U.S. Forest Service Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests 30 South Chiricahua Drive Springerville, AZ 85938
Web: www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Twitter: @A_SNFs
News Release
Media Contact:
Kacy Ellsworth 928-333-6280
kacy.l.ellsworth@usda.gov
Alpine Ranger District Plan to Conduct Pile Burning into December 2019
Springerville, AZ – November 20, 2019 – The Alpine Ranger District on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests plan to conduct pile burning beginning Wednesday, November 21, 2019 through December 6, 2019, as weather conditions allow. The units consist of piled debris left over from recent timber sales surrounding the community of Alpine. Ignitions during snow storms and/or snow pack are necessary in order to minimize pile creep (the burning through duff and litter (forest soil organic matter) surrounding the pile).
Smoke will be visible from Alpine, along portions of Arizona State Hwy 180, as well as portions of Forest Road 275. Motorists are advised to drive safely as smoke may limit visibility. Lingering smoke may be present for up to one week after ignitions are complete. Fire managers will monitor the area while smoke is present. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and active prescribed burns can be found on Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s webpage: https://azdeq.gov/.
For further information, please contact the Alpine Ranger District at 928-339-5000 or through the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests email at as_portal_comments@usda.gov.
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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Director – David Tenney Contact – Tiffany Davila
Public Affairs Outreach Officer
602-540-1036
tdavila@dffm.az.gov

PRESCRIBED BURN PLANNED FOR PINETOP-AREA WEDNESDAY
Phoenix, AZ (11/19/19) – This week’s forecasted storm system provides an ideal window for the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management to begin a prescribed burn project in Navajo County.  Starting tomorrow, November 20, ignitions begin to a portion of the 60-acre Tokoph-Terrell RX Burn, in the Pinetop- Lakeside area, ¼ mile east of Highway 260, and west of the Safeway Plaza.  The pile burn allows DFFM crews to safely and effectively reduce ponderosa pine hand piles leftover from prior hazardous fuels reduction work. The main objective is to safeguard nearby communities.
State Forestry crews will begin ignitions at 7 am and expect to have them completed by early afternoon to help reduce smoke impacts. Fire managers will also adjust firing operations as necessary to help lessen the smoke.  Daytime smoke will be visible to State Route 260/White Mountain Boulevard, near the Safeway shopping center, and to surrounding communities. During the evening, there is a potential for light
to moderate smoke to impact the Pinetop- Lakeside area, including along SR 260, and Show Low.  Drivers are urged to use caution in the vicinity.  Before ignitions begin, all agency burn plans must be approved by the Arizona Department of
Environmental Quality. Ignitions on any prescribed fire project are always weather dependent.  Prescribed fire information will be posted to DFFM social media sites, including Facebook and Twitter, and on the agency’s mobile phone application.
To download the app, search the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management in the iTunes or Google Play stores.

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

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