A weather disturbance will move into Arizona later this week through the upcoming weekend bringing an increase in rain and thunderstorms and a greater threat for flash flooding. We have issued a Flash Flood Watch for a good portion of northern Arizona beginning Thursday and lasting through Saturday.

Key Points:

•  Widespread rain and thunderstorms Thursday through Saturday.
•  Elevated threat of flash flooding, especially over recently burned areas. Creeks and   streams will see a quicker response due to recent rainfall.
•  Potential for nighttime flooding with overnight storm activity.

St. Johns, AZ- On Thursday, July 15, 2021, the White Mountain Fire Coordinating Group met to discuss the current fire restrictions and monsoonal rains. It was determined that the region has received sufficient precipitation to significantly reduce the chances of wildfires. Beginning Friday, July 16, 2021, the unincorporated areas of Apache and Navajo Counties, the Town of Pinetop-Lakeside, the City of Show Low and the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests will rescind fire restrictions.

Even though we have received some much-needed moisture, we ask that our residents and visitors continue to practice fire safety especially with open fires, such as campfires. When extinguishing a campfire, be sure to drown it with water, stir the water in, and feel the fire with the back of your hand, repeating as necessary to ensure the fire is completely out.  Further, at no time should you ever leave a fire of any kind unattended.

We want to thank all of our residents and visitors for their compliance to fire restrictions, together we were able to keep our area safer.

Please continue to follow the Apache County Emergency Management and Preparedness Facebook page as well as the Navajo County Emergency Management and Preparedness Facebook page and 311info.net for updates on fire restrictions and other pertinent, vetted information pertaining to local hazards and preparedness.

WHITERIVER, ARIZONA – Several wildland fires have started on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation within the past few days. All fires have been caused by lightning and are burning in relatively remote areas of the Reservation. Lightning strikes can generate fires that smolder and go unnoticed for days or weeks following a storm.

Bladder Fire – The Bladder fire was detected on July 6, 2021. This fire is located in the far southwest portion of the Reservation about 10 miles west of Salt River Canyon. The fire is 200 acres. There has been no growth on this fire for 2 days. Fire resources will continue to prepare control lines along the east and west flank of the fire.

Jump Off Fire – The Jump Off fire is estimated to be 40 acres and was detected on July 6, 2021. The fire is located north of Carrizo and is within the Rodeo-Chediski fire burned area. The fire is located along a steep slope with little to no road access. Due to the location of the fire, fire resources will use a confine/contain and point protection strategy for this incident which will reduce exposure to firefighters. Smoke may be visible from highway 60.

Badger Creek Fire – The Badger Creek fire was detected on July 7, 2021. The fire is 3 acres and is 60% lined.

For more information on the fire, you can log onto BIA Fort Apache Agency’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/BIAFAAFireMg