Whiteriver, Arizona: The Bureau of Indian Affairs Fort Apache Agency Fire Management in coordination with the White Mountain Apache Tribe are planning a test pile burn in the Bull Flat Burn Unit on Monday, October 17, 2022. If conditions are favorable, they will continue through with pile burning until the completion of the unit.

The prescribed burn will occur in previously thinned areas where materials have been piled for burning. The purpose of this burn is to reduce hazardous fuels and the chance for future high-intensity wildfires. The Bull Flat burn unit is located in the far northwest corner of the Reservation and 200 acres are targeted to be treated.

Prescribed burning activity is dependent upon the availability of fire personnel, weather conditions, fuel moisture levels and smoke management. Fire personnel are scouting other potential burn units in the upcoming weeks to identify which areas they will begin treatment. If conditions become favorable, then the next news release will be at least two days prior to treatment.

If you have any questions regarding our upcoming prescribed burning efforts, you can call Candy Lupe, Public Information Officer at (928) 338-5425 or you can log onto BIA Fort Apache Fort Apache Agency’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/BIAFAAFireMgt.

Transition to a Type 4 Organization

Springerville, AZ, July 12th, 2022 — Fire personnel from the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are on scene and continuing their response to the Mesa Fire, located on the Black Mesa Ranger District. The fire was initially reported by a USFS lookout on the 3rd of July. A lightning strike has been determined to be the cause. The fire is currently estimated at 2800 acres and is 25% contained. https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8217/

Management of the fire transitioned from a Type 3 to a Type 4 organizational structure this morning at 7:00 AM. The transition is indicative of reduced fire complexity, activity, and a downsizing of resources needed. All tactical firing operations are complete, including those along containment lines. Firefighters will focus on holding, mop-up, and patrolling. Crews will begin suppression repair moving into the rest of the week. Helicopters and unmanned drones were utilized in the tactical firing operations and dropped more than 3000 PSD (plastic sphere dispensers) spheres to burn unburned fuels in the interior of the fire perimeter where it is unsafe to place fire crews. These technologies allow for reduced risk to firefighter lives and wellbeing.

Smoke is expected to be visible in the coming days, particularly from Hwy 260 and the community of Forest Lakes. An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.

There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in effect, this restricts non-fire aircraft over the Mesa Fire until it is rescinded. This includes civilian drones and private planes. Unauthorized aircraft in the area can ground firefighting aircraft, hinder firefighting efforts, and can also result in criminal charges for the offender. If you fly, we can’t. For more information regarding the TFR please visit https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr2/list.html . The public is advised to avoid the area if possible. If travel near the area is necessary, please use caution on roadways, watch for heavy equipment in the area, and slow down. These steps increase safety for both the public and for firefighters responding in the area.
Stay up to date on news from the A – S at our website https://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf, on Twitter @A_SNFs and on facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs.
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Fire personnel from the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are on scene and continuing their response to the Mesa Fire, located on the Black Mesa Ranger District.

The fire was initially reported by a USFS lookout on the 3rd of July. A lightning strike has been determined to be the cause. The fire is currently 650 acres and is 15% contained. https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8217/The fire is burning in rugged terrain near Deer Lake Canyon, a steep canyon that runs into Chevelon Canyon. Due to the inaccessibility of the current fire location, firefighters are using an indirect strategy utilizing existing roads and favorable terrain to support full suppression activities. Tactical firing operations will continue as weather conditions allow. Drones may also be utilized in these efforts. Smoke is expected to be visible in the coming days, particularly from Hwy 260 and the community of Forest Lakes. An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions. Operations will continue as weather and fire conditions allow, while simultaneously placing firefighter safety foremost in consideration. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in effect, this restricts non-fire aircraft over the Mesa Fire. This includes civilian drones and private planes. Unauthorized aircraft in the area can ground firefighting aircraft, hinder firefighting efforts, and can also result in criminal charges for the offender. If you fly, we can’t. For more information regarding the TFR please visit https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr2/list.html The public is advised to avoid the area if possible. If travel near the area is necessary, please use caution on roadways, watch for heavy equipment in the area, and slow down. These steps increase safety for both the public and for firefighters responding in the area.

Stay up to date on news from the A – S at our website https://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf, on Twitter @A_SNFs and on facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs.