The White Mountain Zone Type 3 Team has been ordered for the Incident and will assume command of the G22 Fire, at 6:00 a.m. tomorrow morning, April 8 2021.

Fire Activity and Operations: Yesterday, the fire cross one of the contingency lines within the northeast flank of the fire. Fire personnel conducted burnout operations along the 22H road to the G22 junction to keep the fire in check. There was minimal movement on the south flank of the fire.

Today, fire personnel will build indirect/direct handline in the southeast flank of the fire working along Spring Creek to the 32C junction. The roads within and surrounding the fire will continued to be cleared for access.

Road Closures: The junction of the 27/28 road, north of Grasshopper Ranch and Salt Creek north of Chediski Lookout is closed due to fire activity.

Values and Objectives: Firefighter and public safety is the number one priority for the G22 Fire. All fire actions will be assessed in relation to protecting values and minimizing impacts on cultural resources, wildlife, rangeland, watersheds, and natural resources.

If you have any questions regarding the fire, you can call Candy Lupe, Public Information Officer at (928) 205-5662 or you can log onto BIA Fort Apache Agency’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/BIAFAAFireMgt.

Cibecue, Arizona – Fire personnel responded to the G22 Fire yesterday, April 4, 2021, northwest of Cibecue. The fire is burning within the Rodeo-Chediski burned area south of Spring Ridge.

Fire Activity and Operations: This fire will be managed for full suppression. Fire activity has been low. A red flag warning is in effect today for the fire area until 7p.m. Fire personnel will utilize the old road system to contain the fire. The fire is moving in a southwesterly direction.

Additional news releases will only be posted if significant changes in fire size, behavior or management objectives should occur.

If you have any questions regarding the fire, you can call Candy Lupe, Public Information Officer at (928) 205-5662 or you can log onto BIA Fort Apache Agency’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/BIAFAAFireMgt.

Alpine, AZ, March 31, 2021— The Alpine Ranger District on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests plans to begin small portions of the Wallow West Unit 4 West prescribed burn starting the first week of April, and possibly into early May, depending on weather conditions and forecast.

The 9,000-acre prescribed fire area is bounded to the north and west by Forest Road 25; to the east by Forest Road 25G; and to the south by the Black River.

Fuel types include grass, mixed conifer, and ponderosa pine. The burn is intended to improve diversity of vegetative age classes, vegetative species, and vegetative structure. Prescribed burning enhances wildlife habitat and watershed conditions, while promoting forest health and protecting communities from the effects of future high severity wildfire.

Prior to lighting the burn, crews have constructed and designated firebreaks to help ensure the fire does not leave the burn area.  The burn will mimic historic natural fire as much as possible.  Fire will typically move slowly in most areas, but in tall grassy areas may spread more rapidly with high flames for short periods of time within containment lines.  Fire specialists will closely monitor local weather conditions, such as wind and humidity, and make adjustments in the schedule as needed to ensure the safety of both fire personnel and the general public. 

Smoke may be visible from Big Lake Recreation Area, the communities of Alpine, Nutrioso, Springerville, and Forest Service Road 25. Motorists are advised to drive safely when approaching areas where prescribed fire activities may limit visibility and/or hinder fire personnel operations.

All prescribed burns are approved through the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) before ignition begins. The ADEQ monitors air quality and determines whether or not it will be a good day for smoke dispersion. Although smoke from prescribed fire can still be noticeable, it is usually for a shorter time and considerably less smoke than wildfires produce. If you are sensitive to smoke or have respiratory problems, stay indoors if possible.

Questions or concerns contact the Alpine Ranger District at 928-339-5000 or visit the ASNFs website at: www.fs.usda.gov/asnf