4/2/18 – The Tribal Forestry Department will be coordinating a prescribe burn with White Mountain Apache Fire and Rescue Department and Pinetop Fire Fuels Reduction crew.  The prescribe burn will reduce the amount of ground fuel around the Hon-Dah Resort Casino and Conference Center.

The prescribe burn will take place on April 3, 2018. The prescribe burn will be based on favorable weather conditions which include but not limited to the current weather forecast, air quality and fuel moisture.  The prescribe fire will help to reduce ground fuels and help protect property for the  Hon-Dah Resort Casino and Conference Center. See attached map for the location of the prescribe burn area.

Nearby residents should expect smoke inthe area and drivers should pay extra attention while traveling through the area of the prescribe burn. Individuals with respiratory problems are advised to avoid the outdoors as much as possible. The public will not be allowed in the prescribe fire burning area.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Logan Lawson at the Tribal Forestry Department (928)338-1665 or (928)594-6415.

March 30, 2018
Location:
 Black Mesa Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
 Navajo County, Arizona
 Approximately 5 miles west of Heber, AZ

Start Date: Reported March 30 at 9 AM
Size: 21 acres Percent Contained: 0%
Cause: Human caused, under investigation

Resources Assigned: 1 hand crew, 2 engines
Vegetation: Pinyon pine and grass

Growth Potential: Low to Moderate
Structures Threatened: 0

Summary: This fire is located off of Forest Service Roads (FSR) 412 and 122. Resources on scene conducted firing operations to tie the fire into nearby roads. This strategy creates a safer working environment for firefighter personnel as there is a lot of snags (dead trees) in the area. Resources are currently putting out hot spots along the roads.

This is the ninth human caused fire on the Black Mesa Ranger District this week, three of which have become wildfires. As Southwest Wildfire Awareness Week comes to a close we can never stress enough that our White Mountains have experienced an unusually dry and warm winter, and all it takes is one spark to start a wildfire. Come prepared with a shovel and water, drown and stir your campfire until it’s cold to the touch.

Know Before You Go:
o Northeastern Arizona Public Information System: https://311info.net/ or call 311 or 928.333.3412
o Arizona Fire Restrictions: http://firerestrictions.us/az/
o Fire Restrictions and Red Flag Alerts: http://wildlandfire.az.gov/
o Wildfires Near Me: http://www.wildfiresnearme.wfmrda.com/

3/27/18 4:30 pm

Location:
 Black Mesa Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
 Navajo County, Arizona
 Approximately 5 miles south of Heber-Overgaard, Arizona
Start Date: Monday, March 26, 2018 Size: 8.7 acres
Cause: Under Investigation Vegetation: Timber – heavy dead and down component
Growth Potential: Low
Summary: The Whiskey fire was spotted from Gentry Fire Tower by Forest Service personnel on Monday, March 26, 2018 at 12:21 p.m. The fire is located off Forest Road 166, between Forest Roads 51 and 487. Responding crews from the district were able to construct line around the perimeter of the fire Monday before nightfall. Aided by cool temperatures and light over-night snow, crews have switched from suppression to mop-up. Crews will continue to monitor and patrol the fire, taking action as needed until the fire is determined to be out.

This will be the only update on the Whiskey Fire unless significant activity occurs.

Fire Information:
Know Before You Go:
o Northeastern Arizona Public Information System: https://311info.net/ or call 311 or 928.333.3412
o Arizona Fire Restrictions: http://firerestrictions.us/az/
o Fire Restrictions and Red Flag Alerts: http://wildlandfire.az.gov/
o Wildfires Near Me: http://www.wildfiresnearme.wfmrda.com/