Arizona Emergency Information Network

Next week the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management begins a one-day pile burn operation on State Trust Land in Pinal County in an effort to reduce both fuel loading in the area and wildfire risk.

On Tuesday, January 31, favorable weather conditions allow DFFM to conduct ignitions on the 36-acre, Lost Dutchman RX Burn located approximately four miles northeast of Apache Junction, off State Route 88 and Nodak Road, just south of the Goldfield Ghost Town.

DFFM’s project is adjacent to a similar project by the Bureau of Land Management. Last year, the two agencies collaborated to help reduce the hazardous fuel load within this area. These piles are the result of the leftover debris from those fuels projects. The overall planned objectives include, preserving the Sonoran Desert’s natural state, providing a fuel break to help in the containment of a wildfire, and ultimately safeguarding nearby residents and businesses.

Ignitions begin on Tuesday at 9:00 am with possible smoke impacts to SR 88 and the Lost Dutchman Ghost Town. All prescribed burning operations, whether pile or broadcast burns, are weather dependent and may be cancelled or rescheduled due to weather conditions or DFFM crew availability. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality must also approve projects before ignitions can begin.

DFFM will make notifications prior to ignitions on the agency’s social media channels, including Twitter, Facebook, and the Nextdoor platform.

Tonto National Forest fire officials are preparing to burn three piles on the Tonto Basin Ranger District, Monday, Jan. 30, 2023.

Fire specialists plan to move forward with burning three separate slash piles that were cancelled earlier this month. The three sites include: the Indian Point Community Green Waste site, Burnt Corral Campground (FS 49 Road and State Route 88) and the Crabtree Wash Pit near the Apache Lake Marina. Pile burns range from 1 acre to a quarter of an acre in size.

Smoke is anticipated to be moderate during ignitions and is expected to disperse by the late  afternoon with little impacts to State Routes 88 and 188, the community of Tonto Basin and the Apache Lake Marina Resort. Ignitions will be completed by noon. Nighttime smoke should be minimal and may impact the community of Tonto Basin, Punkin Center, and potentially the Apache Lake Marina Resort.

Experienced fire and fuels specialists on the Tonto National Forest build prescribed fire plans using the most up-to-date science and modeling along with their combined on the ground fire and fuels experience. Prescribed burning is key in treating landscapes to reduce the risk of destructive wildfire to the American people and to the public lands entrusted to Forest Service care.

Affected communities should remain aware of smoke advisories and conditions. Learn more about smoke impacts on the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality website.

For the latest news and information about the Tonto National Forest, follow along on Facebook @TontoNationalForest or Twitter @TontoForest.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is warning backcountry mountain travelers to be  alert for potential avalanche and other winter hazards on the San Francisco Peaks. Due to the recent heavy snowfall dangerous avalanche conditions may exist and may remain potentially hazardous for long periods. It is important for backcountry travelers to be aware that no avalanche control is conductedin the backcountry outside of the Arizona Snowbowl Ski Area boundary. Additionally, there is no regular patrol of the  backcountry. Once skiers or snowboarders leave the boundary of the Arizona Snowbowl, they are leaving the services of the Arizona Snowbowl and need to be prepared for the conditions they will encounter.

People venturing into mountainous terrain in the winter should carry avalanche rescue equipment such as a shovel, avalanche rescue beacon, avalanche probe, and winter survival gear including extra warm clothing, food and water, headlamp, map, compass, and GPS and be knowledgeable in the use of the equipment. Be prepared for travel and emergencies in the remote winter mountain environment where rescue is not immediate. Do not travel alone and leave a detailed trip plan with a responsible person.
Your best chance for survival in an avalanche is companion rescue. It is important to review recent weather reports and forecasts as well as driving conditions prior to and during your trip. Carrying a cell phone is recommended, however, it may not always work in backcountry locations and should not substitute for good judgment and preparation. It is recommended that people who use the mountain backcountry receive formal avalanche safety education and winter survival skills. Free avalanche
awareness clinics are offered by the Kachina Peaks Avalanche Center. More information about these clinics can be found at www.kachinapeaks.org.

