Car parked over dry grass/weeds ignites fire.

3/27/17 -As spring begins and brings warmer days, we are seeing more of our citizens and visitors out and about. As these activities take us outdoors, let’s all remember to be Firewise both at home and on the road!

Remember to make sure if you are towing a trailer that the tow chains or straps are secured and not dragging. Northeastern Arizona has already experienced several fires sparked along State Route 377 and Interstate 40 due to dragging chains.

If you have car trouble and need to pull over do your best to make sure you are not parked on tall grasses or weeds. As you can see in the photo a vehicle was completely destroyed by a fire started from the heat of the vehicle igniting the dry grass underneath. Make sure to maintain your vehicle to ensure you arrive at your destination safe and sound!

3/3/17 3:44 pm – The propane tanker has been removed and the roadway is back open.

3/3/17 11:10 am – STAY CLEAR OF SR 260 AND 87 INTERSECTION
A Propane Tanker has overturned at the intersection of SR 260 and 87 in Payson.
The intersection is closed and the public is advised to STAY CLEAR OF THE AREA!

We will update as soon as we have more information.

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/.