7/27/16 3:21 PM
Smoke from the Elk Fire is heavy in Pinetop, Porter Mountain and Sky High Retreat. It is visible all the way in Pinedale, Linden, and Snowflake. For citizens with health or respiratory issues please follow normal safety procedures, limit your activities, stay inside, use your AC if available, close windows and doors and do not vent outside air into your homes.
7/27/16 11:48 am
Fire officials on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are managing two lightning-caused fires called the “Baldwin” and “Elk” fires. Both fires are being allowed to move within a predetermined planning area for the purpose of reducing hazardous fuel accumulations and restoring overall forest health.
The Elk Fire is northeast of Pinetop, approximately 685 acres, and smoke has been present in Pinetop, Lakeside, Show Low, Porter Mountain and Sky High. Map is attached.
The Baldwin Fire is south of Heber-Overgaard, approximately 450 acres, and smoke has sometimes been visible in Heber and Overgaard.
2016-7-27_Map_ElkFire
7/27/16 11:33 am
The Baldwin Fire on the Black Mesa RD is approximately 400 acres about 3 miles south of Heber-Overgaard. Smoke may be visible in Heber & Overgaard. The Elk Fire on the Lakeside RD is approximately 685 acres in the area northeast of Pinetop and smoke has been visible in the afternoons & evenings in the area of Porter Mountain, Pinetop, Lakeside & Show Low.
Smoke is also coming from lightning-caused fires on the Fort Apache Reservation
7/26/16 – 11:00 – The Elk Fire is approximately 450 acres and is burning southwest of Turkey Mountain on the Lakeside Ranger District and smoke may be visible from the communities of Pinetop-Lakeside and Show Low, as well as State Highway 260 and U.S. Highway 60. Fire managers will monitor the fire for potential benefit to the landscape.
July 26, 2016 at 8:00 a.m.
Location: Black Mesa Ranger District 4-5 miles south of Heber-Overgaard
Discovery Date: July 19, 2016
Size: Approximately 276 acres Percent Contained: 10%
Cause: Lightning
Resources Assigned: Two engines and the Black Mesa Hot Shot crew
Summary: The Baldwin Fire is not a threat to the communities of Heber and Overgaard. Crews are blacklining around the perimeter of the fire as weather permits. Due to this activity, increased smoke may be visible from the community at times, and smoke may drift into Heber, Overgaard, Forest Lakes, Highway 260 and surrounding areas throughout the weekend. Fire is burning in the Rodeo/Chediski burn area. Weather forecast for today is 60% chance of rain.
Smoke is also coming from a fire on the Fort Apache Reservation (Chuck Box Fire). This fire is due south and below the Mogollon Rim. Smoke from this fire may also impact the Heber and Overgaard communities.
Forest users are responsible for their own safety and are encouraged to use caution as they utilize their forest, and to do so in a responsible manner to ensure the protection of life, property and natural resources. Be aware of your surroundings-“Look up, look down, look all around.” If you have any further questions please contact the Black Mesa Ranger District at (928) 535-7300.
Fire Information: Further information on this incident is available on Inciweb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4880/; 311 via your mobile device, landline 928.333.3412, https://twitter.com/A_SNFs and https://www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs