The following message is brought to you by Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest:

 Please, be vigilant in your awareness while in post-fire areas. If you are in a post-fire area, whether camping, hunting, hiking, fishing or just enjoying the fresh air remember these areas still have a potential for tree hazards.

Even years after a fire tree hazards exist in the post-fire areas. Tree hazards include dead or dying trees, dead parts of live trees, or unstable live trees (due to structural defects or other factors) that are within striking distance of people or property. They have the potential to cause property damage, personal injury or fatality in the event of a failure.

The fire may have consumed a significant portion of a tree’s root system or lower trunk, although the tree is frequently left standing. These trees may fall at any time, even without wind. Fallen trees may get hung up on the branches of other trees and break away at a later time. Upper portions of the trunk and branches may have been partially consumed in the fire, yet still, retain a fragile connection to the tree. Again, these may break away from the main tree without warning. The wind will exacerbate the problem.

The Forest Service wants your visit to your National Forest to be both safe and enjoyable.

LOOK UP, LOOK DOWN, LOOK ALL AROUND.

Springerville, AZ—May 25, 2017—The National Weather Service has issued a RED FLAG WARNING for today from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. that covers the entire Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests due to strong winds and low relative humidity.

On a RED FLAG DAY, the following restrictions go into effect on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests during the advisory hours:

1. Building, maintaining, or attending a fire or campfire. *Propane heating and cooking devices are permissible.
2. Smoking outside a vehicle or a building.
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.

It is common for the Southwest Area (Arizona and New Mexico) to receive high winds in the spring. These high winds coupled with low relative humidity and a high fire danger rating mean that fires ignited under these conditions, even accidentally, would exhibit EXTREME fire behavior. Limit or restrict all activities that may generate a spark and start a fire.

For detailed weather information including warnings issued by the National Weather Service, visit http://www.weather.gov/.

Be vigilant, it’s your responsibility to know before you go. Check current fire information and restrictions at www.wildlandfire.AZ.gov or at www.firerestrictions.us.

For fire information in Northeastern Arizona visit www.311info.net or dial 311.

Press Release from the Apache County Public Health Department:

Due to prescribed burning on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, smoke is impacting local communities.

Particulate matter is a component of smoke from wildfires and consists of fine particles such as soot and ash that can reach deep into the lungs and may contain irritating and toxic compounds. Some of the symptoms related to exposure to smoke from wildfires including controlled burns:

•  Eye, nose, mouth and/or throat irritation
•  Coughing
•  Trouble breathing
•  Tightness of the chest; and/or
•  The onset of symptoms related to pre-existing respiratory ailments like asthma  or emphysema.  

If smoke from wildfires is affecting you and your family consider some of the following actions:

•  If you smell smoke and/or are beginning to experience symptoms, consider temporarily locating to another area as long as it is safe for you to do so.
•  Move indoors and stay there with doors and windows closed.
•  Run the air conditioning, the fan feature on your home heating system with the heat turned off. The filtration systems on home systems can provide some benefit.
•  Run room air filtration units.
•  Reduce your physical activity level. Do not exercise.

 If symptoms persist or become more severe, please contact your primary health care provider – even persons considered healthy can experience symptoms when exposed to smoke from wildfires!

There are a few population groups considered especially at risk from exposure to smoke from wildfires.

•  Elderly persons
•  Young children (especially children 7 and under)
•  Individuals with pre-existing health conditions like asthma, emphysema, and cardiovascular disease; and Individuals with respiratory infections like colds or flu.

The ADEQ Springerville smoke monitor is operational and can be viewed at http://www.phoenixvis.net/PPMmain.aspx.