Ft. Apache BIA – Weekly Update on Prescribed Burn Effort

Fort Apache Agency continues to conduct prescribed burning on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. Since October 9, 2019, a total of 14,868 acres has been treated within several burn units. Broadcast burning treatments will be conducted in several burn units until November 23, 2019 upon favorable conditions. Pile burning treatments will begin after November 23, 2019 within the Rodeo-Chediski Burned area.

This week prescribed burn resources are planning to treat burn blocks within the following prescribed burn units:

Turkey Burn Unit (10 miles east of Whiteriver): Prescribed burn efforts will continue over the next two days.

Hondah burn unit (3 miles east of McNary): Resources will continue to treat the remainder of the burn blocks within this burn unit today and tomorrow.

Soldier burn unit (8 miles east of McNary): Resources will begin treatment efforts on Wednesday, November 6, 2019.

Sevenmile burn unit (8 miles east of Whiteriver): Resources will resume prescribed burn efforts within this burn unit on Wednesday, November 6, 2019.

Maverick burn unit (25 miles east of Whiteriver): Resources will resume prescribed burn efforts within this burn unit on Wednesday, November 6, 2019.

Nearby residents should expect smoke in the vicinity and drivers should pay extra attention while traveling through or adjacent to burn areas. All Prescribed Fire activity will be carefully monitored and will comply with smoke management guidelines to reduce the impact of smoke on local residents. If conditions become unfavorable, prescribed burning efforts will be ceased to mitigate smoke impacts to the communities.

The next update will be on Monday, November 11, 2019. The public should avoid entering the burn units for their safety and fire fighter safety. If you have any questions regarding our upcoming prescribed burning efforts, you can call Candy Lupe, Public Information Officer at (928) 338-5425, (928) 205-5662 or you can log onto BIA Fort Apache Agency’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/BIAFAAFireMgt.

Homestead Fire

October 27, 2019
Start Date: October 27, 2019
Size: 300 Acres Cause: Under Investigation
Location: Near Forest Service Road 117/Whiting Ranch Area
Resources: 1-Water Tender, 1-Dozer, and 4-Engines

The Homestead Fire is located on the Apache National Forest, Springerville Ranger District, near Forest Service 117; specifically near the Whiting Ranch area, and was discovered Sunday, October 27, 2019. Resources from the USDA US Forest Service and state crews are on scene. No structures are threatened at this time. The cause of the Homestead Fire is under investigation.
Smoke is visible from nearby residential areas and the surrounding communities. Please use caution, and if possible, please stay out of the area until the fire crews have containment.

Antelope Fire

Start Date: October 27, 2019
Size: 20 Acres Cause: Under Investigation
Location: Southwest of Vernon near Forest Service Road 3 and 4
Resources: 1-Water Tender, 1-Dozer, and 4-Engines

The Antelope Fire is located on the Sitgreaves National Forest, Lakeside Ranger District, off of Forest Service Road 3 and 4, southwest of Vernon about 4-6 miles was discovered Sunday, October 27, 2019. Resources are on scene. One state crew, Wolf Mountain, is on scene with another arriving soon. No structures are threatened. The cause of the Antelope Fire is under investigation.

Smoke is visible from nearby residential areas and the surrounding communities. Please use caution, and if possible, please stay out of the area until the fire crews have containment.