Springerville, AZ, December 4, 2017 – For Immediate Release. The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests’ Black Mesa Ranger District plans to complete the Eastern half of Block 5 of the Nagel Burn area starting on Tuesday, December 5, if weather conditions allow. 410 acres were burned in the northwestern half of the unit last week. The Nagel Burn area is to the south and east of the 100E Road, east of the 717 Road, and north and west of the West Fork of Alder Canyon.

 Once ignition occurs, crews will be on scene from ignition until there is no longer a threat of escape from the project boundaries.

 This project is in partnership with the Arizona Game and Fish Department and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation to provide forest restoration and health to the Rocky Mountain Elk, mule deer, and other wildlife species that frequent the area.

 Prescribed burning provides many benefits and is essential to maintaining healthy forest ecosystems. This prescribed fire is a follow up to previous mechanical treatments within parts of the unit.  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.

 For questions or concerns please contact the Black Mesa Ranger District at (928) 535-7300, or dial 311 for the Northeastern Arizona Public Information System.

News Release from the Department of Forestry and Fire Management

Phoenix, AZ (11/14/17) – Starting tomorrow, the Department of Forestry and Fire Management will begin a 2-day pile burning operation in Northeastern Arizona, near Eagar.

The burn will take place at the base of Flat Top Mountain beginning at 7:00 am Wednesday, November 15th and continue through Thursday, November 16th.

Burning will run through mid-afternoon on both days and then Arizona State Forestry crews will monitor piles into the evening.

It is likely smoke will be visible and could impact the nearby communities of Eagar and Springerville.

As a reminder, prescribed burns are always weather dependent. Any updates will be provided through Facebook at @arizonastateforestry and Twitter @azstateforestry.

For more information, contact Tiffany Davila at 602-540-1036 or by email at tdavila@dffm.az.gov

The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests’ Black Mesa Ranger District plans to conduct a prescribed burn within the Alder Burn Block of the Rim Lakes Forest Health Prescribed Burn area, if weather conditions allow, from November 7 – 9.  This burn will be Northwest of Woods Canyon Lake north of Forest Road 195, east of Forest Road 300, and south of Forest Road 169.  The whole burn project will encompass about 1,400 acres.

 Smoke may be visible from the community of Forest Lakes, and from U.S. Highway 260 and 377. Motorists are advised to drive safely when approaching areas where prescribed fire activities may limit visibility and hinder fire personnel operations.  Once ignition occurs, crews will be on scene from ignition until there is no longer a threat of escape from the project boundaries.

 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.

 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.

 For questions or concerns please contact the Black Mesa Ranger District at (928) 535-7300, or dial 311 for the Northeastern Arizona Public Information System.