Snow and other winter related emergencies are occurring throughout Coconino County which means that some resources may be committed on other calls and not available for immediate response. The Sheriff’s Office urges skiers and snowboarders who intend to enter the backcountry from the Arizona Snowbowl to carefully consider the consequences of that decision and determine if they have the training and equipment to safely conduct their intended activity.

Delay travel for safety and possible road and highway closures

The National Weather Service is forecasting two snowstorms in Northern Arizona. The first storm will be Saturday and Sunday, followed by a lull and then another substantial storm Monday and into Wednesday.

In areas above 6,500’ – such as Flagstaff and Williams – snowfall could reach 24” to 28”. Freezing temperatures and blowing winds of 25-45 mph will create more hazards.

Coconino County snowplows will be on duty 24/7 plowing priority roadways that lead to hospitals and schools, followed by major arterials, and then side streets.

Travel – Only if you must.

Those planning to travel, especially on Interstate 40 and Interstate 17 heading to Flagstaff, must make sure to be prepared for slow traffic and possible road closures.

• Check road conditions regularly at www.AZ511.com.
• Check updated weather forecasts at www.weather.gov/fgz.

Adjust your speed to conditions. Slowing down and leaving space between your vehicle and vehicles ahead of you on icy or wet roads can prevent crashes or keep your vehicle from skidding when conditions are slippery.

Travelers must not stop or park next to highways, including I-17, I-40, US 180, SR 260, or others, to play in the snow. Doing so is dangerous and can block areas that emergency response vehicles need to use.

Prepare Your Car

Winter storm conditions, chains and/or four-wheel drive vehicle capability are likely to be recommended on some highways impacted by snow or ice.

Have an emergency car kit packed and in your car. The Arizona Emergency Information Network has comprehensive go-kit lists for fire, flood, and snowstorms and an educational video in ASL and with captions.

The Arizona Department of Transportation has a “must have” list for every vehicle at www.azdot.gov/KnowSnow, including blankets, flashlight, ice scraper, small shovel, container with sand or kitty litter for tire traction if a vehicle becomes stuck in icy conditions.

Prepare Your Home

Residents – especially those in remote areas with limited road maintenance – should stock up on resources before the storm arrives. Along with many important household and health items, water, baby formula/food, animal food, and prescriptions are of particular importance.

Be prepared for potential power outages with generators and propane if needed. However, never use propane equipment inside for cooking or heating as it can be deadly.

Resources

Emergency Notifications from Coconino County
www.coconino.az.gov/ready

Coconino County Social Media
@CoconinoCounty

Coconino County Emergency Management
www.coconino.az.gov or @coconinoem

Arizona Department of Transportation
www.AZ511.com or @ArizonaDOT

National Weather Service
www.weather.gov/fgz or @NWSFlagstaff

Roads in the Kaibab National Forest are snowy, slushy, icy and, in some areas, completely impassable. Although most remain open, forest roads are not maintained for winter travel. The Forest Service is urging visitors to plan ahead, use good judgement, and exercise caution. 

Even a few inches of snow can obscure icy roads and soft shoulders where vehicles can become stuck. Snow drifts may be much deeper than they appear. Mud can also be deeper than expected and is just as likely to cause a vehicle to become stuck.

Road conditions can change rapidly. Roads that are frozen solid early in the morning can melt and be unsuitable to drive by midday. Winter storms can trigger unexpected rockslides that could turn a road from passable to impassible in a matter of minutes.

Many areas of the forest have little to no cell coverage for emergency calls. 

Remember that driving on wet and snowy roads can cause irreparable damage to the roadbeds, shoulders, and the surrounding area. Damaging natural resources is illegal and could result in fines and or jail time.

Know before you go. Monitor the weather forecast and contact the local ranger station for road conditions.

