RATTLESNAKE FIRE UPDATE: April 12, 2018

Location: Southeast of Whiteriver

Start date: Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Cause: Unknown/Under investigation

Vegetation: Ponderosa pine and grass understory

Size: Approximately 400 acres (385 acres of Fort Apache and 75 acres on ASNF)

Resources Assigned: 4 Type 1 Hotshot Crews, Cibecue Fuels Crew, Fort Apache Fuels Crew, 3 Water Tenders, 1 dozer, 2 Type 6 Engines, 1 Type 3 Helicopter and misc. overhead.

Chris Johnson’s White Mountain Zone Type 3 Team will assume command of the Rattlesnake fire at 6:00 PM this evening. Last night, fire crews conducted burnout operations in the northwest corner of the fire. The fire held within the maverick burn block and the Wallow Fire area. The fire is moving in a northeast direction and backing into the canyon towards the Black River. Fire crews are working on two slop overs, in the southwest fire perimeter and the eastern flank.

Today;s weather forecast calls for red flag conditions from noon to 7:00 p.m. Campfires and debris burning will not be permitted during red flag conditions. In addition Industrial Contractors within the boundaries of the Reservation will be shut down.

Anyone having information regarding the Rattlesnake Fire contact WE-TIP at 1-800-47ARSON (1-800-472-7766).

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The National Weather Service has issued a RED FLAG WARNING for Wednesday, April 11-12, 2018 until 8:00 PM.

Only the National Weather Service can issue a Red Flag Warning. The term Red Flag Warning is used by fire weather forecasters to alert fire personnel and the public of potential extreme and critical fire weather due to high winds and low relative humidity.

Red Flag Warnings are issued when all of the following criteria are met:

1. Wind speeds are expected to exceed 20 mph
2. Relative humidity is 15% or lower
3. Fire danger rating of High, Very High, or Extreme

On a Red Flay Day, the following restrictions go into effect:

1. Building, maintaining, or attending a fire or campfire, this includes use of charcoal. Use of liquid propane or pressurized fuel used for heating and cooking devices are permissible as long as it can be turned on and off, and is in an area devoid of flammable materials within a five foot radius.

2. Outside smoking unless your are in a vehicle, building, or a designated smoking area free of vegetation.

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.

Arizona Department of Transportation:       

Drivers should plan for road work on SR 260 between Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside that begins March 19, 2018. Expect lane restrictions in work zone.

Arizona Department of Transportation crews are performing road-maintenance work on SR 260 between Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside that will require lane restrictions for up to three weeks.

Drivers should allow for extra travel time while the traffic restrictions are in place along a 4-mile stretch of SR 260 from milepost 343 to 347. The pavement work, which began today (Monday, March 19), will be done from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Only one lane will be closed at a time in the travel direction that crews are working. Crews will begin at Show Low and work towards Pinetop-Lakeside in 1/2-mile to 1-mile segments. The length of the active work zone will be based on the amount of traffic and  repair work required on certain portions of the highway.

Once crews complete the maintenance work from Show Low to Pinetop-Lakeside, they will work their way back up SR 260 to Show Low. Crews will be filling cracks in the pavement to preserve and extend the life of the state highway.

Schedules are subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen factors. For more information, please call the ADOT Project Information Line at 855.712.8530 or email Projects@azdot.gov. For real-time highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT’s Traveler Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except when driving.