A Red Flag Warning remains in effect for Northern Arizona today and Thursday!  A combination of strong winds and low relative humidity’s can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Southwest winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph can be expected over the next two days.

Please remain vigilant of anything that could ignite a fire. Small sparks from a dragging chain, cigarettes carelessly disposed of and even pulling off of the side of the road on tall grasses can start a large fire very quickly!

Approximately 12:30 pm today numerous agencies were requested to respond to a reported structure fire located at 1001 N. 40th Street in Show Low, AZ. Upon arrival of the first responding fire crews declared this fire to be a working incident and that it was the piles of logs that were burning and not a structure. Initial reports are that the fire started in the engine compartment of an excavator that is used to unload logs from the trucks that bring them in from the forest. However the official cause of the fire is still under investigation.
In the initial stages of this fire there were approximately 28 fire apparatus that were either on scene or en route to the scene to assist with this incident. County, State and Federal resources were also utilized to control the incident. The fire quickly spread to an area behind three nearby propane storage/operation facilities. Several fire crews began immediate efforts to protect the 3 closest large propane storage tanks (approximately 10,000 gallons each) by setting up stationary monitors which sprayed water over these tanks to keep them cool. Several smaller tanks also in the same area heated up beyond the point that the pressure relief valves could contain thus allowing some of these tanks to off gas the remaining propane in these tanks. It did appear that the built in safety devices were effective in not causing these tanks to “BLEVE” (boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion). A Forest Service “SEAT” (single engine air tanker) which is stationed at the Show Low airport was used to drop several loads of fire retardant (slurry) on and near the area of the propane tanks in an effort to control the fire and cool them and allow fire crews to safely operate in the area.
All while these activities were taking place the Show Low Police Department and Navajo County Sheriff’s Deputies were evacuating the businesses that were potentially in harm’s way. Highway 60 was also shut down from traffic use from the Highway 77 intersection to the Bourden Ranch Road intersection.
No employees or firefighters were injured during this fire. Unconfirmed reports from the staff at the pellet plant advised that approximately 10,000 tons of product (logs) burned in this fire.
Operations to extinguish this fire will continue throughout the night with personnel from the Fire Districts and plant employees this could extend for the next few days.

Brent Mix Captain/PIO Show Low Fire
Kirk Webb Fire Marshal/PIO Lakeside Fire

Springerville, AZ- June 4, 2013; Temperatures continue to rise and with no rain in sight for the White Mountains.  The ‘White Mountain Fire Restrictions Coordination Group’ of the Northeastern Arizona Public Information System, is in the process of  implementing Stage II fire restrictions effective 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 14, 2013 for forested areas in Apache and Navajo Counties.

Despite Stage I Fire Restrictions ordered over the Memorial Day Weekend, over 70 illegal campfires where located over the holiday weekend in the White Mountains.  Other Forests within Arizona also saw record numbers of illegal fires started outside of developed recreation areas with citations issued despite all the warnings.

“We are seeing extreme drought conditions, and you do not need to be a scientist to see the scientific calculations (known as ERC levels) to know there is no moisture within the White Mountains and neighboring counties.  Public and private lands are dangerously dry,” according to Jim Zornes, Apache- Sitgreaves National Forests’ Supervisor.

“Our goal is to reduce any chance of any human-caused wildfires and to protect public health, and safety.  With Stage II fire restrictions in place it will help give us a much needed ‘insurance policy’ in reducing the risk of man-made fire starts,” according to Kirk Webb, Lakeside Fire Marshall.

Stage II fire restrictions include:

1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove, anywhere on the district. Exceptions: The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, propane grills, or heating devices are allowed, provided such devices meet the fire underwriter’s specification for safety and has a turn-off valve.
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, at a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
3. Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device.
4. Discharging a firearm, air rifle or gas gun.
5. Operating a chainsaw, or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
6. Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device that is properly installed, maintained and in effective working order. They must meet either USDA Forest Service or appropriate Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recommended practice
7. Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
8. Possessing or using a motor vehicle off National Forest System roads, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway or overnight parking in Forest Service-developed campgrounds and trailheads.

“Although the White Mountains will be in Stage II fire restrictions, there are many activities that can still be enjoyed in forested areas, such as mountain biking,  picnicking, hiking and camping without campfires,” said Eric Flood, Alpine Recreation Staff Officer. “However, please use extreme caution when you’re on the forest, as conditions are very dry and wildfires can start from smoldering cigarettes or sparks from engines,” he added.

There are some exemptions to these restrictions and are noted on the restrictions order that is posted on the ASNFs web page: http://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf in the “Alerts and Notices” section.

Pamela Baltimore, Media Coordinator for White Mountain Fire Restrictions Coordination Group – Northeastern Arizona Public Information System

Phone: 928-333-6263; e-mail: pmbaltimore@fs.fed.us

Useful fire websites:

• Southwest Coordination Center:  http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/
• Arizona Fire Information:http://azfireinfo.com/
• National Interagency Fire Center: www.nifc.gov
• FireWise:  www.firewise.org
• Fire Restrictions across the US: http://firerestrictions.us/az

Additionally, fireworks are never allowed on National Forests. For more information about restrictions on public lands by calling 311 or  (928) 333-3412; 1-877-864-6985 or visit (www.311info.org), and also the NEW interagency website: (Firerestrictions.us) created to inform residents and visitors about fire restrictions and closures across the South-west area.

Forest and White Mountain visitors are encouraged to be fire safe and show their commitment to wildfire prevention by going online and taking Smokey’s pledge