Alpine, AZ, May 30, 2021 – The Boggy Creek fire is in steep rugged terrain in an area with heavy dead and down snags. The fire is located within the Wallow Fire scar and is a full suppression fire.

Size: 2945 acres                                                                   Containment: 70%

Incident Start Date: May 23, 2021                              Cause: Lightning

Location: 15 Miles SW of Alpine, AZ

Total Personnel: 51

Fire Update: This will be the last daily Boggy Creek fire update unless there are significant changes. A final update will be released once the fire has been fully contained. Crews will continue to monitor and patrol the area. Small pockets of interior fuels (grass and logs) are anticipated to put up smoke as they are consumed.

Smoke: Smoke from the Boggy Fire may impact Alpine, Nutrioso, and Springerville. An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to search for current smoke information. Smoke should dissipate with little impact to local communities.

Closures and Evacuations: There are currently no closures or evacuations in place. For information on the Boggy Creek fire visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7499/  for more information on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, check out our website at www.fs.usda.gov/asnf.                                                                                  

For Immediate Release 5/25/2021

This past week on the Apache/Sitgreaves Forest there were 23 illegal campfires, including one that was abandoned and two human caused fire starts that are under investigation.  In addition, there were three lightning caused fire starts.

The Navajo County Office of Emergency Management wants to reiterate to both our local residents and visitors alike that we are in Stage 1 fire restrictions and that the laws and rules apply to EVERYONE.

Stage 1 fire restrictions on the forest means that:

• There are to be no fires in dispersed camping areas
• All fires must be in the metal rings or grills provided at developed campgrounds ONLY
• Buying a metal ring and taking it with you into the undeveloped areas to build a fire in is not permitted
• Fires must be attended at ALL TIMES by a responsible adult, and properly extinguished when leaving the campsite

• Smoking is only allowed in an enclosed vehicle or building
• Fireworks are ALWAYS prohibited

On private property outside of the forest:

• Backyard fires, are allowed IF the area is barren and clear of all debris (3 feet) MUST be attended at all times by a responsible adult
• Smoking is permitted in areas like a yard, porch, carport, parking lot that is completely clear of flammable debris
• Individuals are never permitted to discard smoking materials out f a window or on the ground without extinguishing it.
• Can use devises fueled with propane or LPG fuels that can be turned on or off, area must be cleared of debris (don’t forget to check overhead!)

The penalties for violating restrictions within the national forest include:

A fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000.00 for organizations and/or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months for EACH violation

County and local jurisdiction penalties include:

Navajo County a Criminal violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor and shall be subject to a fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) nor more than twenty-five hundred dollars ($2,500) for each violation or count and up to 6 months in jail.

Apache County a Criminal violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor and shall be subject to a fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) nor more than seven hundred and fifty dollars ($750) for each violation or count.

**In BOTH counties and local jurisdictions where applicable, there can also be fees, surcharges, and restitution for any medical treatment, reimbursement for emergency response personnel and equipment and any property damage or other economic loss suffered by any person as a result of such violation.

Fire Update: Both Boggy Creek and Wildcat fires are located within the Wallow Fire scar    and are full suppression fires. Observed fire behavior includes up to two foot flame lengths in dried grass and needle cast. It is currently burning through downed logs and snags.

Wildcat Fire: Crews have successfully constructed handline around the perimeter of the fire and stopped any further progression. Firefighters will continue on scene securing the line and mopping up.

Boggy Creek Fire: The fire is located in steep rugged terrain in an area with heavy dead and down snags. A hotshot crew is in route and will be arriving today to begin looking for areas to safely engage firefighting activities. It is anticipated that with the dry conditions and wind increases there could be movement in the direction of wind flow and on uphill slopes.

Closures and Evacuations: There are currently no closures or evacuations in place.

For information on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, check out our website at www.fs.usda.gov/asnf.