On the southern zone of the Kaibab National Forest around Williams and Tusayan, recent rains that fell on already melting snow has made most of the roads extremely slushy. On the North Kaibab Ranger District, which is higher elevation, snow drifts cover the roads. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) closed State Route 67 south of Jacob Lake to vehicle traffic on Dec. 1, 2022. During the winter, ADOT closes and does not clear snow from the route, which runs 43 miles between Highway 89A at Jacob Lake and the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

ADOT provides helpful tips on winter driving at azdot.gov/KnowSnow. Additional information for Kaibab National Forest can be found on Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, the Kaibab NF website, or by calling the local ranger stations.

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Consider delaying travel during snow storms; slow down on slick highways

This weekend may start out with pleasant weather, but drivers should be prepared for slick and potentially hazardous conditions on the state’s highways once a winter storm system starts to bring rain and snow to Arizona in the coming days. 

The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to avoid traveling during any severe winter storm conditions. Motorists should stay up to date on forecasts from the National Weather Service and plan their travel accordingly. That includes delaying travel when highways are snow packed or icy.

Weather forecasts call for snow and rain to start falling across the state by Saturday night and continue into next week. Drivers in lower elevations should plan for possible rain and wet roadways at times into early next week. People heading to the high country should be aware that plans for returning home could be impacted by winter weather.

ADOT and law enforcement agencies remind travelers not to stop next to highways, including I-17, I-40, US 180, SR 260 or others, to play in the snow. Doing so is unsafe. People should instead go to established snow play areas. Parking along highway shoulders for snow play is not allowed, since that can block areas that emergency response vehicles may need to use.      

Safer conditions will exist in upper elevation areas once ADOT snowplow crews have a chance to clear snow and ice from highways impacted by any winter storms. Here are some winter and wet weather safety recommendations:

• Slow down and leave extra room: Adjust your speed to conditions. Slowing down and leaving space between your vehicle and vehicles ahead of you on icy or wet roads can prevent crashes or keep your vehicle from skidding when conditions are slippery.
   
• Tire Chains: Drivers also should anticipate that, depending on the severity of winter storm conditions, chains and/or four-wheel drive vehicle capability are likely to be recommended on some highways impacted by snow or ice.
   
• Leave prepared: Dress for cold weather if traveling into the high country. Bring extra clothes and gloves as part of an emergency prep kit in case you need to stop along a highway. Be sure your cellphone is charged and pack extra drinking water, food and prescription medications (in case you encounter delays).
   
• Other items for an emergency kit: Blankets, flashlight, ice scraper, small shovel, container with sand or kitty litter for tire traction if your vehicle is stuck in icy conditions. ADOT has a complete list of items at azdot.gov/KnowSnow (look for “Must haves for every vehicle”).

In addition to following National Weather Service forecasts (weather.gov/fgz/WinterWeather), drivers can visit ADOT’s Traveler Information site at az511.gov or call 511 for highway conditions. Pay attention to messages on ADOT’s network of electronic signs. ADOT’s Twitter feed (@ArizonaDOT) and Facebook page (facebook.com/AZDOT) also provide information and answers about highway conditions.

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Fire specialists are planning several pile burns on the Tonto Basin Ranger District, Jan. 19, 2023.

Burn operations will occur at the Indian Point Community Green Waste site, as well as one pile burn at Burnt Corral Campground located at Forest Service Road 49 and State Route 88, and one pile at the Crabtree Wash Pit near Apache Lake Marina. Pile burns range from 1 acre to a quarter of an acre in size.

Smoke is anticipated to be moderate during ignitions and is expected to disperse by the late afternoon with minimal impacts to Arizona State Routes 88 and 188, the community of Tonto Basin and the Apache Lake Marina Resort. Ignitions will be completed by noon. Nighttime smoke should be minimal and may impact the community of Tonto Basin, Punkin Center and potentially the Apache Lake Marina Resort. 

The Forest Service will post signs on roads likely to be affected by smoke. Officials urge motorists to use caution while driving through these areas and to slow down for the safety of firefighters and the public. 

For news and information about the Tonto National Forest, follow us on Facebook @TontoNationalForest or Twitter @TontoForest.

