Press Release from the Apache County Public Health Department:

Due to prescribed burning on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, smoke is impacting local communities.

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 including controlled burns:

•  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.

5/1/17 – A case of plague has been identified in an adult male in Northern Arizona. As warmer weather approaches plague becomes a concern across the Southwest. Plague is caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis, and circulates among rabbit and rodent populations. It is spread by the bite of infected fleas. Avoiding contact with wild rodents, and domestic animals that may have fleas, as well as avoiding areas where fleas may live are the best ways to protect yourself against plague. Seek medical attention or veterinary attention for your pet if signs of plague are suspected.

May 2, 2017 — The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, Lakeside Ranger District plans to start conducting a 3,960 acre prescribed burn on May 2 through May 8, weather permitting. The prescribed burn is within the Whitcom Unit which is located northeast of the community of Pinetop, along Forest Service Roads 182, 283, 283A and 185. The Country Club Trail will be impacted by the prescribed burn, north of Forest Service Road 185. Fire personnel advise that the public utilizes other trails for recreating during the duration of the prescribed burn for personnel safety.

Ignition may last several days, with daily smoke impact anticipated within area drainages. Smoke will be visible in the local area, from Arizona State Highway 260 and 77, U.S. Highway 60, and the towns of Pinetop – Lakeside, Vernon, McNary and Show Low.  Motorists are advised to drive safely when approaching areas where prescribed fire activities may limit visibility and/or 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 provides many benefits and is essential to maintaining healthy forest ecosystems. It provides habitat diversity, recycles plant nutrients into the soil and encourages new growth for a variety of plants used by wildlife and livestock. Prescribed burning of forest ground fuels also reduces the threat of large scale wildfire impacts to private lands. Prescribed burning in the Whitcom Unit will reduce logging slash that was left in parts of the unit during previous mechanical treatments.  This will provide protection for the adjacent private land as well as the community of Pinetop Country Club and Sky High Retreat.

Crews will be on scene from ignition until there is no longer a threat of escape from the project boundaries.

Questions or concerns contact the Lakeside Ranger District at (928) 368-2100 or by calling 311 or 928-333-3412. Also, check out our website at: www.fs.usda.gov/asnf

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