3/8/16 8:50 am

***NEWS RELEASE***

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FIRES IN NAVAJO COUNTY

For more information Contact:
Chief Deputy James Molesa, (928)220-1051

Within the past 10 days residents in Navajo County have experienced 3 large human caused fires. With the absence of the El Nino, conditions are dry and we are entering the month of March which is the start of the windy season. The most recent fire, the “Phoenix Fire” located outside of Heber was caused by target practice shooting. This fire was burning in a juniper wooded area and went from 6 acres to an estimated 600 acres in just a few hours. Propelled by wind gust of 40 miles per hour it spread very rapidly. The forest conditions are extraordinarily dry for this time of year. Navajo County and our fire fighting and prevention partners in the White Mountains, encourage all residents to use caution when burning weeds, or other material. Please be aware of the weather conditions as well as the dryness of the land. Sheriff Clark advised “the difference between a controlled burn and a wild fire is 30 seconds.”

The Navajo County Sheriff’s Office reminds people with any information on a crime to contact WETIP at 800-78CRIME or contact the Sheriff’s Office at (928)532-6060 or (928)524-4050. Callers may request to remain anonymous.