*** UPDATE 6:40p.m. 10/26/21 ***

Porter Mountain Road has been reopened.

PORTER MOUNTAIN ROAD IS CLOSED near the cinder pit, due to a serious accident until further notice. The only access to Porter Mountain Estates will be through Forest Service Road 182.

There is no estimated time yet on how long until the roadway is clear. Emergency crews are on scene now. Please avoid traveling on Porter Mountain Road until further notice.

Updates will be posted here or social media.

Springerville, AZ, October 12, 2021 — Fire managers on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are planning for the 2021 fall and 2022 spring prescribed fire burning season that is expected to begin in October of this year.

Fire plays a beneficial role in maintaining the ecological stability of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Managers use prescribed fire as a practical means to reduce risks associated with uncharacteristic or catastrophic wildfires.
The Forest Service’s land management strategy is centered on long-term forest health, which includes reducing forest fuels and using prescribed fire on the landscape. A healthy forest is a resilient forest that undergoes fire occurrences on a regular basis. The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests works with partners, collaborators, and communities to clearly identify objectives and address concerns during the planning process for prescribed fires.

Officials recognize that impacts to air quality may be unpleasant at times, however they can significantly reduce the amount and limit the duration of smoke more effectively using prescribed methods than in an uncontrolled wildfire situation. Additionally, fire managers will actively monitor atmospheric conditions daily and use strategies to minimize smoke impacts to rural developed areas.

During operations, fire personnel and vehicles working in these vicinities will be visible to the public. Motorists are reminded to slow down and drive with heightened caution when passing through active project areas.

Individual news releases will be forthcoming throughout the season, detailing specific information about each burn.

All prescribed burning on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests is subject to approval by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). For additional information about the Smoke Management Division of the ADEQ, if you notice smoke in the air, or to view prescribed burn authorizations, please visit: legacy.azdeq.gov/environ/air/smoke/index.html

Fire information for the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests can be found at:
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/A_SNFs
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs
• Website: www.fs.usda.gov/main/asnf/fire

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Fire restrictions to remain in place

Springerville, AZ, July 6th, 2021— The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests has rescinded the full forest closure, effective at 8:00AM, July 7th. Stage II Fire Restrictions will remain in place.

A large portion of the Apache-Sitgreaves has recently received enough rain that, along with cooler temperatures, has reduced the risk of severe fire behavior. The forest closed June 24th, 2021 to reduce the risk to public safety due to extreme fire danger and historically dry conditions.

Drought conditions contribute to fire danger continuing to be very high. The public is reminded to remain vigilant while visiting the National Forest – abide by the restrictions and closures and refrain from any behavior that may accidentally start a wildfire. Stay informed of forest conditions before and during your visit.

Stage II Fire Restrictions
Under Stage II restrictions, fires (including charcoal and briquettes) are prohibited on all National Forest lands. Smoking is also prohibited forest-wide except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material.

Stoves or grills that are solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or pressurized liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels are allowable. Generators with approved spark arresting devices are also permitted in areas that are barren or cleared of any flammable material at least 3 feet around the generator.

The following acts are prohibited from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.: Operating a generator, chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine; using an explosive; blasting, welding, or operating any acetylene or other torch with an open flame.

Stay up to date on Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests news by checking the A-S website and following @A_SNF on Facebook and Twitter.
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