3/1/18 – Ready, Set, Go! (RSG), a nationwide program adopted by the 15 Arizona Sheriffs, educates residents about proactive measures to take before an emergency and actions to follow when communities are threatened.

The program’s three tenets encourage Arizonans to get READY by preparing now for what threatens their community, be SET by maintaining awareness of significant danger and to GO, evacuate immediately when the danger is current and life-threatening.

READY – Prepare Now

Be aware of the hazards that can threaten your community.

Register with your county/tribal emergency notification system.
Connect with your Emergency Management/Sheriff’s Office on social media.
Take steps now to prepare for seasonal threats.
Make a family communication plan that includes family phone numbers, out-of-town contacts and family meeting locations.
Assemble an emergency supplies kit (Go Kit). Start with the five P’s; people and pet supplies, prescriptions, papers, personal needs and priceless items.
Check with your neighbors, family, friends, and elders to ensure they are READY.
Keep up to date on local news, weather watches and warnings.

SET – Be Alert

There is significant danger in your area.

Residents should consider voluntarily relocating to a shelter or with family/friends outside the affected area.
Grab your emergency supplies kit.
Keep in mind unique needs for your family or special equipment for pets and livestock.
Stay aware of the latest news and information from public safety officials.
This might be the only notice you receive. Emergency services cannot guarantee they will be able to notify everyone if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Be SET to GO.

GO! – Evacuate

Danger in your area is current and life threatening.

Residents should evacuate immediately to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area.
If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand emergency services may not be able to assist you further.
Follow instructions from emergency personnel, stay on designated evacuation routes and avoid closed areas.

Springerville, AZ, February 28, 2018 

The Springerville Ranger District on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests will be burning slash piles today, February 28. The district plans to burn two units just west of Greer, south of Arizona State Highway 260, and along Forest Road 87, totaling approximately 195 acres.

Ignitions will occur throughout the morning to minimize the adverse effects of smoke on the local communities. Smoke may be visible from Greer, along portions of Arizona State Highway 260, and portions of County Road 1122. Motorists are advised to drive safely as smoke may limit visibility.

All prescribed burns are approved through the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) before ignition begins. The ADEQ monitors air quality and determines whether or not it will be a good day for smoke dispersion. Although smoke from 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, stay indoors if possible.

Pile burning allows land managers to reduce forest fuels and provide communities with increased protection from future wildfires.

Questions or concerns contact the Springerville Ranger District at 928-333-6200 or visit the ASNFs website at: www.fs.usda.gov/asnf

U.S. Forest Service, Tonto National Forest

PAYSON, Arizona, February 23, 2018

Tonto National Forest fire specialists will begin eliminating a combined total of about 200 acres of vegetative debris piles on Tuesday, February 26, 2018, near Pyeatt Draw Road and Control Road 64 in the Diamond Point summer homes area.  Residents and visitors can expect to see and smell moderate amounts of smoke during the four-day burning operation.  Smoke during the day will impact Diamond Point and Ellison Creek summer homes.  Residual smoke will impact Beaver Valley and Cold Springs in the evening.  Residual smoke may linger in these areas through Saturday, March 3, 2018.

For the area west of Tonto Village, during the day and evening hours, smoke will impact Highway 260, Tonto Village, Thompson Draw I and II, and Diamond Point and Ellison Creek summer homes.  Residual smoke will linger in these areas through Saturday, March 3, 2018.

Fire specialists will terminate ignitions by 3 p.m. each day to minimize the impact of smoke.  Signs will be posted on roads likely to be affected by smoke.  Motorists are urged to use caution and slow down for the safety of firefighters and the public.

Prescribed fire treatments are always dependent on conditions such as wind speed and direction, temperature, relative humidity, fuel moisture content, and other variables.

In 2001, the Payson Ranger District began implementation of a far-reaching, long-range, landscape-scale, three-pronged fuels reduction strategy.  The achievable goal is to reduce catastrophic wildfire danger in Rim Country, to initiate the restoration of natural ecological systems, and to develop and foster sustainable forest conditions, wildlife habitat, and watersheds.