September 30, 2024

Whiteriver, AZ – The Bureau of Indian Affairs Fort Apache Agency Fire Management in
coordination with the White Mountain Apache Tribe, plans to conduct prescribed burns in multiple units this fall and winter. A total of 26 burn units on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation are targeted for treated by either pile burning or broadcast burning totaling 40,100 acres.

Prescribed fire is an important tool for reducing unnatural vegetation fuel loading and restoring natural fire regimes, helping communities live more safely with fire. The late fall prescribed burning conditions are designed to have low to moderate fire intensity, which produces beneficial post-fire effects.

Prescribed burning activities depend on the availability of fire personnel, weather conditions, fuel moisture levels and smoke management. Location and timing of burns will be identified on a weekly basis. Prescribed Fire personnel will conduct prescribed fire activities during the safest possible “burn windows” in the coming months. The tentative start date for prescribed burning is on Monday, October 7, 2024, contingent upon favorable conditions. The next news release will be released two days prior to treatment with exact location.

Forest visitors are reminded to drive with care while traveling in the vicinity of prescribed burn units as firefighters and fire-related traffic will be in the area.

If you have any questions regarding our upcoming prescribed burning efforts, you can call Candy Lupe, Public Information Officer at (928) 205-5752 or you can log onto BIA Fort Apache Fort Apache Agency’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/BIAFAAFireMgt.

Daily Update July 11, 2024
Acres: 2,019  Start Date: 07/08/24
Location: 20 miles NE of Payson, AZ  Personnel: 233
Containment: 0%  Fuels: Timber
Resources: 2 Hotshot Crews, 2 IA Crews & 2 Type 2 Crews | 4 Engines | 1 helicopter | 1 Water Tender |
4 Dozers

Highlights: In line with the full suppression objective, direct attack tactics are being implemented, when and where safe to do so. Southwest Area Team 1 assumed command of the Pius Fire yesterday morning and are strategically planning how to minimize the effects on the numerous values at risk in the area.

Fire Activity: Firefighters are staying engaged on the fire throughout two shifts that cover the extended burn period which allows for action to be taken when the conditions are right. The fire activity is wind sensitive with live vegetation burning actively when the winds are pushing the fire. Fire crews and equipment will continue to construct and reinforce the fire perimeter, creating wider fire lines today. Forecasted thunderstorms with erratic winds have fire officials on high alert and close attention is being paid to
any activity near the existing fire line, as well as any potential new starts. The team will assist local units by providing resources to fight any new starts during this period of unstable atmospheric conditions and increased recreation in the area.

Weather: The hot and dry trend continues with high temperatures in the 90s, single digit humidity, and light to moderate winds out of the Northwest today. There’s a chance of thunderstorms predicted this afternoon and although they may remain south of the Rim, outflow winds will still be near the fire.

Smoke: Smoke may continue to impact the communities of Christopher Creek, Payson, Young, Forest Lakes, Heber-Overgaard, and Highway 260. For updates on smoke conditions in your local area visit www.fire.airnow.gov.

Closures/ Evacuations: The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office has issued notices for evacuations in the area. For the most current evacuation information, please visit the Coconino County Emergency Management website at https://www.coconino.az.gov/.

More Information:
Fire Information: 928-216-3127 Email: 2024.pius@firenet.gov
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs
Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/azasf-pius-fire

Acres: 1,714                                          Start Date: 07/08/24
Location: 20 miles NE of Payson, AZ    Personnel: 76
Containment: 0%                                  Fuels: Timber
Resources: 1 Initial Attack Crew | 4 Engines | 4 helicopters | 1 Water Tender | 5 Dozers

Highlights: At 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 10, Southwest Area Team 1 assumed command of the Pius Fire. This is full suppression fire; the incident management team will use both direct and in-direct tactics to support the suppression efforts. Resources on scene include hand crews, engines, heavy equipment and both fixed and rotor wing aircraft.

Fire Activity: Initial attack resources remained on the fire overnight, working to establish containment lines around values at risk. Firefighters and equipment continue to construct fire line today and will be using back firing operations where necessary to support containment efforts. Aerial resources will continue to be utilized to both monitor fire growth as well as support ground operations through water drops. High winds and heavy fuel in the fire area will continue to contribute to fire growth. Key values at risk including private inholdings, popular recreation areas, and power infrastructure are areas firefighters will focus efforts during today’s operations.

Weather: Hot and dry conditions are expected to continue with high temperatures in the 90s and winds northwest at 10-15 mph.

Smoke: Smoke is expected to impact the communities of Christoper Creek, Payson, Young, Forest Lakes, Heber-Overgaard, and Highway 260. For updates on smoke conditions in your local area visit www.fire.airnow.gov.

Closures/ Evacuations: The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office has issued a ‘SET’ notice for the immediate area around Knoll Lake and the associated campground. A ‘GO’ notice, evacuate immediately, has been issued for Bear Canyon Lake including areas north of Forest Road 300, east of Forest Road 115, south of Forest Road 225, and west of Forest Road 34. To find more information about current evacuations please visit the Coconino County Emergency Management website.

More Information:
Fire Information: 928-216-3127 Email: 2024.pius@firenet.gov
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs
Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/azasf-pius-fire