Deer Fire

May 30, 2019

Discovered:  May 28, 2019

Location: Alpine Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests

•     Approximately 8 miles south/southeast of Alpine

Size: 35 acres                                 

Percent Containment: 0%

Cause: Natural (Lightning)

Personnel Assigned: 5

Incident Commander: Durand Jaramillo

Vegetation: Ponderosa Pine with a heavy dead and down component left behind by the 2011 Wallow Fire.

On Tuesday Fire Managers received a report of a smoke in the vicinity of Campbell Blue drainage west of Luce Ranch. Due to safety concerns from the overabundance of snags from the 2011 Wallow fire, as well as steep slopes, this naturally occurring low intensity fire is currently being monitored by both onsite crews, as well as air resources. The lightening caused fire will continue the consumption of unburned fuels, with growth in all directions.

Fire crews will focus on protection of Luce Ranch, powerlines, and monitoring perimeter growth.

The Deer Fire may be visible from Arizona State Highway 191, south of Alpine and in the vicinity of Campbell Blue. Motorists are asked to be aware of fire crews and drive carefully through the area.

Light smoke may continue to impact Campbell Blue and the Blue community. Individuals sensitive to smoke can learn how to help protect their health by visiting the Coconino County Public Health Services District website at: http://bit.ly/SmokeHealthAwareness

Know Before You Go:

o   Northeastern Arizona Public Information System:   https://311info.net/ or call 311 or 928.333.3412

o   Fire Restrictions and Red Flag Alerts:  http://wildlandfire.az.gov/

o   Wildfires Near Me:  http://www.wildfiresnearme.wfmrda.com/

With both Apache and Navajo counties experiencing both snowfall and flooding issues, we wanted to make sure that everyone knows this important, life-saving information:

• Hazards such as black ice, fog, high winds and white out conditions can impair visibility and safe driving. Safety tips include slow down, don’t tailgate, turn headlights on. Stock an emergency kit and blankets , check tire treads and wiper blades and ensure all the lights are working. Here are other winter driving tips.

• Heavy rains falling on melting snowpack can produce disastrous flooding, swelling in creeks and rivers and overflow of lakes and reservoirs. With the heavy rains we have been experiencing, on top of melting snow we will continue to experience rapid runoff causing streams to rise. Use caution in these areas, do not drive thru the streams and rivers, Turn around, don’t drown!