SPRINGERVILLE, Ariz. – Nov. 27, 2023 – The Springerville Ranger District on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests plan to begin ignitions on the Whiting prescribed fire during the next available window of favorable weather conditions, potentially on Nov. 28, 2023. The prescribed fire unit is approximately 10 miles southeast of Vernon, near the Whiting homestead, and west of Forest Road 117.

The Whiting prescribed fire project will aide in cleaning up dry climate grasses, ponderosa pine and the mixed conifer understory. Fire managers will work to mitigate impacts to values at risk within the unit that include nearby communities, private property, heritage sites, rangelands, and wildlife. Recent precipitation, cooler temperatures, and relative humidity recoveries are in alignment to produce low intensity fire behavior.

Smoke may impact the communities of Vernon and Springerville-Eagar, nearby private properties, and Highway 60. Drivers are cautioned that visibility may be reduced, especially in the overnight hours when smoke tends to form an inversion layer as it settles near the ground.

Firefighters are also planning to conduct ignitions at the Greer green waste burn pit, weather permitting, to clean up and eliminate slash that has accumulated over the summer and fall. Smoke may be visible and could impact the communities of Greer, Springerville-Eagar, and Highway 260. Smoke impacts to Highway 60 may reduce visibility, and drivers are cautioned to remain aware of the potential for slower traffic in the vicinity. Information on air quality is available at https://www.airnow.gov/.

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