October 25, 2023
Whiteriver, AZ – The Bureau of Indian Affairs Fort Apache Agency Fire Management in coordination with the White Mountain Apache Tribe are planning to conduct prescribed burning within the Lofer Burn Unit on Thursday, October 26, 2023. If conditions are favorable, active ignitions will continue for several days.

The Lofer burn unit is located 12 miles east of Whiteriver along the Y55 and Y71 road. The burn unit is 1,459 acres. This burn unit is burned on a recurring rotation to best mimic the natural fire return interval and restore natural fire intensities. Reducing fuel loading will decrease future wildland fire intensity and severity, lowering the risk of negative impacts to ecosystems and cultural resources that can result from uncharacteristically severe wildfires.

Prescribed burning activity is dependent upon the availability of fire personnel, weather conditions, fuel moisture levels and smoke management. Fire personnel are scouting other potential burn units in the upcoming weeks to identify which areas they will begin treatment.

If you have any questions regarding our upcoming prescribed burning efforts, you can call Candy Lupe, Public Information Officer at (928) 338-5425 or you can log onto BIA Fort Apache Fort Apache Agency’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/BIAFAAFireMgt.

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