6-5-15 A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for the Show Low area until 5:30 capable of producing 60 MPH wind and large hail.

Buckelew Vicnity 2015Prescribed burning planned for 500 acres in Vernon area

Springerville, AZ –June 4, 2015; —The Springerville Ranger District is planning on burning next week weather permitting. They plan to burn approximately 500 acres just southeast of Apache County road 3140, which is the road leading to Vernon.
Smoke will be seen from Round Valley, Arizona State Highway 260, U.S. Highway 60 and along Forest Road 61. The burn is to enhance wildlife habitat and watershed conditions, as well as, to promote forest health. This prescribed fire is in cooperation with the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Habitat Partnership Committee.
All prescribed burns are approved through the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) before ignitions begin. 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 a nuisance, 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.
Crews will be on scene from the beginning of ignitions until dark and through the weekends monitoring fire behavior and weather conditions.
Questions or concerns contact Rob Lever, Springerville Ranger District Fire Management Officer at (928) 333-6203 or by calling 311 or 928-333-3412. Also, check out the ASNFs website at: www.fs.usda.gov/asnf

June 3, 2015 — The State of Arizona ranks high in lightning related fatalities each summer (especially in the months of June, July and August). Monsoon season is not quite here yet, however, the National Weather Service’s forecast for this week is calling for thunderstorms throughout the week in the White Mountain area. Where you hear thunder lightning follows.

Here are few tips we hope will prepare you for any situation while visiting any national forests. Always check the weather before you leave home. Stay up to date with a portable radio, the internet, or a smart phone on weather conditions. Here is a link to help you set your phone for weather and other emergency alerts: http://www.weather.com/safety/thunderstorms/video/cell-phone-can-warn-of-severe-weather. Ask locals if you are not familiar with the weather patterns in the area. Plan your activities in the morning, thunderstorms are more likely to develop in the afternoon in mountainous areas. Below are a few things to do and don’t do to keep you knowledgeable about the dangers of lightning:

DO:

Seek shelter in a building or car if available.
Descend quickly if you are caught above tree line.
Avoid isolated trees; if possible find a stand of shorter trees.
Get off bicycles, motorcycles, horses and OHVs and stay at least 100 yards away from rivers and lakes.
Crouch with knees and feet close together to minimize ground contact.
Insulate yourself from the ground by standing on a rock, backpack, or a sleeping bag or pad.

DO NOT:

Sit or lie down.
Return to an open area too soon. Allow 30 minutes after you hear the last rumble of thunder.
Pitch your tent near the tallest trees or use it for shelter.

If someone is struck by lightning, it is safe to attend to him or her; they do not carry an electrical charge. Call for medical help immediately, then if known, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or begin mouth-to-mouth until help arrives. For more information on lightning safety:
http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/safety/safety.shtml#lightning http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/blog/2013/06/lightening-safety/
http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/