Forest Service News Release
Media Contacts: SM.FS.ASNF_PAO@usda.gov
Jeffrey Todd, Forest Public Affairs Officer 928-333-6263
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests moves to Stage 2 fire restrictions
Springerville, AZ, May 24th, 2022 — The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests will implement forest-wide Stage 2 fire restrictions at 8 a.m. Thursday, May 26, 2022. The restrictions are necessary to reduce human-caused wildfires during periods of high fire danger and persistent severe fire conditions. Forest Order #03-01-22-10 and Exhibit A are on the forest website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/asnf/alerts-notices

Under Stage 2 fire restrictions the following activities are prohibited:

1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, including
   charcoal and briquettes. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(a).
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while
   stopped in an area at least three (3) feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable
   material. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(d).
3. Blasting, welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame. 36 C.F.R. §
   261.52(i).
4. Using an explosive. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(b).
5. Possessing or using a motor vehicle off National Forest System roads, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway and except for parking overnight in Forest Service developed campgrounds and trailheads. 36 C.F.R. § 261.56.
   

Forest managers consider several factors before implementing fire restrictions, including current fire danger and fire activity, local, regional, and national fire preparedness levels, expected weather conditions, availability of firefighting resources, and the economic impacts on businesses and communities. The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests coordinate fire restrictions with federal, state, tribal and local partners.
Violations are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations and/or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months.

Stay up to date on news from the A – S at our website https://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf, on Twitter @A_SNFs and on facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs.

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***Power Outage in Snowflake Area***

Currently there is a power outage affecting approximately 2000 customers in the Snowflake area – boundaries are Hay Hollow Road to Casa Linda Drive and Peach Blossom Lane to Hunt Road. APS has field personnel in the area patrolling to assess the extent and cause of the outage, and will be restoring service safely and as quickly as possible.

While the current estimated time of restoration is 8:20 p.m., that could change.

Because we are in wildfire season APS wanted to bring your attention to an operational protocol they put in place a few years ago. Before they reenergize a line during an outage in a high fire risk area, APS will physically patrol the line with additional rigor. They recognize that this could prolong outages, and are prioritizing the safety of their customers and communities.

For more information on the outage, including any potential changes in the estimated time of restoration, please visit APS.com/outagemap

***Joe Tank Fire Update 5:40 pm***

All areas previously under SET status including Cheney Ranch, Indian Mission, Full House, Smith Ranch and Hog Wash may return to READY status as of 5:40 p.m.

Crews will continue to monitor the area through the night.

Please continue to follow vetted sources for any further information.