May 2, 2017 — 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.

Prescribed burning provides many benefits and is essential to maintaining healthy forest ecosystems. It provides habitat diversity, recycles plant nutrients into the soil and encourages new growth for a variety of plants used by wildlife and livestock. Prescribed burning of forest ground fuels also reduces the threat of large scale wildfire impacts to private lands. Prescribed burning in the Whitcom Unit will reduce logging slash that was left in parts of the unit during previous mechanical treatments.  This will provide protection for the adjacent private land as well as the community of Pinetop Country Club and Sky High Retreat.

Crews will be on scene from ignition until there is no longer a threat of escape from the project boundaries.

Questions or concerns contact the Lakeside Ranger District at (928) 368-2100 or by calling 311 or 928-333-3412. Also, check out our website at: www.fs.usda.gov/asnf

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5/1/17 8:30 – Coconino National Forest will be conducting prescribed burn 4 miles south of Happy Jack. Smoke will likely affect residents in Navajo County as the prevailing winds push the smoke in our direction.
For those with respitory issues please take precautionary measures and keep windows and doors closed.

U.S. Forest Service
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
30 S Chiricahua Drive
Springerville, AZ 85938
Web: www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Twitter: @A_SNFs
www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs

News Release
Media Contact: Liza Simmons
928-333-6280
lizaasimmons@fs.fed.us

Red Flag Warning in effect for the southern portion of the Clifton Ranger District

Springerville, AZ—April 27, 2017—The National Weather Service has issued a RED FLAG WARNING for April 27 and April 28 for much of Southern Arizona including portions of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests due to strong winds, low relative humidity and very high fire danger. This Red Flag Warning is in effect today, April 27 from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. MST and tomorrow April 28 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. MST in southeast fire weather zone 152 including eastern Cochise, southeast Graham and southern Greenlee Counties.
On a RED FLAG DAY, the following restrictions go into effect on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests during the advisory hours:
1. Building, maintaining, or attending a fire or campfire. *Propane heating and cooking devices are permissible.
2. Smoking outside a vehicle or a building.
3. Vehicle use off roads or trails.
4. Driving a vehicle without an approved spark arresting device.
5. Operating an internal combustion engine (unless the equipment has an approved spark arresting device AND is in an area completely devoid of vegetation) i.e. chainsaws, generators, hot saws, skidders, and other recreational or industrial equipment.
6. Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
The National Weather Service predicts that very windy conditions are expected to continue over the next several days. A wind advisory remains in effect from 10:00 a.m. this morning to 7:00 p.m. MST this evening for much of Eastern Arizona. West winds are expected to be 25 to 35 MPH with gusts to around 50 MPH. Visitors to the forests should use extreme caution.
It is common for the Southwest Area (Arizona and New Mexico) to receive high winds in the spring. These high winds coupled with low relative humidity and a high fire danger rating mean that fires ignited under these conditions, even accidentally, would exhibit EXTREME fire behavior. Limit or restrict all activities that may generate a spark and start a fire.
For detailed weather information including warnings issued by the National Weather Service, visit http://www.weather.gov/.
Be vigilant, it’s your responsibility to know before you go. Check current fire information and restrictions at www.wildlandfire.AZ.gov or at www.firerestrictions.us.