permitting, fire managers will begin broadcast burning approximately 1,000 acres of mostly piñon-juniper vegetation adjacent to the northwest end of Heber—near Forest Road 504 and the surrounding areas. Ignition is planned for three or four working days; while mop-up and patrol of the burn could last as long as a week after ignition is completed.

The prescribed burn is a part of ongoing efforts by the Forest Service to prevent future wildfires by reducing the build-up of hazardous fuels near at-risk communities. Thinning treatments took place in the area previously, and the burn represents the second step in reducing excess fuels. The burn is being completed using Title II funds previously recommended by the Eastern Arizona Resource Advisory Committee. The intent of these funds is to improve watershed conditions and overall forest health.

Beginning the week of November 12, weather permitting, fire managers will begin broadcast burning 790 acres in the Mineral Project Area, which is adjacent to Coon Mountain and approximately 5 miles southeast of Vernon.

The burn is a continuation of burning activities which began in October of this year and is being conducted in partnership with the Arizona Game and Fish Department and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. The primary objectives of this burn are to reduce hazardous ground fuels, maintain an open forest composition created from past thinning treatments, and enhance wildlife habitat by increasing desirable browse species, particularly winter range for elk.

Some expected smoke impacts

Fire managers plan to minimize smoke impacts for these prescribed burns by targeting burn days with forecasted south or southwest winds, which should reduce settlement and transport smoke out of the area. However, some smoke impacts can be expected within the communities of Heber and Overgaard and Vernon, as well as along State Highways 260, 277, and 377 and U.S. Highway 60. Smoke may also be visible in communities north and east of the burns including Snowflake, Holbrook, Show Low, Springerville, and St. Johns. Smoke may settle at lower elevations and drainages during the evening, but it is expected to lift by mid-morning.

For more information about either burn, please contact the respective ranger district office.

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