Bureau of Indian Affairs, Wildland Fire Management News Release
Contact: Candy Lupe, Public Information Officer, (928) 338-5425
October19, 2017

Prescribed Burning on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation

The Bureau of Indian Affairs Fort Apache Agency Fire Management in coordination with the
White Mountain Apache Tribe began prescribed burn operations Wednesday, October 18,
2017. Several burn blocks are planned to be treated in the next few weeks. This week fire personnel will treat the following areas:

• Corduroy Burn Block: (located 3 miles south west of Hondah) A total of 539 acres have been treated to date. No planned ignitions for today but will resume on October 20.
• Beaver Burn Block (located west of Christmas Tree Lake and east of Horse Mesa Trap) A total of 209 acres have been treated to date. 300 acres targeted to be treated today.
• Turkey Creek Burn Block (located 3 miles east of East Fork) 300 acres targeted to be treated today.
• Coyote West Burn Block: (located 4 miles south west of Hondah) 729 acres targeted to be treated today.

The late fall prescribe burning conditions have low to moderate fire intensity which produces
beneficial post-fire effects. These small prescribed fires will help reduce fuel accumulation from
logging and thinning projects, decrease the risk of high intensity wildfire, and to protect
communities. Broadcast burns involve applying fire across the forest floor. Flames make their
way along the surface, consuming accumulated needles, leaves, branches, and logs while
recycling nutrients back into the soil. Broadcast burns typically produce the most noticeable
smoke.

Nearby residents should expect smoke in the vicinity and drivers should pay extra attention
while traveling through or adjacent to burn areas particularly along highway 60 from Carrizo Junction to Forestdale and along highway 73. All Prescribed Fire activity will be carefully monitored and will comply with smoke management guidelines to reduce the impact of smoke on local residents. If conditions become unfavorable prescribed burning efforts will be ceased to mitigate smoke impacts to the communities. The Burn Blocks are closed to the public throughout the duration of the burning operations.

Prescribed burning efforts will continue as long as weather conditions permit and targeted
acres are completed. Location and timing of burns will be identified on a weekly basis. If you
have any questions regarding our upcoming prescribed burning efforts; you can call Candy Lupe, Public Information Officer at (928) 338-5425.
—
Candy Lupe
Fire Prevention Specialist
Fort Apache Agency
PO Box 560
Whiteriver, Arizona 85941
Office: (928) 338-5425

Public Service Announcement from the Apache County Public Health:

Apache County is experiencing smoke from a prescribed burn on the Alpine Ranger District and Springerville Ranger District in the Apache Sitgreaves Forest. The following information is to help the public respond to smoke issues.

Particulate matter is a component of smoke from wildfires and consists of fine particles such as soot and ash that can reach deep into the lungs and may contain irritating and toxic compounds. Some of the symptoms related to exposure to smoke from wildfires include:

• Eye, nose, mouth and/or throat irritation;
• Coughing;
• Trouble breathing;
• Tightness of the chest; and/or
• The onset of symptoms related to pre-existing respiratory ailments like asthma or emphysema.

If smoke from wildfires is affecting you and your family consider some of the following ac

If smoke from wildfires is affecting you and your family consider some of the following actions:

• If you smell smoke and/or are beginning to experience symptoms, consider temporarily locating to another area as long as it is safe for you to do so.
• Move indoors and stay there with doors and windows closed.
• Run the air conditioning, the fan feature on your home heating system with the heat turned off. The filtration systems on home systems can provide some benefit.
• Run room air filtration units.
• Reduce your physical activity level. Do not exercise.
• If symptoms persist or become more severe, please contact your primary health care provider – even persons considered healthy can experience symptoms when exposed to smoke from wildfires!

There are a few population groups considered especially at risk from exposure to smoke from wildfires.

• Elderly persons;
• Young children (especially children 7 and under);
• Individuals with pre-existing health conditions like asthma, emphysema, and cardiovascular disease; and Individuals with respiratory infections like colds or flu.

The ADEQ Springerville smoke monitor is operational and can be viewed at http://www.phoenixvis.net/PPMmain.aspx.

tions:

Prescribed burning planned on Alpine Ranger District

Springerville, AZ, October 17, 2017 — For Immediate Release — The Alpine Ranger District on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests is planning to conduct prescribed fire operations Wednesday, October 18. The district plans to burn approximately 200 acres of the Nutri 2 Unit, one mile south of Nutrioso and three miles west of Alpine.

The project covers approximately 2000 acres of Wallow Fire high severity burn area. This 200 acres test area will be used to determine future planned ignitions in this area. If the test burn provides favorable results and meets predetermined objectives, ignitions will continue the week of October 23-27.

Prescribed burning enhances wildlife habitat and watershed conditions, while promoting forest health and protecting communities from the effects of future high severity wildfire. This prescribed burn is made possible with a partnership between the Arizona Game and Fish Department and the Forest Service to improve wildlife habitat and reduce forest fuels.

Smoke will likely travel northeast during the day and settle into Boneyard Creek area in the evening. Smoke may be visible from the communities of Alpine and Nutrioso, and from U.S. Highway 180/191. Motorists are advised to drive safely when approaching areas where prescribed fire activities may limit visibility and hinder fire personnel operations.

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.

Questions or concerns contact the Alpine Ranger District at 928-339-5000 or visit the ASNFs website at: www.fs.usda.gov/asnf