The White Mountain Fire Restrictions Coordination Group comprised of fire districts, law enforcement, emergency management from city, county, state, and federal agencies, along with external partners are reconvening for a second year to coordinate efforts concerning fire restrictions in the White Mountains and areas within Apache, Greenlee and Navajo Counties.

Fire restrictions are reviewed by theWhite Mountain Fire Restrictions Coordination Group for forested areas located from the Mogollon Rim covering Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (ASNFs) off of Arizona State Highways 260 and 60 and on through the communities of Show Low/Pinetop-Lakeside, Springerville-Eager, Greer, Alpine, and as far away as Clifton off Arizona State Highway 191.

The White Mountain Fire Restrictions Coordination Group monitors current conditions such as: current and predicted weather, fuel conditions, fire activity levels, and available resources to aid in implementing fire restrictions.

Recently, eight unattended campfires have been found in the White Mountains area and are under investigation. With severely dry vegetation, risk of wildland fire is increasing. People who enjoy public lands in Apache, Greenlee, and Navajo Counties can reduce risk of fire by practicing fire safety and adhering to fire prevention restrictions.

Currently, there are no fire restrictions in place, however, the public is asked to monitor news regularly and to check the National Weather Service (NWS) for weather and wind outlooks before camping to see if any Red Flag warnings are in effect for that day.

For more information about restrictions on public lands by calling (928) 333-3412 or toll free 1-877-864-6985 or visit (www.311info.net), and the NEW interagency website: www.Firerestrictions.us, created to inform residents and visitors about fire restrictions and closures across the South-west area.