8/12/14-The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (ASNFs) present very different landscapes and varied weather conditions which may affect the outlook for fire season and monsoonal moisture. Monsoons can be dangerous if you are not aware of the dangers they can bring.

The US Forest Service wants visitors to the ASNFs to enjoy their time on the forests, and encourages visitors planning a trip to the area to “Know Before You Go”!

Lightning: What You Need to Know
• NO PLACE outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area!!
• If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you.
• When you hear thunder, immediately move to safe shelter: a substantial building with electricity or plumbing or an enclosed, metal-topped vehicle with windows up.
• Stay in safe shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder.
Last Resort Outdoor Risk Reduction Tips
If you are caught outside with no safe shelter anywhere nearby the following actions may reduce your risk:
• Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges or peaks
• Never lie flat on the ground
• Never shelter under an isolated tree
• Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter
• Immediately get out and away from ponds, lakes and other bodies of water
• Stay away from objects that conduct electricity (barbed wire fences, power lines, windmills, etc.)
The ASNFs experience large rain events this time of year. For more information on road/trail conditions, contact one of the five local district offices or the ASNFs Forest Supervisor’s Office at (928) 333-4301 or go to their website: http://www.fed.usa.gov/asnf. Forecast weather conditions can be found at the National Weather Service webpage http://www.nws.noaa.gov/.

Residents and visitors are asked to be aware of wildfire conditions in our area and take appropriate prevention measures. Remember, one less spark means one less wildfire.

8/11/14 – Shower and thunderstorm coverage will decrease overnight tonight becoming more isolated to widely scattered. Tuesday a deep tropical moisture and southerly flow will combine to produce widespread rainfall on tuesday and wednesday. Areas of moderate to briefly heavy rain will be possible although the chance for severe thunderstorms containing large hail and high wind will be greatly diminished. There will be an elevated risk for flodding on Tuesday and wednesday due to the prolonged nature of this rainfall event along with widespread rain showers and saturated ground conditions. Drier conditions will begin to work back ito the area friday with a sharp downard trend in precipitation on Saturday and Sunday.

Join Smokey and his friends for a birthday celebration!

Saturday, August 9, 2014
11:00 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Bashas in Eagar, Arizona

Most of us are thinking about retirement at 70, if we haven’t already retired, but Smokey Bear is still going strong!

Smokey first appeared as the mascot of the U.S. Forest Service on Aug. 9, 1944, and will celebrate his 70th birthday locally this Saturday at the Eagar Gazebo next to Bashas at 150 N Main, Eagar, AZ.

“Only you can prevent forest fires!” was Smokey’s slogan for more than 50 years, until “forest fires” was changed to “wildfires” in 2001 to recognize that many resources are damaged by fire every year. The campaign remains one of the most widely recognized in the United States.

Smokey and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Supervisor’s Office and Springerville Ranger District employees will be on hand for photos and handing out Smokey memorabilia from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

To take the Smokey Bear pledge and join in the campaign, go to http://www.smokeybear.com/ for more information.