March 17, 2016; — For Immediate Release — The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests’ Lakeside Ranger District will be conducting a 1,100 acre prescribed burn within the Goodman unit of the Los Burros broadcast burn area beginning March 21, weather permitting and last through April 2, 2016. The Goodman unit is about two miles south of Vernon, along Apache County Road (CR) 3140. Forest Service Road 2, CR 3140 and hand or dozer lines will surround the burn.

The burn is to enhance wildlife habitat and watershed conditions while promoting forest health and protecting private land and communities from the effects of future high severity wildfire. This prescribed fire is in cooperation with the Arizona State Forestry, Vernon Fire Department, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Carlock Ranch.

Ignition may last several days, with daily smoke impact anticipated within area drainages. Smoke may be visible in the local area, Arizona State Highway 260, and U.S. Highway 60, Round Valley, Vernon and Show Low for several weeks.

All prescribed burns are approved through the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) before ignition begins. Although smoke from the prescribed fire can still be noticeable, it is usually for a shorter time, and considerably less smoke than wildfires produce. If you are sensitive to smoke or have respiratory problems, consider staying indoors if possible. You can check the status of air quality at your location: https://nmtracking.org/en/environ_exposure/fire-and-smoke/

Crews will be on scene from ignition until there is no longer a threat of escape from the project boundaries.

Questions or concerns contact the Lakeside Ranger District at (928) 368-2100 or by calling 311 or 928-333-3412. Also, check out our website: www.fs.usda.gov/asnf