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

Springerville, AZ – Feb. 16, 2021 — The Springerville Ranger District on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (ASNFs) will be conducting a prescribed burn of the Greer Community Brush Pit, Wednesday, February 17^th, due to favorable weather conditions.

The Fire crews will be on scene from the beginning of ignitions until there is no longer a threat of escape from the project boundaries. The Brush Pit, approximately one acre, is located north of the Benny Creek Campgrounds in Greer.  During season, this site supports local landowners’ efforts to keep their community and their homes safe from wildfires providing a free drop-off site to dispose of green waste that would otherwise sit in yards, posing as a fire risk.

Prescribed burning provides many benefits and is essential to maintaining healthy forest ecosystems. This prescribed fire is a follow-up to previous hand thinning treatments within the unit. It provides habitat diversity, recycles plant nutrients into the soil, and encourages new growth for various plants used by wildlife and livestock. Prescribed burning of forest ground fuels also reduces the threat of large-scale wildfire impacts on private lands.

Smoke will be visible from HWY 260, 60, and the communities of Greer, Hidden Meadows, Vernon, Springerville, and Eagar. All prescribed burns are approved through the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) before ignitions begin. 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 a nuisance, 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. To find helpful resources visit the ASNFs website at www.fs.usda.gov/detail/asnf/fire.

The public can obtain additional information via the following:

• Local Ranger Station: Springerville RD (928) 333-6200
• 311 Information at (928) 333-3412
• Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests website at www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
• Twitter: twitter.com/A_SNFs
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs/

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Springerville, AZ – Feb. 16, 2021 — The Black Mesa Ranger District on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests will be conducting a prescribed burn within the Black Mesa Administration Site Prescribed Burn area starting today, Tuesday, February 16th, due to favorable weather conditions.

The Black Mesa Administrate Site piles, approximately 5 acres, are located at the Black Mesa Ranger District in Overgaard. Fire crews will be on scene from the beginning of ignitions until there is no longer a threat of escape from the project boundaries.
Prescribed burning provides many benefits and is essential to maintaining healthy forest ecosystems. This prescribed fire is a follow-up to previous hand thinning treatments within the unit. It provides habitat diversity, recycles plant nutrients into the soil, and encourages new growth for various plants used by wildlife and livestock. Prescribed burning of forest ground fuels also reduces the threat of large-scale wildfire impacts on private lands.

Smoke will be visible from HWY 260, 277, 377, and the communities of Heber-Overgaard, Aripine and Clay Springs. All prescribed burns are approved through the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) before ignitions begin. 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 a nuisance, 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. To find helpful resources visit the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests website at www.fs.usda.gov/detail/asnf/fire.

The public can obtain additional information via the following:
• Local Ranger Station: Black Mesa RD (928) 535-7300
• 311 Information at (928) 333-3412
• Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests website at www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
• Twitter: twitter.com/A_SNFs
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs/

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