RED FLAG WARNING in effect April 11-12, 2018, until 8:00 PM

The National Weather Service has issued a RED FLAG WARNING for Wednesday, April 11-12, 2018 until 8:00 PM.

Only the National Weather Service can issue a Red Flag Warning. The term Red Flag Warning is used by fire weather forecasters to alert fire personnel and the public of potential extreme and critical fire weather due to high winds and low relative humidity.

Red Flag Warnings are issued when all of the following criteria are met:

  1. Wind speeds are expected to exceed 20 mph
  2. Relative humidity is 15% or lower
  3. Fire danger rating of High, Very High, or Extreme

On a Red Flay Day, the following restrictions go into effect:

1. Building, maintaining, or attending a fire or campfire, this includes use of charcoal. Use of liquid propane or pressurized fuel used for heating and cooking devices are permissible as long as it can be turned on and off, and is in an area devoid of flammable materials within a five foot radius.

2. Outside smoking unless your are in a vehicle, building, or a designated smoking area free of vegetation.

3. Vehicle use off roads or trails.

4. Driving a vehicle without an approved spark arresting device.

5. Operating an internal combustion engine (unless the equipment has an approved spark arresting device AND is in an area completely devoid of vegetation) i.e. chainsaws, generators, hot saws, skidders, and other recreational or industrial equipment.

6. Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame.

 

 

Prescribe Burn on White Mountain Apache Tribe

4/2/18 – The Tribal Forestry Department will be coordinating a prescribe burn with White Mountain Apache Fire and Rescue Department and Pinetop Fire Fuels Reduction crew.  The prescribe burn will reduce the amount of ground fuel around the Hon-Dah Resort Casino and Conference Center.

The prescribe burn will take place on April 3, 2018. The prescribe burn will be based on favorable weather conditions which include but not limited to the current weather forecast, air quality and fuel moisture.  The prescribe fire will help to reduce ground fuels and help protect property for the  Hon-Dah Resort Casino and Conference Center. See attached map for the location of the prescribe burn area.

Nearby residents should expect smoke inthe area and drivers should pay extra attention while traveling through the area of the prescribe burn. Individuals with respiratory problems are advised to avoid the outdoors as much as possible. The public will not be allowed in the prescribe fire burning area.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Logan Lawson at the Tribal Forestry Department (928)338-1665 or (928)594-6415.

Hank Fire Update

March 30, 2018
Location:
 Black Mesa Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
 Navajo County, Arizona
 Approximately 5 miles west of Heber, AZ

Start Date: Reported March 30 at 9 AM
Size: 21 acres Percent Contained: 0%
Cause: Human caused, under investigation

Resources Assigned: 1 hand crew, 2 engines
Vegetation: Pinyon pine and grass

Growth Potential: Low to Moderate
Structures Threatened: 0

Summary: This fire is located off of Forest Service Roads (FSR) 412 and 122. Resources on scene conducted firing operations to tie the fire into nearby roads. This strategy creates a safer working environment for firefighter personnel as there is a lot of snags (dead trees) in the area. Resources are currently putting out hot spots along the roads.

This is the ninth human caused fire on the Black Mesa Ranger District this week, three of which have become wildfires. As Southwest Wildfire Awareness Week comes to a close we can never stress enough that our White Mountains have experienced an unusually dry and warm winter, and all it takes is one spark to start a wildfire. Come prepared with a shovel and water, drown and stir your campfire until it’s cold to the touch.

Know Before You Go:
o Northeastern Arizona Public Information System: https://311info.net/ or call 311 or 928.333.3412
o Arizona Fire Restrictions: http://firerestrictions.us/az/
o Fire Restrictions and Red Flag Alerts: http://wildlandfire.az.gov/
o Wildfires Near Me: http://www.wildfiresnearme.wfmrda.com/