5/4/17 9:00 – Highway 77 has reopened.

5/4/17 6:30 – An accident this morning has closed State Route 77 just north of Show Low to Lone Pine Dam Rd. Detour routes are through Linden at Lone Pine Dam Rd or White Mountain Lake. Please avoid the accident area for the safety of the response personnel. We will update this post when the road is re-opened.

Prescribed Burn Continues Today 5/3/17

The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, Lakeside Ranger District plans to start conducting a 3,960 acre prescribed burn on May 2 through May 8, weather permitting. The prescribed burn is within the Whitcom Unit which is located northeast of the community of Pinetop, along Forest Service Roads 182, 283, 283A and 185. The Country Club Trail will be impacted by the prescribed burn, north of Forest Service Road 185. Fire personnel advise that the public utilizes other trails for recreating during the duration of the prescribed burn for personnel safety.

Ignition may last several days, with daily smoke impact anticipated within area drainages. Smoke will be visible in the local area, from Arizona State Highway 260 and 77, U.S. Highway 60, and the towns of Pinetop – Lakeside, Vernon, McNary and Show Low. Motorists are advised to drive safely when approaching areas where prescribed fire activities may limit visibility and/or hinder fire personnel operations.

All prescribed burns are approved through the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) before ignition begins. The ADEQ monitors air quality and determines whether or not it will be a good day for smoke dispersion. Although smoke from prescribed fire can still be noticeable, it is usually for a shorter time and considerably less smoke than wildfires produce. If you are sensitive to smoke or have respiratory problems, stay indoors if possible.

5/1/17 – A case of plague has been identified in an adult male in Northern Arizona. As warmer weather approaches plague becomes a concern across the Southwest. Plague is caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis, and circulates among rabbit and rodent populations. It is spread by the bite of infected fleas. Avoiding contact with wild rodents, and domestic animals that may have fleas, as well as avoiding areas where fleas may live are the best ways to protect yourself against plague. Seek medical attention or veterinary attention for your pet if signs of plague are suspected.