On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, the White Mountain Fire Coordinating Group convened to review regional fire conditions. Based on current assessments, fire restrictions for the following jurisdictions will be rescinded effective Friday, July 25th at 8:00 a.m.:
• Unincorporated areas of Apache and Navajo Counties
• Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
• Arizona State Trust Lands and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands
• Cities/Towns of Eagar, Springerville, Snowflake, Taylor, Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside
Please note: The White Mountain Apache Reservation will also be returning to Stage 1 restrictions on Friday. The reservation remains under Stage 1 fire restrictions year-round.
This decision is the result of a careful analysis of several key indicators:
• Energy Release Component (ERC) values, a key measure of how intensely fuels could burn, have dropped to the 50th percentile or lower, signaling improved fuel moisture levels.
• Fire activity has remained minimal in recent weeks across the region.
• Weather outlooks for the next 6 to 10 days and monthly forecasts predict continued monsoon activity in northeastern Arizona.
• Resource availability for fire response remains adequate should any new fires occur.
These combined factors support a coordinated, region-wide decision to lift fire restrictions. However, increased rain does not eliminate all fire risk. Residents and visitors are urged to continue practicing fire safety and responsible land use.

Fire Safety Reminders:
* Never leave campfires or debris burns unattended.
* Fully extinguish all fires until cold to the touch using the “drown, stir, feel” method.
* Be aware of local fire regulations at all times.
* Littering of smoking materials is always prohibited.

As restrictions are lifted, we also kindly ask for your help in removing old fire restriction signage, flyers, and notices that may still be posted around communities. Clearing out outdated materials helps maintain a clean and accurate information environment.
The White Mountain Fire Coordinating Group sincerely thanks all residents and visitors for their support throughout this fire season. Your efforts have helped keep our forests, homes, and communities safe.

Residents in the area of 3093 Sunset Ln, Lakeside need to evacuate the area. GO NOW! Updates will be provided shortly, please follow public safety instructions to leave the area.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 11, 2025

HOLBROOK, AZ — The Navajo County Public Health Services District (NCPHSD), in coordination with the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), continues to monitor four confirmed measles cases reported in Navajo County. At this time there are no new cases to report.

The original cases, identified earlier this week, involved individuals who were not immunized and had recent international travel history. All four individuals were exposed through a single source, and these remain the only confirmed measles cases in both Navajo County and the State of Arizona in 2025.

NCPHSD continues to work closely with ADHS and healthcare partners to monitor these cases and provide necessary support.

What You Need to Know About Measles and Immunity

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to serious health complications, particularly in young children, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. The most effective protection against measles is the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) immunization.

Individuals who are uncertain about their immunity can request a measles titer test from their healthcare provider or the Navajo County Public Health Services District. A titer test is a simple blood test that measures the presence and level of measles-specific antibodies in the blood. If the test shows a positive (protective) antibody level, it indicates that the individual is immune, either due to prior immunization or past infection. If the result is negative or unclear, the person may not be fully protected and should consider getting immunized.

Titer tests are especially useful for:

• Adults who do not have access to their immunization records,
• Students or employees who must verify immunity for school or work,
• Travelers heading to countries with ongoing outbreaks,
• Healthcare workers and first responders,
• Individuals with special medical circumstances who require immunity confirmation.

Titer testing offers a safe and reliable way to confirm protection without unnecessary reimmunization. Most healthcare providers and laboratories offer this service, and it may be covered by insurance depending on the circumstances.

What You Can Do

• Check your immunization status. Talk to your healthcare provider about your immunization history or getting a titer test.
• Stay informed. Follow updates from NCPHSD and ADHS for the latest public health guidance.
• Protect your community. Measles is preventable. Immunization and immunity testing are key tools in stopping its spread.

NCPHSD remains committed to protecting the health and safety of all Navajo County residents and encourages everyone to take proactive steps to ensure they are protected against immunization-preventable diseases.

For more information about measles, titer testing, or immunization services:

Visit azhealth.gov/measles for details on symptoms, transmission, and vaccination.

Contact your healthcare provider or visit the Navajo County Public Health Services District website at https://www.navajocountyaz.gov/309/Public-Health-Services or call 928-532-6050 for immunizations, information or additional guidance.