Favorable weather conditions in place for hazardous fuels reduction work
Contributed Article/Courtesy U.S. Forest Service
SPRINGERVILLE — The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are planning prescribed fire operations pending all required approvals. We expect this work to continue throughout the week, weather permitting. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation and protect local communities, infrastructure, and natural resources from wildfires.
Springerville Ranger District (Black River Zone) Big Lake Sewer Lagoon pile burns planned:
- 20 acres of piles, ½ mile south of Big Lake, and east of FR 68. Map attached.
Those areas may be closed to the public for several days for public safety. Watch for warning signs along roads near all prescribed fire areas before and during burns.
Smoke may be visible from the Big Lake recreation area and Highways 273 and 261. For more detailed air quality information, visit AirNow online or download the app. When driving, slow down and turn on your headlights when you encounter smoke on the road.
We will evaluate weather conditions in the hours before a burn begins. If conditions warrant, we may postpone or cancel scheduled prescribed fire activities.
Stay informed about the scheduled prescribed fires through the forest website, social media channels, and InciWeb, the interagency incident information system. We will notify county emergency management officials when burning begins.
About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has, for more than 100 years, brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.
