Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests’ Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Will Begin on Friday, October 9 at 8:00 AM

Posted on October 8, 2020 by Haley Nicoll

Springerville, AZ – October 8, 2020 – Due to extreme fire danger in all vegetation types, the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests will enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions along with the other national forests in Arizona on Friday, October 9^th, at 8:00 AM to protect public health and reduce preventable human-caused wildfires.

“This seems very odd for October. We are seeing values that are normally seen in mid-June and all values continue to trend upward, “said Gary Strickland, Forest Fire Management Officer. “Wildfire occurrence is rising in reaction to receptive fuels. Firefighters are currently engaged in fire suppression operations on the Cow Canyon Fire and the Jake Springs Fire and continue to respond to an increase of abandoned campfires and new starts on the forest. We are asking the public for their cooperation during this time to keep our communities safe.”

Criteria used to determine when to implement fire restrictions include current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, fire activity levels, and available firefighting resources.

Restrictions will remain in effect until December 31, 2020, or until forest officials determine that conditions have changed sufficiently to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires, whichever occurs first.

Under Stage 1 Restrictions the following acts are prohibited: 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b)

• Igniting, building, maintaining, or using a fire, including charcoal and briquettes outside a fire structure that is provided by the Forest Service within a designated area. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(a).

• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three (3) feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(d).

Exemptions to the restrictions include the following: 36 C.F.R. §261.50(e)

• Holders of Forest Service Special Use Authorizations are exempt from restriction #1 above, provided such fires are within a fire structure and they are within their permitted area.

• Persons using a stove or grill that is solely fueled by liquid petroleum or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels.

• Persons using a stove fire in a designated area.

• Any Federal, State or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.

Recreational target shooting and legal hunting activities are permitted and are not affected by this order. Fireworks and explosives, including exploding targets, are never allowed on national forests. Use good judgment and basic safety precautions when hiking, fishing or camping; and follow Leave No Trace principles.

Several Forests in AZ and NM are still in fire restrictions. Know before you go. Check current fire information and restrictions on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests website, or call (928) 333-6280.

Prescribed burn set for 9/15/2020

Posted on September 14, 2020 by Kym O'Farrell

AZ Forestry will conduct a one day prescribed burn in Navajo/Apache counties on 9/15/2020. Ignitions will begin at 9 am in the area of US 60, near mile marker 370, northeast of Show Low. The burn is expected to last one day and is weather dependent. Smoke will be visible in the area throughout the day and likely into Wednesday. The burn helps reduce piles left from fuels reduction work in the area.

Cow Canyon Fire plus Trail Closure

Posted on September 8, 2020 by Haley Nicoll

Cow Canyon Fire September 8, 2020

Location of Origin: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, Alpine Ranger District

Start Date: August 18, 2020 Size: Approx. 248 Acres

Cause: Lightning Percent Contained: 10

Personnel: 0

Resources Assigned: 0

The Cow Canyon Fire, ignited by lightning on August 18, 2020 on the Alpine Ranger District, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, is burning in steep, rugged terrain, is in a remote location within the Blue Range Primitive Area and has minimal values at risk, therefore, is in Monitor Status.

The Cow Canyon Fire, approximately four miles southeast of the Blue Camp in the Blue River Drainage, has grown to approximately 248 acres. The fire started on the north side of Lanphier Canyon and moved to the south crossing the canyon just to the west of Cashier Spring.

Franz Cabin and Corral are located to the east of the fire near Franz Spring. The fire will be monitored for movement to the east that may impact the cabin. Firefighters created a helispot near the cabin during the Whoa Canyon Fire in early July and will utilize that, if necessary, to help protect the cabin and corrals.

The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests issued a temporary trail closure order effective today, September 8, 2020. The following trails are closed for public health and safety due to wildland fire activities along the trails:

Cow Flat Trail (#55) beginning at the trail junction of Bonanza Bill Trail (#23), following the Cow Flat Trail (#55) to the southwest until it meets the junction of WS Lake Trail (#54).

Lanphier Trail (#52) at the trailhead at the junction of National Forest Service Road (NFSR) 281, following the trail to the southeast until it meets Cow Flat Trail (#55).

South Canyon Trail (#53) at the trailhead at its junction with NFSR 281, following the trail to the southeast until it meets Cow Flat Trail (#55).

Smoke may be visible east of Hwy. 191 on the Alpine and Clifton Ranger Districts, west of Saddle Mountain, and near the town of Glenwood, New Mexico. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and active prescribed burns can be found on Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s webpage: https://azdeq.gov/.

For further information, please contact the Alpine Ranger District at 928-339-5000 or email Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests at as_portal_comments@usda.gov.