July 15, 2015; — The Springerville Ranger District Fire Management fire crews will be burning slash piles southwest of Big Lake today.

The 20-30 piles encompass a 200 acre area and are remnants from the Wallow West salvage sale. Smoke will disperse towards Big Lake during ignition today and will settle in local drainages overnight.

Pile burns require more moisture in the surrounding vegetation and are usually conducted when snow is on the ground or after considerable rain. Piles consist of the slash from forest thinning projects, which include small logs and branches. Pile burning usually produces less smoke than broadcast burns.

Questions or concerns contact Cary Stock, Springerville Ranger District Assistant Fire Management Officer at (928) 333-6351 or by calling 311 or 928-333-3412. Also, check out the ASNFs website at: www.fs.usda.gov/asnf

###