Springerville, AZ—October 8, 2014; The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests fire managers on the Springerville Ranger District are planning to conduct a prescribed burn during the week of October 13, 2014 weather conditions permitting.

The planned area is on Board Shack Knoll which is located southwest of Greer, AZ and smoke may be visible on AZ State Hwy 260. If weather conditions do not permit the burn in the area of Board Shack Knoll, the team will be burning district-wide piles. Pile burns require more moisture in the surrounding vegetation and are usually conducted when snow is on the ground or after considerable rain. Piles consist of the slash from forest thinning projects, which include small logs and branches. Pile burning usually produces less smoke than broadcast burns.

All prescribed fire activity is dependent on personnel availability, weather – including winds and ventilation, and approval from the ADEQ (www.azdeq.gov).

Fire managers make every effort to minimize smoke impacts to the communities while continuing to address the critical need to reduce the risk of severe wildfires around those communities. Tactics to keep smoke impacts as minimal as possible include canceling approved burns when conditions aren’t favorable, finding alternative uses for the debris in slash piles, timing daytime ignitions to allow the majority of smoke time to disperse prior to settling overnight, and burning larger sections at a time when conditions are favorable to reduce the overall number of days smoke is in the area.

For more information about the prescribed burn, please contact the Springerville Ranger District at 928-333-6200 or contact the Northeastern Arizona Public Information line by dialing 311 for Verizon customers; *311 for Cell One Customers or by calling 928-333-3412, which has daily prescribed burn schedules and any wildfires that might be occurring.

For more information on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests and its district offices, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf.

Follow the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests on Twitter (@A_SNFs) for instant updates

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10/8/14 – Chances for showers will increase across northern Arizona today as moisture associated with the remnants of what is now post-tropical cyclone Simon interacts with a trough moving across the state. Areas of heavy rain and localized flooding are possible, mainly south of Interstate 40. A few thunderstorms could also develop but strong thunderstorms are not currently expected.

For Thursday the area of heaviest precipitation is expected to shift eastward roughly along and east of a line from Payson to Window Rock. Thunderstorm coverage is expected to increase on Thursday due to greater instability with the passing trough.

9/23/14 – The Apache-Sitgreaves (A-S) National Forests wishes to remind you that campfire safety is still a priority. The monsoon season is ending and fine grassy fuels and brush will start to dry out. As you are out hunting, camping, or collecting firewood on the A-S National Forests there is still a need for campfire safety. Here are some suggestions to help prevent wildfires:

For campers, hunters and drivers:
• If you don’t need a fire, don’t build one.
• Use established campfire rings whenever available.
• Make sure campfires are away from overhanging branches, steep slopes, and leaves.
• Keep water and a shovel near the campfire.
• Douse campfire with water and stir one hour before leaving. If its cool to the touch, then it’s safe to leave.
• Adults should always supervise children around a campfire.
• Only smoke in approved areas and always dispose of smoking materials in an ashtray or ashcan.
• While driving, avoid pulling over into areas with tall grass. Hot catalytic converters or exhaust particles can ignite grasses along the roadway.
• If pulling a trailer, make sure chains are not dragging along the pavement as the sparks can fly and start a fire.

For landowners:
• Thin trees and brush near structures.
• Remove weeds and mow dry grasses.
• Clear twig and leaf litter from gutters and roofs.
• Stack firewood well away from structures.
• Surround structures with drought and fire resistant or irrigated landscaping.
• Have an evacuation plan.

Follow the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests on Twitter @A_SNFs