There are several wildfires burning in the area which may be visible from local communities.

The Wildcate Fire is 4.3 acres and is located north of Forest Lakes. Smoke from this fire may be visible from State Highway 260.

The Paddy Creek Fire and Sawtooth Fire are approximately 389 acres and are burning on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. Smoke from these fires may be visible from State Highway 260.

The Wagon Fire is a small fire right off of the Rim near Lakeside. Smoke may be visible in the surrounding areas.

The National Weather Serviced is predicting a very windy day today with gusts up to 30 MPH. Please use caution when visiting public lands. In windy conditions an abandoned campfire can quickly turn to a large wildfire. There were 4 abandoned campfires this weekend. If you see an abandoned campfire either try to put it out or call dispatch (928)532-2700.

There are no fire restrictions at this time, but if you do have a campfire please be careful. Do not leave it unattended and make sure it is cool to the touch before leaving.

Smoke may be visible from AZ State Highway 260. There are two wildfires burning on Fort Apache Indian Reservation. Crews are on scene and continue to work with these fires. For daily updates, please remember to visit www.311info.net, or dial 311 from your mobile device or (928) 333-3412 from any phone.
Wildcat fire North of Forest Lakes still approximately 4.3 acres and crews have a good line around it.

***NEWS RELEASE***

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17, 2016

COMMUNITY ALERT

On May 17, 2016, at approximately 0730 hours, an adult female subject was waiting for a bus on Porter Mountain Road, North of White Mountain Boulevard, Lakeside. A male subject drove by her and “cat-whistled”. The vehicle turned around and pulled up to the female. The male subject asked what she was doing, what her name was and offered to give her a ride. The female refused and the subject told her to get in his car and opened his door. The female threatened to call the Police and pulled her shoe off in an effort to fend off the male subject. The male subject did not exit his vehicle and then drove off towards White Mountain Boulevard.

The Male subject in this incident was reported to be driving a gray in color four-door sedan. The vehicle was reported to very dusty and had not been washed in a while. The vehicle make and model is unknown and the driver’s door window appeared to be stuck partially open and tilted out. The male driver was reported to be an older white male with a “chubby” face, short white curly hair, glasses, and a clean shaven face. The only clothing the subject could be seen wearing was a dark colored shirt.

If information is known about this incident or new information develops, please contact the Pinetop-Lakeside Police Department at (928) 368-8800 or the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office at (928) 532-4050.