Heavy smoke is visible in both Apache & Navajo County. This smoke is from both the Silver Fire in New Mexico which is at 92,000 acres and 20% contained, and the Creek Fire on the San Carlos Apache Reservation North West of Point of Pines and West of Dry Lake. This fire has burned 16,200 acres and is 80% contained.

Chris Sexton, Apache County Public Health Director (928) 337-7532
Keli Sine-Shields, Apache County Public Health Asst. Health Director (928) 333-2415 ext. 233
Kerry Pena, Apache County Public Health Emergency Preparedness (928) 333-6430

For immediate release:
Wildfire Smoke Information
The following is some general information regarding the potential health effects of air pollution from wildfire smoke.
Particulate matter is a component of smoke from wildfires.
• Particulate matter is fine particles including 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.
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.
Pay attention to local air quality reports. Stay alert to any news coverage or health warnings related to smoke. Also find out if your community reports EPA’s Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI, based on data from local air quality monitors, tells you about the daily air quality in your area and recommends precautions you can take to protect your health.
As smoke gets worse, the concentration of particles in the air changes, and so do the steps you should take to protect yourself.
Use visibility guides. Monitoring smoke levels from wildland fires is difficult because these fires usually occur in remote areas and the smoke impacts are transitory. Because wildland fire smoke is highly visible, it is possible to visually estimate smoke levels and estimate potential health impacts. Generally, the worse the visibility is, the worse the smoke is. Guide for using this smoke table :
1. Face away from the sun.
2. Determine the limit of your visibility range by looking for targets at known distances (miles). Visibility range is the point at which even high contrast objects totally disappear.
3. Use the visibility range values below to determine the applicable health category.
Use common sense. If it looks smoky outside, it is probably not a good time for outdoor activities. And it’s probably not a good time for your children to play outdoors.
If you are advised to stay indoors, keep your windows and doors closed. If the home has air conditioning, people can use it, but should keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean. No one should use an evaporative cooler when air quality is poor. Do not add to indoor air pollution. Don’t use anything that burns, such as wood fireplaces, gas logs, gas stoves, or even candles. Don’t vacuum. That stirs up particles already inside your home. Don’t smoke. That puts even more pollution in your lungs, and in the lungs of people around you.

The Rock Creek Fire is now 43% contained! There are still 317 people working on this fire including 7 hand crews. Eight engines, 1 heavy helicopter and 1 light helicopter are still being utilized on this fire. The cost to date of this human caused fire is $1,081,467. The winds yesterday tested the existing containment lines on the Rock Creek Fire and they held. Hand crews found smoldering in stump holes and duff and extinguished hot spots located close to the perimeter on the east side of the fire.

The R30 road remains closed at Eastfork on the south end and at Diamond Creek on the north end. Modified Fire Restrictions are in effect on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation as follows:
1. Building, maintaining, attending or using fire, campfire or charcoal-burning devices are prohibited during the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
2. Debris burning is prohibited until further notice.
3. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
4. Fireworks are always prohibited on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation.
5. Operating an internal combustion engine other than a motor vehicle in forest and woodland areas.
6. Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame in forest and woodland areas.

While all areas of Arizona have enacted some fire restrictions there may be variances from area to area. Please check with the specific agency if you are planning on any activity  that may fall under restricitons. For Northeastern Arizona visit www.311info.net and for other areas nationwide visit www.firerestrictions.us.