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As part of continuing efforts to reduce hazardous fuels and prevent catastrophic wildfires, Kaibab National Forest firefighters are planning to conduct pile burns on about 700 acres near Williams on Friday. These piles are located near Clover Road and along I-40, and weather conditions are expected to result in some smoke impacts on the highway and in town.

“We appreciate everyone’s understanding as we work to make the Kaibab more fire-resilient, and protect local communities from the threat of wildfire,” Williams District Ranger Debra Mollet said. “Every pile we burn represents tons of fuel that will not be available to drive future destructive wildfires.”

There are no formal area closures, but the public is asked to avoid areas of the forest where firefighters are actively burning piles. Keep an eye out for signs advising of prescribed fire activity, and be sure to drive with extra caution wherever firefighters are working or where smoke is present.

Thinning and pile burning reduces the buildup of hazardous fuels in the forest. Mechanized equipment and hand logging techniques are used to cut and pile brush, saplings, and small trees. When fuel and weather conditions permit safe burning, firefighters will then ignite the piles. All prescribed burning is subject to approval by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. For more information or to review prescribed burn authorizations, visit https://smoke.azdeq.gov.

Additional fire information for the Kaibab National Forest can be obtained through the following sources:

Fire Information Recorded Hotline: 928-635-8311

Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF

Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF

Depending on weather conditions, Lake Mead National Recreation Area is planning to burn piles of previously cut vegetation as part of a hazardous fuel reduction measure in two different locations the week of January 16, 2023 in the western Lake Mead area.  

The first project, located in the old Hemenway Campground, will complete approximately 7-acres of piles accumulated from hazardous fuels projects from the Boulder Beach Area. This project will be visible to travelers on Lakeshore Road, Boulder City, Lake Las Vegas, residents and visitors at Lake Mead RV Village, Alan Bible Visitor Center, Boulder Beach Campground, and surrounding areas near Boulder Beach. It is planned to start on January 17 and be completed in one day.   

The second project, Rogers Spring, is located just off Northshore Road three miles west of Stewart’s Point and about 9 miles north of Echo Bay. The Rogers Spring Project will treat approximately 3-acres of dried vegetation piles remaining from a habitat restoration project by the park’s Resources Management team. By burning them in place, the park is reducing the risk from unwanted human caused fires in this unique habitat area and allowing the nutrients to naturally cycle back into the ecosystem. 

The Rogers Spring Parking Area will be closed from 6:00 a.m. January 18, 2023, through 5:00 pm January 19, 2023 as a safety measure for visitors. Additionally, smoke may be visible to travelers on Northshore Road and visitors to the northern section of the park. 

Visitors may see smoke, active fire, and firefighters during these burns, and are asked to drive slowly and follow all firefighter instructions. Smoke impacts are expected to be minimal and short-lived. The public can learn more about air quality and smoke by visiting fire.airnow.gov

Rogers Prescribed Burn - NPS Photo2.JPG PHOTO CAPTION: Lake Mead National Recreation Area firefighters utilize special tools and training to efficiently remove dead plants to reduce the risk of unwanted fire at Rogers Spring. 

Tonto National Forest fire officials are planning to burn pits near Pine and the Payson Helibase, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023.

The Pine pit is located southeast of the community of Pine, east of State Route 87 and south of Forest Road 64. Pits near the Helibase are located east of Payson off State Route 260. 

Fire specialists will be burning pits containing brush and woody material gathered from the surrounding areas. Clearing these dry fuels from the forest floor to burn, reduces the risk of wildfires to communities and creates a fire resilient landscape.

Experienced fire and fuels specialists on the Tonto National Forest build prescribed fire plans using the most up-to-date science and modeling along with their combined on the ground fire and fuels experience. 

There will be minimal smoke impacts to Pine, the Control Road, Star Valley, and Diamond Point Shadows areas. Residual smoke may be present for several days as the pits burn down. 

Affected communities should remain aware of smoke advisories and conditions. Learn more about smoke impacts on the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality website.

For the latest news and information about the Tonto National Forest, follow us on Facebook @TontoNationalForest or Twitter @TontoForest.

