FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alpine Village Fire Contained, Residents Return to “READY” Status

Alpine, AZ – April 2, 2025 – On April 1, 2025, the Alpine Village Fire posed a significant threat to the community of Alpine, Arizona. Swift and coordinated efforts by fire crews, alongside support from multiple partner agencies, successfully contained the fire to 26 acres. While forward progression of the fire has been halted, Alpine Fire officials recommended that residents of Alpine Village East remain on ‘SET’ status overnight as a precautionary measure.

As of 10:00 AM today, after a comprehensive assessment of the fire’s impact, authorities have confirmed that all residents may now return to ‘READY’ status. The fire lines held overnight, and light precipitation in the area contributed to the containment efforts. Fire crews will continue to monitor the situation throughout the day. Apache County Emergency Management personnel will also be on site conducting drone flights for damage assessments and fire management.

Alpine Fire would like to extend a special thank you to the Alpine School District and local residents for their swift response during the evacuation. Their cooperation was essential in ensuring the safety of the community.

In addition, a second fire was reported near Luna Lake on the afternoon of April 1st. This fire was quickly addressed by fire personnel and was contained at 6 acres. Local fire officials will remain vigilant in monitoring the area throughout the day.

The Alpine Fire Department and Apache County Emergency Management continue to prioritize the safety of residents and will provide further updates as necessary.

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Duck Lake Fire discovered on Springerville Ranger District

SPRINGERVILLE, Ariz. – July 09, 2024 – The lightning caused Duck Lake fire was discovered on July 5, and is currently at 26 acres in size. The fire is located off of Forest Road (FR)116 and FR72, and near FR72M. Firefighting resources include 1 Type 3 engine, and 1 Type 6 engine.

Operations: The Duck Lake fire area has a significant number of snags, or dead standing trees, and is being monitored to provide for firefighter safety. As fire moves across the landscape it will consume dead and down fuels that remain within the footprint of the Wallow fire. The point protection strategy aims to keep fire within the designated perimeter while reducing hazardous fuel accumulations.

Smoke: Smoke may be visible from FR116, the Westfork trail head, Thompson Crossing and Reservation Lake. Air quality information is available at https://www.airnow.gov/. Closures: There are no road or trail closures at this time, however, visitors are advised to avoid camping in proximity of the fire area.

Value at Risk: There are no structures, homes, or infrastructure threatened at this time.

Safety: There are no evacuations at this time.

Weather: The forecast is calling for partly cloudy skies, a high of 82 degrees, and northwest winds 10 to 15 mph. There will be a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Visit the A-S National Forests website and follow us on Facebook and X (Twitter).

Foote Fire Update

Monday, June 24, 2024

Location of Origin: 12 miles south of Alpine
Size: 4,553 acres
Start Date: June 14, 2024
Percent Contained: 0
Cause: Lightning/Natural
Fuels: Timber, brush, and grass
Personnel: 103
Resources Assigned: 4 Crews, 1 Helicopter, 1 Dozer, 1 Brush Chipper

The Foote Fire is located in the Blue Range Primitive Area and is being managed under a confine-contain strategy, in rugged and inaccessible terrain. Due to recent precipitation and higher relative humidities, the fire is exhibiting low fire intensity. Yesterday’s aerial Infrared flight revealed the only activity was along the northwest portion of the fire, and not actively moving down towards U.S. Highway 191. The Foote Fire will transfer command from the Type 3 Incident Management Team to a Type 4 organization at 7 a.m. on June 26, 2024. This will be the final update on the Foote Fire unless fire activity and weather conditions warrant.

Operations: Firefighters are chipping slash along Forest Road 567, and all planned dozer lines have been put in place. Weather: Today’s forecast calls for partly sunny skies, with a high near 85, and southeast winds of 5 to 7 mph. There is a 70% chance for thunderstorms in the afternoon with potential for strong, erratic outflow winds and lightning. Restrictions: The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are in Stage 2 Fire Restrictions.

Smoke: The public can expect to see smoke in the immediate future, and there is a potential for a U.S. Highway 191 closure in the coming days to provide for the safety of the crews working along the highway edge, as well as for public safety due to smoke impacts along the highway. All areas within proximity of the fire can be impacted by smoke, depending on wind directions and ventilation. Go to fire.airnow.gov/ to see the latest smoke conditions in your community.

Evacuations: None at this time, and no structures are currently threatened.