The Black Mesa Ranger District on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests received record rainfall this summer and fall. They are planning to conduct prescribed burns from October 13-December 31, 2015. The district plans to treat approximately 6,000 acres within the Rodeo-Chediski prescribed fire area south of Heber-Overgaard and around the Black Mesa Ranger District administrative site. Additionally, the district will treat up to 2,500 acres in the Nagel Area near Dutch Joe Ranch. The public will receive notifications when weather permits the district a window to burn.

Prescribed burning is a management tool to reduce the build-up of forest fuels and ground litter. Areas were prepared this summer, along with brushing and cleaning of roads and the construction of containment lines on the perimeter of the burn units.

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.

Smoke management actions are also implemented near smoke sensitive areas such as towns and out-lying residential areas. Precautions will be taken to minimize the adverse effects of smoke on the local communities. Motorists are advised to drive safely when approaching areas where prescribed fire activities may limit visibility. Hikers and other recreationists should avoid trails where signs are posted to protect them from possible hazardous situations.

All prescribed burns are approved through the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) before ignition begins. The ADEQ monitors air quality and determines whether or not it will be a good day for smoke dispersion. Breaking larger burn areas into smaller acreages often limits the amount of smoke that impacts an area. Although smoke from prescribed fire can still be noticeable, it is usually for a shorter time and considerably less smoke than wildfires produce. If you are sensitive to smoke or have respiratory problems, stay indoors if possible. You can check the status for air quality at your location at: https://nmtracking.org/en/environ_exposure/fire-and-smoke/

Questions or concerns contact John Manthei, Black Mesa Ranger District Assistant Fire Management Officer at (928) 535-7300. Also, check out the ASNFs website at: www.fs.usda.gov/asnf

10/12/15 – The Lakeside Ranger District on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests has been given an unusual opportunity due to more than usual precipitation this summer and fall. They are planning to conduct prescribe burns from October 9-December 31, 2015. The district plans to burn approximately 5,000 acres on the McCleve Unit, South of Pinedale, Country Club Unit, East of Pinetop and the Goodman Unit, South of Vernon. The public will receive notifications when weather permits the district a window to burn.

Prescribed burning is a management tool to reduce the build-up of forest fuels and ground litter. Areas were prepared this summer, along with brushing and cleaning of roads and the construction of containment lines on the perimeter of the burn units.

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.

Smoke management actions are also implemented near smoke sensitive areas such as towns and out-lying residential areas. Precautions will be taken to minimize the adverse effects of smoke on the local communities. Motorists are advised to drive safely when approaching areas where prescribed fire activities may limit visibility. Hikers and other recreationists should avoid trails where signs are posted to protect them from possible hazardous situations.

All prescribed burns are approved through the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) before ignition begins. The ADEQ monitors air quality and determines whether or not it will be a good day for smoke dispersion. Breaking larger burn areas into smaller acreages often limits the amount of smoke that impacts an area. Although smoke from prescribed fire can still be noticeable, it is usually for a shorter time and considerably less smoke than wildfires produce. If you are sensitive to smoke or have respiratory problems, stay indoors if possible. You can check the status for air quality at your location at: https://nmtracking.org/en/environ_exposure/fire-and-smoke/

Questions or concerns contact Shane Baca, Lakeside Ranger District Assistant Fire Management Officer at (928) 368-2136. Also, check out the ASNFs website at: www.fs.usda.gov/asnf

10/7/15 – The Bureau of Indian Affairs Fort Apache Agency Fire Management in coordination with the White Mountain Apache Tribe will begin prescribed burn operations Tuesday, October 13, 2015. Approximately 15,000 acres are targeted to be treated by either pile burning or broadcast burning within several burn units on the Fort Apache Reservation.

The late fall prescribe burning conditions have low to moderate fire intensity which produces beneficial post-fire effects. These small prescribed fires will help reduce fuel accumulation from logging and thinning projects, decrease the risk of high intensity wildfire, and to protect communities. Broadcast burns involve applying fire across the forest floor. Flames make their way along the surface, consuming accumulated needles, leaves, branches and logs while recycling nutrients back into the soil. Broadcast burns typically produce the most noticeable smoke.

Nearby residents should expect smoke in the vicinity and drivers should pay extra attention while traveling through or adjacent to burn areas particularly along Highway 73 from Post Office Canyon to Hondah and State Route 260 east of Hondah. All prescribed fire activity will be carefully monitored and will comply with smoke management guidelines to reduce the impact of smoke on local residents. If conditions become unfavorable prescribed burning efforts will be ceased to mitigate smoke impacts to the communities.

Prescribed burning efforts will continue as long as weather conditions permit and targeted acres are completed. If you have any questions regarding our upcoming prescribed burning efforts, you can call Candy Lupe, Public Information Officer at (928) 338-5425 or (928) 205-5662.