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Fire Managers on the Bradshaw Ranger District plan to take advantage of the moisture received and burn piles of debris in and around the Prescott Basin. Ignitions are planned to start on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, and continue through Tuesday Jan. 31, 2023, as favorable weather conditions allow. Fire managers expect smoke impacts to be light and visible from multiple locations including Prescott, Chino Valley, and surrounding areas. Pile burning helps to reduce hazardous fuels in the wildland urban interface and increases ecosystem and community resilience.

In the interest of safety, forest visitors are reminded to obey all traffic signs and use caution when traveling in the vicinity of the prescribed burn as firefighters and fire-related traffic will be in the area.

The purpose of this project is to reduce hazardous fuels following thinning and fuelwood removal activities. Reducing hazardous fuels will help reduce the threat of high-severity, high-intensity wildfire to the public, adjacent private property, and communities. Burning of debris left over from brush crush and thinning projects requires moisture in the surrounding vegetation and typically produces much lighter smoke than broadcast burning.

All prescribed fire activity is dependent on the availability of personnel and equipment, weather, fuels and conditions that minimize smoke impacts as much as possible, and approval from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (www.azdeq.gov).

Messages will be posted on social media when managed fires are ignited on the Prescott National Forest:

·         Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PrescottNF/

·         Twitter https://twitter.com/PrescottNF

For fire information please call Prescott National Forest Fire Information at (928) 925-1111; or stay up to date on Prescott National Forest news by checking the Prescott NF website and following us on Facebook and Twitter.

Fire Managers on the Bradshaw Ranger District plan to take advantage of the moisture received and burn piles of debris in and around the Prescott Basin. Ignitions are planned to start on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, and continue through Tuesday Jan. 31, 2023, as favorable weather conditions allow. Fire managers expect smoke impacts to be light and visible from multiple locations including Prescott, Chino Valley, and surrounding areas. Pile burning helps to reduce hazardous fuels in the wildland urban interface and increases ecosystem and community resilience.

In the interest of safety, forest visitors are reminded to obey all traffic signs and use caution when traveling in the vicinity of the prescribed burn as firefighters and fire-related traffic will be in the area.

The purpose of this project is to reduce hazardous fuels following thinning and fuelwood removal activities. Reducing hazardous fuels will help reduce the threat of high-severity, high-intensity wildfire to the public, adjacent private property, and communities. Burning of debris left over from brush crush and thinning projects requires moisture in the surrounding vegetation and typically produces much lighter smoke than broadcast burning.

All prescribed fire activity is dependent on the availability of personnel and equipment, weather, fuels and conditions that minimize smoke impacts as much as possible, and approval from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (www.azdeq.gov).

Messages will be posted on social media when managed fires are ignited on the Prescott National Forest:

·         Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PrescottNF/

·         Twitter https://twitter.com/PrescottNF

For fire information please call Prescott National Forest Fire Information at (928) 925-1111; or stay up to date on Prescott National Forest news by checking the Prescott NF website and following us on Facebook and Twitter.

The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests is currently working to begin multiple prescribed burn operations this week. The following prescribed fires will be initiated if conditions and approvals allow:

Black Mesa Ranger District

• Black Mesa West / Hidden Piles – Location: north and west of Highway 260 and south and east of the powerline access road. Total Acres: 15.
• Black Mesa Admin Piles – Location: half mile south of Heber-Overgaard West of FR 50 on the Black Mesa Administrative site. Total Acres: 15.
• Chevlon Work Center Piles – Location: 15 miles NNW of the community of Forest Lakes, West of FR 34. Total Acres: 1.

Springerville Ranger District

• West Escudilla Jackpot – Location: West of New Mexico State line, North of the community of Nutrioso and east of State Highway 191. Total Acres: 170.

Our land management strategy is centered on long-term forest health, including reducing forest fuels and using prescribed fire on the landscape. Prescribed fires provide habitat diversity, recycles plant nutrients into the soil, and encourages new growth for various plants used by wildlife and livestock. They also reduce forest surface fuels which lessens the threat of large-scale wildfire impacts on private lands and communities.

