U.S. Forest Service
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
30 S Chiricahua Drive
Springerville, AZ 85938

Web: www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Twitter: @A_SNFs
www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs

News Release
Media Contact:
Liza Simmons
928-333-6280
lizaasimmons@fs.fed.us

Black Mesa Ranger District burning slash piles

Heber-Overgaard, AZ –January 23, 2017; —The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests’ Black Mesa Ranger District will be burning 30 acres of slash piles east of the Hilltop Circle K on the south side of State Highway 260 from January 24 – February 3.

The communities of Heber-Overgaard and State Highway 260 may be impacted with smoke. Community members and forest visitors are reminded to use caution when traveling in the vicinity of the pile burn as smoke may reduce visibility in the area.

Prescribed burning provides many benefits and is essential to maintaining healthy forest ecosystems. It provides habitat diversity, recycles plant nutrients into the soil and encourages new growth for a variety of plants used by wildlife and livestock. Prescribed burning of forest ground fuels also reduces the threat of large scale wildfire impacts to private lands. Crews will be on scene from ignition until there is no longer a threat of escape from the project boundaries. Prescribed fire operations are subject to cancelation due to unfavorable weather conditions.

For questions or concerns please contact the Black Mesa Ranger District at (928) 535-7300, or dial 311 to reach the Northeastern Arizona Public Information System. Also, check out our website at www.fs.usda.gov/asnf or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs/.

1/23/17 0800 – The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory from 11:00 until 5:00 pm. Strong gusty southwest winds will develop this afternoon and last through the evening hours. Sustained winds of 25 to 35 MPH with gusts between 35 to 45 MPH are expected. Stronger winds will be possible in wind prone areas. These winds will create an additional hazard to high profile vehicles traveling through the area. Wind blown dust and snow will reduce visibility to less than a mile at times.

A Winter Storm Warning also remains in effect until 5:00 a.m. Tuesday above 6000 feet. Light snow showers through Monday morning. Heavier snow will spread from west to east Monday afternoon and evening continuing through Tuesday morning.

General event total snow accumulations could be between 5 to 10 inches for areas above 6000 feet. Higher amounts are possible along southwest facing slopes as well as areas above 9000 feet.

Snowfall forecast from noon today until 5:00 am Tuesday:

Alpine………………………..4 to 8 inches
Pinetop-Lakeside…….4 to 8 inches
Show Low………………….3 to 5 inches
Ganado………………………1 to 3 inches
Shonto……………………….1 to 3 inches
Window Rock……………2 to 4 inches

Plan extra time for travel and use caution while driving. Be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibility.

Lakeside Ranger District burning slash piles

Lakeside, AZ –January 13, 2016; —The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests’ Lakeside Ranger District will be burning slash piles January 17 through 20, if conditions allow. The ignition area is on Timber Knoll just south of Ojo Bonito Estates. Scattered piles will be burned across roughly 50-75 acres of forest land each day. Ignition is planned for four days only and possible smoke impact is anticipated along Highway 60 and within the Vernon Community. In the interest of safety, forest visitors are reminded to use caution when traveling in the vicinity of the pile burn as smoke may reduce visibility in the area.

Prescribed burning provides many benefits and is essential to maintaining healthy forest ecosystems. It provides habitat diversity, recycles plant nutrients into the soil and encourages new growth for a variety of plants used by wildlife and livestock. Prescribed burning of forest ground fuels also reduces the threat of large scale wildfire impacts to private lands. Crews will be on scene from ignition until there is no longer a threat of escape from the project boundaries. Prescribed fire operations are subject to cancelation due to unfavorable weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstance.

For questions or concerns please contact the Lakeside Ranger District at (928) 368-2100, or dial 311 to reach the Northeastern Arizona Public Information System. Also, check out our website at www.fs.usda.gov/asnf or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs/.