The lightning ignited #RanchFire was discovered Tuesday afternoon (7/24) in a remote area near the north boundary of the Black Mesa Ranger District. Fire crews are on scene and additional crews are on order. There are currently no immediate values at risk. Smoke from this fire is visible from Heber-Overgaard.

As of 1500 hours today, July 16,2018, all Fire Restrictions in the unincorporated areas of Apache County, Navajo County (as well as Cities of Winslow, Show Low and Town of Pinetop-Lakeside) and the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest will be rescinded. Arizona State Trust Lands will be rescinded tomorrow at 0800 hours.

The municipalities and tribal jurisdictions may vary in their restrictions so encourage people to check with their local jurisdictions.

Please remember to use our forests wisely and responsibly. No fire should ever be left unattended and all campfires MUST be extinguished completely!!!

#KnowBeforeYouGo!

7/12/18 – The White Mountain Fire Restrictions Working Group concluded that there will be no change in the restrictions for any jurisdictions throughout Apache or Navajo County at this time. Members of the White Mountain Fire Restrictions Working Group include both Navajo and Apache Counties, Apache-Sitgreaves Forest personnel, Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, the Bureau of Land Management and Fort Apache Agency in addition to representatives for local law enforcement and fire agencies.

While we have received some rain, officials were not satisfied with the amounts received to date being enough to mitigate the fire danger. In addition, resources and firefighters are working several lightning start fires each day and are kept extremely busy. The weather does play a large part in the decision officials are looking for continued wide-spread wetting rain. Finally, we look at upcoming events that would bring a large number of visitors to the region that might also impact response capabilities.

All of these factors are considered each week in order to make the most educated decision for the safety and well-being of our citizens and our communities. WMFRWG will continue to evaluate the data and information on a weekly basis and will advise when conditions are sufficient to change the restrictions throughout the entire region.