9/18/15 –
BIA is finishing ignitions today on the 4,089 acre Playground fire. The fire continues to produce smoke that is visible in most areas in the White Mountains.
The BIA managed Playground fire burning on Fort Apache approximately 7 air miles south of Pinetop has been producing quite a bit of smoke that has been wafting over the White Mountains. The weather systems of late have spread the smoke as far as Winslow. People with respiratory problems should keep their windows and doors shut and limit their activity during times of unhealthy air quality. Arizona Department of Environmental Quality monitors air quality around the state and provides an hour by hour report of air quality. To check data from ADEQ’s Portable Particulate Monitor in Show Low, please go to this Web page: http://www.phoenixvis.net/PPMmain.aspx.

9/14/15 – In the White Mountain Independent online edition today there is a poll asking readers “Are you prepared for any natural or manmade disasters or emergencies?”. The attached graph shows the current results as of 11:30 today’s date. It is encouraging that so many do feel they are prepared for an emergency or disaster and that there are still many that want to learn and get started. So for those folks that want to learn more about preparedness here are a few tips and bits of information to get you started. Who knows even those that feel that they are ready might find something new!

First step in being prepared, know the hazards in your area. In the White Mountains we have wildfires, monsoons and winter storms for potential natural disasters. However, we also have potential manmade disasters as well. Hazardous materials are shipped across the country daily in trucks and trains. Do you know what to do if there is a hazardous material that spills in your neighborhood?

Second, have a Ready Kit. A Ready Kit has enough supplies for you, your family and your pets to last a minimum of 72 hours. That includes water! There should be one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation. Other necessary items include non-perishable food items (check those expiration dates once a year at least), flashlights (with extra batteries – make sure those are checked also), a battery operated radio to get the latest updates, games and puzzles to keep everyone busy and a good first aid kit are just a few items you should have on hand.  Another option instead of battery operated radio is to have is a hand crank emergency radio.  There are several inexpensive ($20-$25 and up) ones on the market that include a variety of options such as additional lights, cell phone charger and more. Many of these can be found at local stores or online. To view a thorough list visit www.ready.gov to download what else you may want to have on hand for an emergency.

Third, have a plan! Talk to your family and make a plan. Know where you will meet if you are separated during a crisis. Make sure you have a contact outside of the immediate area that knows how to get ahold of you. And make sure everyone in the family also has that contact information available. If you are evacuated, follow evacuation instructions and make sure to check in at the shelter even if you are not staying there so that worried family and friends will have a way to see that you are safe and well.

Finally, stay informed! Keep up with the most current and accurate information by checking here at 311info.net, dialing 311 on your phone or by listening to local radio or news stations. If you are a citizen of Navajo County we encourage you to sign up for Ready Navajo County alerts by visiting the Navajo County website (www.navajocountyaz.gov) and click on the green Ready Navajo County logo. If you are a citizen of Apache County stay tune – an alert system is on the way.

Springerville, AZ –September 14, 2015; —The Springerville Ranger District is planning to start burning Monday, Thursday, September 17, and continue periodically through the month as conditions allow. The plan is to burn approximately 900 acres southeast of Apache County road 3140, south east of Vernon.

Smoke may be seen from Round Valley, Arizona State Highway 260, U.S. Highway 60 and along Forest Road 61. All prescribed burns are approved through the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) before ignitions begin. The ADEQ monitors air quality and determines whether conditions are good or not good for smoke dispersion. The plan is to break larger burn areas into smaller acreages to limit the amount of smoke that impacts an area. Generally smoke will be in the air for short durations and considerably less than what wildfires typically produce. If you are sensitive to smoke or have respiratory problems, stay indoors if possible. For more information on protecting your health when it’s smoky outside, please go to: https://nmtracking.org/en/environ_exposure/fire-and-smoke/#xEPHT__fivemile__1329.

The objectives of the burn are to enhance wildlife habitat and watershed conditions, promote forest health, and by reducing fuel loading help protect communities from future high severity wildfire. The prescribed fire is being conducted in cooperation with the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Habitat Partnership Committee, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and Mule Deer Foundation.

Crews will be on scene from the beginning of ignitions until dark and through the weekends monitoring fire behavior and weather conditions.

Questions or concerns contact Cary Stock, Springerville Ranger District Assistant Fire Management Officer at (928) 333-6351 or 311, or 928-333-3412. Also, you may check out the ASNFs website at: www.fs.usda.gov/asnf