U.S. Forest Service
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
30 S Chiricahua Drive
Springerville, AZ 85938
News Release
Media Contact: Iris Estes
928-333-6280
iestes@fs.fed.us
Prescribed burning continues on Springerville Ranger District
Springerville, AZ, April 12, 2016;–For Immediate Release — The Springerville Ranger District on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests is planning to continue prescribed fire operations as soon as tomorrow. The district plans to burn approximately 400 acres on the Garris JPB Unit, which is adjacent to Red Cabin Ranch and five miles southeast of Vernon.
Smoke will be visible from Round Valley, Arizona State Highway 260, and U.S. Highway 60. The burn is to enhance wildlife habitat and watershed conditions while promoting forest health and protecting communities from the effects of future high severity wildfire. The goal of the burn is to reduce activity fuels created from previously thinned, juniper encroached meadows. This prescribed fire is in cooperation with the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Habitat Partnership Committee, Mule Deer Foundation, and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
Implementation of smoke management actions near smoke sensitive areas such as towns and outlying residential areas. Smoke should disperse to the east during operations and settle into local drainages overnight. Precautions will be taken to minimize the adverse effects of smoke on the local communities. Motorists are advised to drive safely when approaching areas where prescribed fire activities may limit visibility and hinder fire personnel operations.
All prescribed burns are approved through the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) before ignition begins. Although smoke from the 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, consider staying indoors if possible. You can check the status for air quality at your location: https://nmtracking.org/en/environ_exposure/fire-and-smoke/
Questions or concerns contact Cary Stock, Springerville Ranger District Assistant Fire Management Officer at (928) 333-6351. Also, check out the ASNFs website: www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Follow us:
Web: www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Twitter: @A_SNFs
Facebook: www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs