7/12/16 – Three small brush fires were started on State Route 277 this morning by a vehicle with a blown tire. At this time the highway is down to one lane so please expect delays at mp 309 to 310.

We will update as soon as more information is available.

7/11/16 – The National Weather Service has advised that we have a Red Flag Warning in effect for today. Increased winds out of the southwest will be in the 15-25 MPH range with gusts from 35 to 40 MPH. The relative humidity level is 8 to 15%. The Red Flag Warning will be in effect until 8:00 pm tonight.

Please be advised this means NO fires allowed! Even the campfires in designated campgrounds should be extinguished completely in order to avoid embers being blown and causing an ignition.

Remember, “One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire!”

7/8/16 – – For Immediate Release – The lightning-caused Miller Fire continues to spread north of Jenkins Creek on the Quemado Ranger District of the Gila National Forest. The fire is located twenty six miles northwest of Luna and seventeen miles southeast of Springerville, AZ. The fire is estimated at 130 acres with ten personnel assigned. The fire has been managed under a monitoring strategy since it started June 23.

Personnel committed to the incident are monitoring and patrolling the fire. The fire is expected to continue moving west and northwest along the ridge above Jenkins Creek. Observed fire activity includes backing fire with flame lengths less than one foot, on the northwest edge of the fire. The fire is burning logs, branches, and needles on the forest floor.

Forecasted weather over the next several days calls for a warming and drying trend. It is anticipated fire behavior will increase, and smoke will be visible from several locations: State Highway 60 near the New Mexico/Arizona state line, the communities of Springerville and St. John’s, AZ, and residential areas near Nelson Reservoir in Arizona.