This diagram shows you how to defend your home from wildfire.

This homeowner made a clear defense around this home.

with trees growing up against this house a firefighter would have no chance to save this home.

It’s not to late to protect your home for the 2013 Wilfire Season!  A few simple steps can mean the difference between saving your home or not.

* Make sure all dead grasses, shrubs and trees are cleared away immediately. Trim lower branches on trees.

* Clear at least 30-100 feet around your home (see the diagram above).

* Move fuel tanks, propane tanks and stack firewood away from the house or other structures.

* Place screens over gutters, chimneys, vents and crawl spaces under homes to deter embers.

For more information on being prepared for all types of emergencies including wildfires visit: http://www.ready.gov/wildfires.

Apache and Navajo Counties welcome all visitors to the White Mountains and Mogollon Rim Country. Just a reminder that both counties have enacted Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. There are no campfires or open burning allowed, smoking should be inside an enclosed building or vehicle and for Navajo County NO fireworks!

We wish everyone a safe Memorial Day Weekend and wish to thank the men an women of our Armed Forces past, present and future for their service!!

Most if not all of Northeast Arizona will be under Stage 1 fire restrictions at 12:01 A.M. May 23rd. Stage 1 restrictions prohibit building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire. Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. This will include all unicorporated areas of Navajo and Apache Counties as well as State  and Federal Lands. Most cities and towns will also be under restrictions of some type.

Navajo County and State Lands do not permit the use of any and all fireworks during Fire Restrictions. And fireworks are never allowed on National Forest lands.While most agencies have similar restrictions there may be some variances, please check with the specific jurisdiction if you have any questions.  All Open Burn Permits issued by Navajo County are suspended until further notice. Fire restriction exemption does not absolve an individual or organization from liability or responsibility for any fire started.

And if in doubt, put it out!!