St. Johns, AZ- On Monday, August 14, 2023, the White Mountain Fire Coordinating Group met to discuss the current fire restrictions. Upon review of current conditions, it was determined that the unincorporated areas of Apache and Navajo Counties, the Town of Pinetop-Lakeside, the towns of Taylor and Snowflake, Eagar, Springerville as well as the City of Show Low and the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests will rescind all fire restrictions beginning Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at 8:00 a.m.

The decision to rescind fire restrictions included the analysis of several key data points including the energy release components (ERC) of the fuels in the region. The ERC is valuable in determining fire danger because it acts as a fuel moisture index for all types of live and dead fuels. It tells fire managers how hot and fast the fuels will burn. The ERC’s are now in approximately the 50^th percentile which is a good indicator of the fuel moisture content. Another key data set is the number of fires (human or natural caused) throughout the region, which have been minimal in previous weeks. In addition, the 6 to 10- day and monthly weather outlooks are also a deciding factor in restrictions and the projected weather forecast is for monsoon activity to continue across North Eastern Arizona for the rest of the week. Finally, the group also assesses the availability of resources that would be called upon should a fire start. Most, if not all, of our local resources that have been sent to other areas to combat fires, have or are returning to their home base locations. Additionally, the USFS has a task force stationed in Lakeside as well as a large number of available federal resources. Further, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management as well as the BIA Fort Apache Agency have access to additional resources.

All these pieces come together to form the deciding factors in entering or lifting fire restrictions and is a coordinated, regional effort. That being said, even with increased moisture across the region and more forecast in the future, it is imperative that our community members and visitors stay vigilant and follow good land stewardship practices that will ensure our forests, homes and businesses are protected year-round. Therefore, we ask that our residents and visitors continue to practice fire safety with campfires and debris burning. Never leave a fire of any kind unattended. When extinguishing any fire, be sure to drown it with water, stir the water in, and feel the area with the back of your hand for any heat, repeating as necessary to ensure the fire is completely out.

The White Mountain Fire Coordinating Group would like to thank all of our residents and visitors for their compliance to fire restrictions, together we are able to keep our communities safer.

Please continue to follow the Apache County Emergency Management and Preparedness Facebook page as well as the Navajo County Emergency Management and Preparedness Facebook page and 311info.net for updates on fire restrictions and other pertinent, vetted information pertaining to local hazards and preparedness.

Fire personnel on the Springerville Ranger District respond to the Carnero Fire
Crews working to suppress a fire 7 miles west of Springerville Arizona

SPRINGERVILLE, AZ – July 26, 2023 – Fire personnel are working to extinguish the Carnero Fire on the Springerville Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests.
The Carnero Fire is located about 7 miles west of Springerville north of State Route 260 between Forest Service Road (FSR) 118/ County Road 1325 and Forest Service Road 558. Fire size is estimated at 200 acres. The lightning-caused fire was first observed on July 26, 2023, and is spreading at a moderate rate in grass and pine. Four suppression crews, 2 engines, 1 dozer, and 2 helicopters are assigned to the incident. Air tankers are being ordered as needed.

Smoke is expected to be visible in the area as this fire continues to burn. Air quality information is available at https://www.airnow.gov/

Further information will be provided as it becomes available. Visit the A-S National Forests website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf and follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs

July 25, 2023
Whiteriver, AZ – The Cottonwood Ridge Fire started on Sunday, July 23, 2023 within the old Rodeo-Chediski burn scar on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. It is approximately 240 acres, burning mainly dead and down logs and manzanita in steep and rugged terrain that is difficult for firefighters to access. The Cottonwood Ridge is exhibiting low to moderate fire behavior.
Yesterday, Airtankers have slowed the fire’s growth using retardant while firefighters were scouting to gain access to the fire. There were 23 personnel on the fire yesterday with additional resources on order.
Management Objective: Reduce fire size using aircraft, giving firefighters time to assess the fire landscape. Firefighters are working on full suppression tactics for this fire.
Operational Update: Today, firefighters will continue to scout the area to gain access to the south end of the fire to establish an anchor point. Heavy equipment will improve the main road. Air resources will continue to support the fire.
Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the priority. Members of the public should avoid the fire area.
Values at risk: Potential communities at risk include Linden to the north of the Cottonwood Ridge Fire, but it’s NOT an immediate threat at this time. Citizens should always be “Ready” for any emergency by having a kit, being on the Ready Navajo County Alert System (sign up here: https://member.everbridge.net/453003085612436/login) and watch official sources for accurate information. Should the need arise to go into “SET”, an alert will be sent, as well as posts added to our social media and on www.311info.net. Highway 60 may be impacted and is located east of the fire.
Smoke: Go to https://fire.airnow.gov/ to see the latest smoke conditions in your community. Smoke may be visible from the surrounding communities and along Highway 60.
Primary and Cooperating Agencies: Bureau of Indian Affairs, White Mountain Apache Tribe, Navajo County, and US Forest Service.

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