St. Johns, AZ- On Thursday, July 15, 2021, the White Mountain Fire Coordinating Group met to discuss the current fire restrictions and monsoonal rains. It was determined that the region has received sufficient precipitation to significantly reduce the chances of wildfires. Beginning Friday, July 16, 2021, the unincorporated areas of Apache and Navajo Counties, the Town of Pinetop-Lakeside, the City of Show Low and the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests will rescind fire restrictions.

Even though we have received some much-needed moisture, we ask that our residents and visitors continue to practice fire safety especially with open fires, such as campfires. When extinguishing a campfire, be sure to drown it with water, stir the water in, and feel the fire with the back of your hand, repeating as necessary to ensure the fire is completely out.  Further, at no time should you ever leave a fire of any kind unattended.

We want to thank all of our residents and visitors for their compliance to fire restrictions, together we were able to keep our area safer.

Please continue to follow the Apache County Emergency Management and Preparedness Facebook page as well as the Navajo County Emergency Management and Preparedness Facebook page and 311info.net for updates on fire restrictions and other pertinent, vetted information pertaining to local hazards and preparedness.

WHITERIVER, ARIZONA – Several wildland fires have started on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation within the past few days. All fires have been caused by lightning and are burning in relatively remote areas of the Reservation. Lightning strikes can generate fires that smolder and go unnoticed for days or weeks following a storm.

Bladder Fire – The Bladder fire was detected on July 6, 2021. This fire is located in the far southwest portion of the Reservation about 10 miles west of Salt River Canyon. The fire is 200 acres. There has been no growth on this fire for 2 days. Fire resources will continue to prepare control lines along the east and west flank of the fire.

Jump Off Fire – The Jump Off fire is estimated to be 40 acres and was detected on July 6, 2021. The fire is located north of Carrizo and is within the Rodeo-Chediski fire burned area. The fire is located along a steep slope with little to no road access. Due to the location of the fire, fire resources will use a confine/contain and point protection strategy for this incident which will reduce exposure to firefighters. Smoke may be visible from highway 60.

Badger Creek Fire – The Badger Creek fire was detected on July 7, 2021. The fire is 3 acres and is 60% lined.

For more information on the fire, you can log onto BIA Fort Apache Agency’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/BIAFAAFireMg

Fire restrictions to remain in place

Springerville, AZ, July 6th, 2021— The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests has rescinded the full forest closure, effective at 8:00AM, July 7th. Stage II Fire Restrictions will remain in place.

A large portion of the Apache-Sitgreaves has recently received enough rain that, along with cooler temperatures, has reduced the risk of severe fire behavior. The forest closed June 24th, 2021 to reduce the risk to public safety due to extreme fire danger and historically dry conditions.

Drought conditions contribute to fire danger continuing to be very high. The public is reminded to remain vigilant while visiting the National Forest – abide by the restrictions and closures and refrain from any behavior that may accidentally start a wildfire. Stay informed of forest conditions before and during your visit.

Stage II Fire Restrictions
Under Stage II restrictions, fires (including charcoal and briquettes) are prohibited on all National Forest lands. Smoking is also prohibited forest-wide except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material.

Stoves or grills that are solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or pressurized liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels are allowable. Generators with approved spark arresting devices are also permitted in areas that are barren or cleared of any flammable material at least 3 feet around the generator.

The following acts are prohibited from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.: Operating a generator, chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine; using an explosive; blasting, welding, or operating any acetylene or other torch with an open flame.

Stay up to date on Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests news by checking the A-S website and following @A_SNF on Facebook and Twitter.
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