Due to the Guzzler Fire the areas of Chevelon Canyon Ranches/Retreat are currently on “SET”. Please make sure your go kit is prepared, you have your important papers/documents gathered and you are following vetted sources for further updates.
At today’s meeting of the White Mountain Fire Coordinating Group, emergency management, first responders, forest service and BLM personnel as well as other subject matter experts discussed the fire restrictions and fire events that occurred over the past week in our communities.
Representatives reported several violations of the Stage 1 Fire restrictions including:
16 local jurisdictional fire restriction violations (Cities, towns, etc.)
3 fire starts on the Apache-Sitgreaves Forests and over 20 camp fire violations
3 fire starts on the Fort Apache
Today, we are calling our community to action. We are asking that you become an information ambassador by sharing this message out on your social media platforms to ensure that the word is spread far and wide that we are in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions throughout the region.
The areas included in the restrictions at this time are: ALL unincorporated areas of Navajo and Apache Counties including the communities of Heber-Overgaard, Linden, Pinedale, Claysprings, Woodruff, Joseph City, White Mountain Lake, Sun Valley, Vernon, Greer, Alpine, Nutrioso and Concho. In addition, the municipalities of Eagar, Springerville, Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside are also under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions.
Further, most federal and state lands are under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions throughout the region including the Apache-Sitgreaves Forests, BIA/BLM lands, and State Trust lands outside of incorporated municipalities, all Game and Fish Commission Wildlife areas and department properties outside incorporated municipalities and all State Park Lands outside of incorporated municipalities.
Fire Restrictions prohibit the use of fireworks which are NEVER legal on the Apache-Sitgreaves Forests, BIA/BLM or State Trust lands and are illegal during fire restrictions in several towns, cities and unincorporated areas of the counties. For more information, contact your local fire department or law enforcement agency. You can also find more information on what is and is NOT allowed on www.311info.net under the Fire Restrictions tab.
Our law enforcement agencies have a ZERO tolerance attitude when we are in Fire Restrictions. You WILL at a minimum be cited for reckless endangerment and should you ignite a fire, you will also be responsible for all fire suppression costs.
So, this 4th of July let’s leave the Shows to the Pros and all have safe and wonderful holiday!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 27, 2023
Stage 1 fire restrictions starting Thursday, June 29th at 6:00 p.m.
Holbrook, AZ – On Monday June 26th, the voting members of the White Mountain Fire Coordinating Group (WMFCG), met to discuss the current conditions of the forests as well as weather patterns across the region. During the meeting the members voted to recommend the enactment of fire restrictions throughout Apache and Navajo Counties. Additionally, several other agencies such as the USFS Apache- Sitgreaves Forests, State Trust Lands and some municipalities will also join in the restrictions. While the majority of the restrictions are similar across the region, there are some differences and it is recommended to check with the appropriate jurisdiction(s). It is up to each resident and visitor to know the rules prior to igniting any campfires. Information and updates can also be found under the Fire Restriction tab at www.311info.net.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions will go into effect throughout unincorporated areas of both Apache and Navajo County on Thursday, June 29th, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
Under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions The following acts are prohibited until further notice:
1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire (unless noted in the exemptions below).
2. Smoking outside of designated areas.
3. Use of any and all fireworks.
4. Use of explosive targets.
5. Use of tracer round ammunition.
Exemptions:*An exemption does not absolve an individual or organization from liability or responsibility for any fire started by the exempted activity.
1. Persons obtaining a written “Special Use Permit” from the “Authority Having Jurisdiction” that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act.
2. Fires used only for the cooking of food or for providing warmth for human beings or for recreational purposes (campfires and charcoal fires) in an area that is designated for that purpose and is barren or cleared of all debris for 3 feet in diameter around the device. Permissible items include propane fire rings, pellet stoves/smokers/grills that have UL or FM approval and are a contained unit. A person of appropriate age must maintain a presence at all times when in operation.
3. Smoking within enclosed buildings and inside vehicles is allowed. Smoking may also be allowed in or on porches, carports, garages, parking lots and other areas or properties which are cleared of all combustible materials so long as the smoking does not create a substantial risk of fire and all smoking materials are properly extinguished and disposed of. At no time is it allowed to discard lit cigarettes, cigars, or other smoking materials from a vehicle, or from ones’ possession in a public place. ARS 13-1603.a.1
4. Persons using a device solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off. Such devices with UL and/or FM approval can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the device. A person of appropriate age must always maintain a presence with the device when in operation.5. Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.
6. Emergency repair of public utilities and railroads as per attached conditions.
7. Any Federal, State, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
8. All land within a city boundary is exempted unless otherwise stated by city ordinance.
9. Other exemptions unique to each “Authority Having Jurisdiction”.
“Fire restrictions are precautionary measures that help prevent human-caused wildfires and unnecessary dangers to first responders,” Emergency Manager, Catrina Jenkins said. “With conditions as dry as they are, and no significant projected moisture for relief, this is the right time to enter restrictions.”
Although the region received a significant amount of snow/rain over the winter/spring, the extra moisture does not mean that fire restrictions are not necessary as the summer temperatures heat up. “Fire is a year-round threat to our region and our citizens and visitors must remain vigilant,” said Jenkins. Even with warnings from forest experts, some residents and visitors may still feel that the restrictions do not apply to them. Jenkins clarified that “restrictions apply to everyone, full-time/part-time residents as well as visitors, and no one is exempt from these rules”.“
One less spark, means one less wildfire!”
