News Release
Media Contact: Pamela Baltimore
928-333-4301
pmbaltimore@fs.fed.us

Springerville Ranger District burning near Vernon

Springerville, AZ –August 4, 2015; — The Springerville Ranger District Fire staff plans to burn 73 acres of slash south of Vernon on Wednesday, if weather conditions are suitable. Smoke may be visible from Round Valley, Arizona State Highway 260, and U.S. Highway 60.

The management objective is to enhance wildlife habitat and watershed conditions, as well as, to promote forest health. This prescribed fire is in cooperation with the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Habitat Partnership Committee.

All prescribed burns are approved through the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) before ignitions begin. The ADEQ monitors air quality and determines whether or not it will be a good day for smoke dispersion. Breaking larger burn areas into smaller acreages often limits the amount of smoke that impacts an area. 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.

Questions or concerns contact Cary Stock, Springerville Ranger District Assistant Fire Management Officer at (928) 333-6351 or by calling 311 or 928-333-3412. Also, check out the ASNFs website at: www.fs.usda.gov/asnf