For Immediate Release 6/17/2024

Holbrook, AZ- The White Mountain Fire Coordinating group met today to discuss current conditions of the forest as well as the surrounding communities and have made the decision to enter into Stage 2 fire restrictions due to an increase in temperatures and continued drying conditions. The following actions were determined:

• The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest will enter Stage 2 Fire Restrictions beginning Friday, June 21, 2024 at 8:00 a.m.
• State Trust lands and BLM will enter Stage 2 Fire Restrictions beginning Friday, June 21, 2024 at 8:00 a.m.
• Navajo and Apache Counties will enter Stage 2 Fire Restrictions beginning Friday, June 21, 2024 at 8:00 a.m.
• The cities/towns of Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside will enter Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on Friday, June 21, 2024 at 8:00 a.m.
• Fort Apache will enter Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on Friday, June 21, 2024 at 8:00 a.m.

Please remember, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions apply to EVERYONE, to include both visitors and local residents.

Though Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are similar across each jurisdiction, we recommend that everyone review the restrictions ahead of time- Know Before You Go! For a list of fire restrictions in each jurisdiction, please go to 311info.net and click on the Fire Restrictions tab or contact your local fire department/district. The 311info.net website will also be used to provide information on regional fires and emergencies as they occur. 

Other locations around Arizona, such as Coconino and Tonto Forests (and more) are also entering into fire restrictions. It is your responsibility to know restrictions wherever you choose to recreate.  To check restrictions around the state visit the Arizona Interagency Wildfire Prevention website at: https://wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions.  

Foote Fire Update

Monday, June 17, 2024

zLocation of Origin: 12 miles south of Alpine

Size: 1158 acres

Start Date: June 14, 2024

Percent Contained: 0

Cause: Lightning/Natural

Fuels: Timber, brush, and grass

Personnel: 55

Resources Assigned: 2 Crew, 1 Helicopter

Operations: Firefighters are currently on scene monitoring and assessing the fire we are looking at minimizing high fire severity burn by using fire in the right locations to maintain a low to moderate fire intensities in the vicinity of the fire. Crews continue prepping Forest Road 567 And Highway 191 corridor. The Foote fire behavior has been moderate to low burning naturally consuming down and dead fuels to ash. Currently no values are at risk. Th

e public is advised to drive with caution on Forest Road 567 and Highway 191 where fire personnel and vehicles are present. Starting today Monday June 17th, 2024, news releases will be posted every other day unless major changes.

Weather: Today’s forecast calls for sunny skies, with a high near 83. Southwest wind 8 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph with a Red Flag Warning in effect due to strong winds and low humidity

Restrictions: The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, learn more at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/asnf/alerts-notices/?aid=87925

Smoke: Communities of Alpine and Blue might be affected by smoke, Go to fire.airnow.gov/ to see the latest smoke conditions in your community. Smoke may be visible from the surrounding communities.

Evacuations: None at this time

Official fire information can be found on these sites: • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs • Apache-Sitgreaves website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf

           Foote Fire Update

Sunday, June 16, 2023

Location of Origin: 12 miles south of Alpine
Size: 260 acres
Start Date: June 14, 2024                                                                                           Percent Contained: 0
Cause: Lightning/Natural                                                                                           Fuels: Timber, brush, and grass
Personnel: 37      
Resources Assigned: 1 Crew, 1 Helicopter  

Operations: Firefighters are currently on scene monitoring. Additional resources have been ordered and are enroute. The Foote fire is currently moving around through ground fuels and making uphill runs when encountering slope. Currently no values are at risk. The public is advised to drive with caution on Forest Road 567 and Highway 191 where fire personnel and vehicles are present. More information will be released as it becomes available.

Weather: Today’s forecast calls for sunny skies with a high of 85 degrees, light and variable winds becoming southwest 8 – 13 mph and gusts as high as 20 mph.

Restrictions: The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, learn more at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/asnf/alerts-notices/?aid=87925

Smoke: Communities of Alpine and Blue might be affected by smoke, Go to fire.airnow.gov/ to see the latest smoke conditions in your community. Smoke may be visible from the surrounding communities.

Evacuations: None at this time

Official fire information can be found on these sites:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs
• Apache-Sitgreaves website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf

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