Dr. Wade Kartchner, Director of Navajo County Public Health Services District, has been monitoring air quality in Navajo County due smoke in the area resulting from the Poco Fire burning in the nearby Tonto National Forest. With an anticipated shift in wind direction, heavy smoke will blanket much of northeastern Arizona over the next few days. To enhance monitoring of this situation, Dr. Kartchner has requested a portable air quality monitoring device to be stationed in the community of Heber/Overgaard. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality will provide this equipment with camera imaging which is expected to be online by this evening. This device will provide hourly air quality readings.
The principal public health threat from short-term exposure to wild fire smoke is from exposure to particulate matter. Exposure to high concentrations of particulate matter can cause persistent cough, phlegm, wheezing, difficulty breathing, bronchitis, asthma flare up, and eye and respiratory tract irritation. Not everyone who is exposed to thick smoke will have health problems. The level and duration of exposure, age, individual susceptibility—including the presence or absence of pre-existing lung or heart disease and other factors—play significant roles in determining whether or not someone will experience smoke-related health problems. The following are individuals who may experience difficulties from exposure to wild fire smoke or who may be concerned with exposure:
• Individuals with asthma and other respiratory diseases
• Individuals with cardiovascular disease
• The elderly
• Children
• Pregnant women
• Smokers

Itchy eyes, cough, and upper airway irritation are typical symptoms of short-term exposure to smoke. Other potential health effects could include headache, dizziness and nausea.
Closing windows and turning off evaporative coolers when smoke is present should reduce exposure to the smoke and should be adequate to protect people without respiratory problems.
People living in the area with pre-existing conditions such as asthma or other respiratory problems are at the highest risk for health symptoms and should avoid exposure to the smoke as much as possible and consult their physician if they have any questions.
What to do if there is smoke present:
• Stay inside with windows and doors shut.
• Use the recycle or re-circulate mode on the air conditioner in your home or car.
• Avoid cooking and vacuuming, which can increase pollutants indoors.
• Avoid physical exertion.
• Asthmatics should follow their asthma management plan.
• Keep airways moist by drinking lots of water. Breathing through a warm, wet washcloth can also help relieve dryness.

Navajo County Director of Emergency Management, Dan Hinz, received notification that the Poco Fire in the Tonto National Forest, burning 6 miles northeast of Young, Arizona, started on Thursday, June 14, 2012 at 2:30pm. The fire has burned more than 3,700 acres and is 15% contained at this time. Under the direction of the Northern Arizona Incident Management Team, the fire has more than 700 personnel assigned to it.
Navajo County Emergency Management and Public Health Services District will continue to monitor this event and provide updates.

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June 18, 2012

Springerville, AZ—June 15, 2012—The fire danger level is now over the 100^th percentile, and Arizona is setting new records for this time of year, especially in the White Mountain area, according to the Energy Release Component Charts (ERCs). Fire Danger models over the last 21 years have never been so  high. A ‘Temporary Emergency Closure’ will go into effect Wednesday, June 20 at 12:01 a.m. The public will be restricted from entering the Pole Knoll and Government Spring recreation areas, in addition to several Forest Service roads (listed below).

Drought continues to dominate the southwestern quarter of the country causing areas of below normal fuel moisture conditions extending from New Mexico, Arizona and west through California. In addition, the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests received below normal snowpack. Restricting public access in this area will reduce the potential area risk for fire starts.

The Pole Knoll recreation area located off Arizona State Highway (SH) 260, and is west off the Greer exit and of the Arizona State Highway 373 junction. Currently, the Pole Knoll and Government Spring recreation areas along with adjacent several Forest Service Roads are the only places we see the immediate need to close on the Apache National Forest. The closure will be implemented at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, June 20, and will remain in full force and in effect until a significant amount of rain is received to allow us to lift the closure,” according Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Forest Supervisor Jim Zornes.

Closed to public access:

• Pole Knoll Recreation Area (off Arizona SH 260)
• FS Road #112
• FS Road #87
• Hiking within Pole Knoll interior
• FS Road #575 accessing the Gov’t Spring fishing area
• Government Spring recreation and fishing area
• Squirrel Springs parking lot, trail and restroom
• West side of the West Fork of the Little Colorado
• Trail #95

What is open?

• East side of the West Fork of the Little Colorado
• Rolf C. Hoyer Campground

Stage II fire restrictions are in effect on both the Apache and Sitgreaves National Forests (www.fs.usda.gov/asnf)  banning all campfires (liquid petroleum and LPG stoves that can be turned on and off are allowed—propone fire pits are not allowed), smoking not allowed unless in an enclosed vehicles or building; operating any internal combustion engine is not allowed from 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; fireworks are not allowed, or is welding or other torches with open flames are not allowed; and/or explosives.  Fire restrictions and the introduction of a Temporary Emergency Closures will lessen the chance of a human caused fire start to the Greer area until a significant amount of rain is received.

Stage II fire restrictions and this area closure will remain in place until lands within Apache and Navajo Counties receive significant precipitation.

White Mountain visitors and locals are reminded that some campfire restrictions are always in effect, such as in forested areas within city limits of most northern Arizona communities. Additionally, fireworks are never allowed on National Forests. For more information about restrictions on public lands, call toll free 1-877-864-6985 or visit (http://www.publiclands.org/firenews/AZ.php and www.311info.net) or by dialing 593 or 928-333-3412.

Violation of the prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $10,000, imprisonment for more than six months, or both.  Fireworks are always prohibited on National Forest land. Arizona state lands have imposed their own restrictions separately.

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Smoke visible from the Poco Fire located 6 miles Northeast of Young, Az. The fire is reported to be approximately 1,000 acres and 0% contained. The cause of the fire is under investigation.