Fort Apache Agency continues to conduct prescribed burning on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation.Since October 9, 2019, a total of 10,176 acres has been treated within several burn blocks. Yesterday, prescribed burning operations was ceased due to red flag conditions. Fire personnel will resume treatment efforts today and through the weekend.

Fire personnel will be conducting prescribed burn treatments within the following burn units today and through the weekend: Sevenmile burn unit (6 miles east of Whiteriver within the Velasquez Ranch Area): This is a 2000 acre block. Today, fire personnel will be treating approximately 400 acres. Prescribed burn efforts will continue through the weekend. Hondah burn unit (4 miles east of McNary, adjacent to Haystack Cienega): This is a 2000 acre block. Fire personnel will begin prescribed burn treatment efforts today within unit 5 (363 acres) and unit 6(150 acres) and through the weekend. Perry burn unit (18 miles southeast o fWhiteriver): Fire personnel completed 999 acres and have 1001 acres remaining to treat. Fire personnel will resume treatment efforts today and through the weekend.

The public should stay out of the burn blocks for your safety and fire personnel safety. Nearby residents should expect smoke in the vicinity and drivers should pay extra attention while traveling through or adjacent to burn areas. All Prescribed Fire activity will be carefully monitored and will comply with smoke management guidelines to reduce the impact of smoke on local residents. If conditions become unfavorable, prescribed burning efforts will be ceased to mitigate smoke impacts to the communities.

Prescribed burning efforts will continue as long as weather conditions permit and targeted acres are completed. The next update will be on Monday, October 28, 2019. If you have any questions regarding our upcoming prescribed burning efforts, you can call Candy Lupe, Public Information Officer at (928) 205-5662.