Apache and Navajo County, as well as partnering cities, towns and National Forests, will jointly lift fire restrictions throughout the region today at 2 p.m.

Despite the lifting of fire restrictions, the public is urged to stay vigilant and safe while exploring the outdoors. Make sure campsites are cleared of dry debris before lighting a fire, and always completely extinguish your fire before leaving (drown, stir and drown again). If a fire is too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave!

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.