Holbrook, AZ – The White Mountain Fire Coordinating Group (WMFCG) made up of agencies from federal and state forestry officials, BLM and BIA, the National Weather Service, tribal, county and local emergency response agencies have weekly telephonic meetings to weigh the criteria for fire restrictions. The data used in the decision-making process includes:
• ERC’s or Energy Release Component (how hot and fast vegetation will burn)
• Fire Danger Safety Ratings (currently low to moderate in most areas)
• Available resources such as manpower and equipment
• Upcoming weather – 7 day as well as monthly forecasts
• Upcoming public events
This week the WMFCG unanimously agreed that we are seeing a drying trend, however the ERC’s have not yet reached a point of enacting fire restrictions. It was also noted that there are sufficient fire response resources in the area. While there have been a few fires starts in various areas throughout the region, they have all been extinguished quickly and efficiently by fire fighters.
The WMFCG recognizes that there may be some concern as conditions begin to change and become dryer. It is incumbent on our residents as well as our visitors to make sure they take the proper precautions to mitigate against wildfires when living and recreating in our forested areas.
“Be extra careful, as we come into the Fourth of July holiday. It’s getting dryer, it only takes one spark to start a wildfire. You can make a difference!” said Chief Jim Morgan of Pinetop Fire. Make sure that the area is clear of all debris when using permissible fireworks in your back yard and know what types are legal and which are not! Please note, all fireworks are strictly prohibited in federal forests such as the Apache-Sitgreaves Forests, as well as state trust lands.
If you have a backyard fire pit, use a charcoal grill or any device that involves flames, including permitted debris burns, make sure to completely extinguish your fires before leaving the area. In the instance of debris burning, if winds are or forecasted to be greater than 10 MPH, do NOT burn! All fires must be cold to the touch before they are considered ‘out’, remember to drown, stir, feel and repeat! “We are keeping a close eye on the risk of fires in our communities. At this point all key indicators show we have not reached a level to implement fire restrictions, however that does not mean we should not remain vigilant and always follow best practices when it comes to fires.” said Catrina Jenkins Navajo County Emergency Manager.
“Our communities cannot afford to be complacent when it comes to the very real threat of wildfire,” said Chief Randy Chevalier of Timber Mesa Fire and Medical.
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