Smoke will be a consideration in the vicinity of the prescribed burns depending on the weather and caution should be used when traveling in the area. Information on air quality and active prescribed burns can be found on Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s webpage: https://azdeq.gov/.

Stay up to date on news from the A-S at our website https://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf, on Twitter @A_SNFs and on facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs.

 

The Flagstaff Ranger District plans to conduct pile burns in three different areas of the Coconino National Forest starting today and running through Friday.

A1 burn project: 50-300 acres of machine piles.

Horse Park burn project: Roughly 350 acres of machine piles.

Dry Lake Hills burn project: Between 30 and 100 acres of both hand and machine piles will be burned as part of the Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project (FWPP).

Smoke may be visible from Bellemont, west Flagstaff, Interstate 17, Interstate 40 and Highway 180. Smoke may settle in the Lake Mary Road corridor overnight.

There are no anticipated road or trail closures due to any of the pile burn projects. Please refrain from calling dispatch lines if you see smoke from these pile burns so lines can remain open for any emergencies.

Large piles need to be burned when conditions are wet or while snow is on the ground to allow for greater control. Fire managers make every effort to effectively plan and execute burn plans at times when weather allows for smoke impacts to be minimized and transport up and over communities.

For more information about prescribed burns, please visit our Prescribed Fires and Smoke web page or view the video Keeping Fire on the Ground.

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The Bureau of Land Management’s Phoenix District is planning a prescribed fire to burn cut and piled brush from about 80 acres of land northeast of Apache Junction. Fire personnel will burn on BLM lands surrounding State Route 88 near Hackamore Road and the Goldfield Ghost Town. Burning may occur over multiple days between January and March as conditions allow.  

To ensure public safety, BLM firefighters will ignite the piles only when weather conditions are conducive to safely burning. They will remain on scene to monitor public and resource safety. Area residents may see some light smoke during the burn operation. No local road closures are expected.  

Last year, the BLM collaborated with the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management to reduce hazardous vegetation in the area. Removing this vegetation helps to reduce the amount of fuel available for a wildfire and protect the adjacent community, as well as provide safer conditions for fire suppression.  

Funding for this prescribed burn came from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021. The legislation provides funds for fuel treatments to help reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and benefit neighboring communities. 

For more information, contact Public Affairs Specialist, Chris Wonderly, at 623-580-5520, or [email protected].

The Bureau of Land Management’s Phoenix District is planning prescribed burning operations to burn cut and piled brush from public lands in Yavapai and Maricopa counties. Burning may occur over multiple days between January and March as conditions allow.  

In Yavapai County, BLM fire personnel will burn 200 acres of cut and piled juniper brush along the Indian Creek drainage in the Agua Fria National Monument, about six miles east of Cordes Lakes. They will also burn 39 acres of juniper piles about three miles east of Skull Valley. In Maricopa County, crews will burn a one-acre pile on the east side of Lake Pleasant, about three miles north of State Route 74.   

To ensure public safety, BLM firefighters will ignite the piles only when weather conditions are conducive to safely burning. They will remain on scene to monitor public and resource safety. Area residents may see some light smoke during the burn operation. No local road closures are expected.  

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021 provided funding for this prescribed burn. The legislation funds fuel treatments to help reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and benefit neighboring communities. Thinning and burning juniper that has encroached into grasslands also helps open wildlife corridors, reduce predator cover, and improve wildlife forage. 

For more information, contact Public Affairs Specialist, Chris Wonderly, at 623-580-5520, or [email protected]. 

With recent winter storms providing extensive snow cover across much of the Kaibab National Forest, firefighters are taking advantage of prime conditions to reduce hazardous fuels on the landscape. Over the coming weeks, Forest Service firefighters will ignite piles of thinned trees and brush in several locations on both the North and South zones of the Kaibab.

