RATTLESNAKE FIRE UPDATE: April 12, 2018

Location: Southeast of Whiteriver

Start date: Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Cause: Unknown/Under investigation

Vegetation: Ponderosa pine and grass understory

Size: Approximately 400 acres (385 acres of Fort Apache and 75 acres on ASNF)

Resources Assigned: 4 Type 1 Hotshot Crews, Cibecue Fuels Crew, Fort Apache Fuels Crew, 3 Water Tenders, 1 dozer, 2 Type 6 Engines, 1 Type 3 Helicopter and misc. overhead.

Chris Johnson’s White Mountain Zone Type 3 Team will assume command of the Rattlesnake fire at 6:00 PM this evening. Last night, fire crews conducted burnout operations in the northwest corner of the fire. The fire held within the maverick burn block and the Wallow Fire area. The fire is moving in a northeast direction and backing into the canyon towards the Black River. Fire crews are working on two slop overs, in the southwest fire perimeter and the eastern flank.

Today;s weather forecast calls for red flag conditions from noon to 7:00 p.m. Campfires and debris burning will not be permitted during red flag conditions. In addition Industrial Contractors within the boundaries of the Reservation will be shut down.

Anyone having information regarding the Rattlesnake Fire contact WE-TIP at 1-800-47ARSON (1-800-472-7766).

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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.

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.