The Springerville Ranger District on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests is planning to conduct prescribed fire operations October 3rd if weather conditions are conducive to meeting objectives. The district plans to burn approximately 1469 acres on the Brady Park Unit, 6 miles South East of Vernon. Personnel will remain on scene monitoring the burn through the weekend as needed.
Ignitions will occur throughout the morning to minimize the adverse effects of smoke on the local communities. Smoke will be visible from Round Valley, Arizona State Highway 260, US Highway 60 and along Forest Roads 117, 404, and 65. 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. 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 fire is in cooperation with the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Habitat Partnership Committee, as well as the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Mule Deer Foundation.
Questions or concerns contact the Springerville Ranger District at 928-333-6200 or visit the ASNFs website at: www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
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The Mogollon Rim Ranger District is going to begin our yearly fall prescribed burning on Monday, October 2, 2017, if conditions warrant. Fire managers plan to begin burning the East Clear Creek Project, starting at the area north of Lockwood Pit, just north of Forest Road 96. The map indicates areas in red that are planned burns this fall. Most likely the communities in the Blue Ridge area will experience smoke. Smoke is heaviest in the late evening and early morning hours, lifting by mid-morning.

Chris Sexton, Apache County Public Health Director 

Air Quality and Wildfire Smoke

Apache County is experiencing smoke from fires in Oregon and Washington due to the Pacific Northwest Jet Stream. 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 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 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.