On the South Zone, firefighters are planning to focus on the Parks West area near Spitz Hill this week, before shifting to the Saddle piles adjacent to Parks – a total of 1,000 acres of piles resulting from mechanical thinning work completed last year. In the Williams area, firefighters will look to burn 3,000 acres of machine piles near Bill Williams Mountain, Dogtown Reservoir, and Clover Road. Residents and visitors may see and smell smoke, but impacts are expected to be minimal.

On the North Zone, firefighters will be looking to burn about 931 acres of machine piles east of Jacob Lake along Arizona 89A. Depending on weather conditions, these ignitions could take place anytime in the next two weeks. There may be periodic light smoke impacts to the highway.

If you’re planning to visit the forest, please avoid areas where firefighters are actively burning piles. Watch for signs advising of prescribed fire activity and drive with extra caution when firefighters are working nearby.

Thinning and pile burning is a low-risk means of reducing the buildup of hazardous fuels in the forest. Mechanized equipment and hand logging techniques are used to cut and pile brush, saplings, and small trees. When fuel and weather conditions permit safe burning, firefighters will then ignite the piles.

All prescribed burning is subject to approval by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. For more information or to review prescribed burn authorizations, visit https://smoke.azdeq.gov.

Additional fire information for the Kaibab National Forest can be obtained through the following sources:

• Fire Information Recorded Hotline: 928-635-8311
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF
• Kaibab Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF

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The Flagstaff Ranger District is planning to conduct pile burns approximately 4 miles north of Munds Park along Forest Road 700 beginning tomorrow through Friday.

The Horse Park project will burn about 350 acres worth of piled woody material remaining from mechanical treatments. Southwest winds are predicted to move smoke northeast toward the Lake Mary area and may settle in the local area in the evening. No closures or restrictions are anticipated with these pile burns.

Large piles need to be burned when conditions are wet or while snow is on the ground to allow for greater control. Fire managers make every effort to effectively plan and execute burn plans at times when weather allows for smoke impacts to be minimized and transport up and over communities. For more information about prescribed burns, please visit our Prescribed Fires and Smoke web page or view the video Keeping Fire on the Ground.

The Black Mesa Ranger District on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests is planning to proceed with prescribed pile burning in the vicinity of Hwy 260 approximately 3 miles west of the community of Forest Lakes and adjacent to Willow Springs Lake.  The project boundaries are north and west of Highway 260 and south and east of the powerline access road. The burn is expected to be conducted between January 5 and 13, depending on weather conditions.

Smoke will be a consideration in the vicinity of the prescribed burns depending on the weather and caution should be used when traveling in the area. Information on air quality and active prescribed burns can be found on Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s webpage: https://azdeq.gov/. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures.

Our land management strategy is centered on long-term forest health, including reducing forest fuels and using prescribed fire on the landscape. Prescribed fires provide habitat diversity, recycles plant nutrients into the soil, and encourages new growth for various plants used by wildlife and livestock. They also reduce forest surface fuels which lessens the threat of large-scale wildfire impacts on private lands and communities.

The public can obtain additional information by calling the Black Mesa Ranger District at (928) 535-7300.

The Black Mesa Ranger District on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests is planning to proceed with prescribed pile burning in the vicinity of Hwy 260 approximately 3 miles west of the community of Forest Lakes and adjacent to Willow Springs Lake.  The project boundaries are north and west of Highway 260 and south and east of the powerline access road. The burn is expected to be conducted between January 6th and 13th, depending on weather conditions.

Smoke will be a consideration in the vicinity of the prescribed burns depending on the weather and caution should be used when traveling in the area. Information on air quality and active prescribed burns can be found on Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s webpage: https://azdeq.gov/. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures.

Our land management strategy is centered on long-term forest health, including reducing forest fuels and using prescribed fire on the landscape. Prescribed fires provide habitat diversity, recycles plant nutrients into the soil, and encourages new growth for various plants used by wildlife and livestock. They also reduce forest surface fuels which lessens the threat of large-scale wildfire impacts on private lands and communities.

The public can obtain additional information by calling the Black Mesa Ranger District at (928) 535-7300.

Stay up to date on forest news at our website https://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf, on Twitter @A_SNFs and on facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs.