Black Fire

The lightning-caused Black Fire is approximately 150 acres, burning on National Forest System lands in the Aldo Leopold Wilderness, Gila National Forest. This fire is approximately 20 miles northeast of Mimbres near the Black Canyon and in very steep and rugged terrain.

Little Fire

The lightning-caused Little Fire is approximately 250 acres, burning on National Forest System lands in the Gila Wilderness, Gila National Forest. This fire is approximately 4.5 miles west of the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument.

South Fire

The lightning-caused South Fire is approximately 100 acres, burning on National Forest System lands in the Aldo Leopold Wilderness, Gila National Forest. This fire is approximately 30 miles north of Mimbres.

Woodrow Fire

The lightning-caused Woodrow Fire is approximately 4 acres, burning on National Forest System lands in the Gila Wilderness, Gila National Forest. This fire is south of Mogollon Creek and south of Trail Canyon in T12S R16W section 31.

Summary: Helicopter reconnaissance shows that these naturally-ignited fires are doing good things for the land. District Ranger Rachelle Huddleston-Lorton stated “the individual fires appear to be having low to moderate effects, cleaning up dead and down trees, and debris from previous fires, and reducing ladder and surface fuels. This is what we want to see – fire playing it’s natural role in the ecosystem.”

Understanding management strategy for fire within congressionally-designated wilderness – Managing fire in designated wilderness areas presents opportunities and challenges that are different than in non-wilderness areas. One of the biggest challenges is that the land manager must protect wilderness characteristics and values except under specific circumstances when life and personal property are threatened, such as search and rescue operations.

Managing wildland fire requires making decisions in a short amount of time. The land manager gathers information about plant animal life, history of fire in area, and information from local citizens and government to make decisions on how to manage the fire.

When a Forest Service manager decides to place a fire in monitor status the intent is not to “let it burn” and hope for a positive outcome. Monitoring fire means assessing the fire based on potential fire behavior, upcoming weather predictions, tracking behavior, evaluating fire effects and many other factors. Direct or indirect action may be taken to protect values at risk; managers and firefighters must be prepared to engage in a different way when that occurs.

Smoke from fire rises during the daytime, but in the evening can pool down in canyons, drainages, and basins. For information on air quality and protecting your health, and to find guidance on distances and visibility, please visit https://nmtracking.org/fire. Fire information can be found at nmfireinfo.com and on Inciweb.

For information on the Gila National Forest, check out our website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/gila or join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.

Forest Service Alpine Ranger District Fire Info Line:

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (928) 333-3412

30 S Chiricahua Drive

Springerville, AZ 85938

(928) 333-6280

Web: www.fs.usda.gov/asnf

Twitter: @A_SNFs

www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnf

Alpine Ranger District Fire Update July 4, 2019

COLEMAN FIRE: Final Update

Incident Start Date: 6/29/2019 Cause: Lightning/ Natural Size: 990 acres Containment: 100%

Incident Type: Wildfire Vegetation Type: Timber & Short Grass Total Personnel: 4 personnel

Current Situation: Crews completed all burn out operations yesterday, bringing the fire to 100% containment. Smoke may be visible from the Coleman Fire as pockets of unburned fuels continue to burn within the fire perimeter.

This will be the last update for the Coleman Fire unless significant events occur.

Smoky Conditions Remain in the Area: Smoke from the Coleman Fire may be visible from Alpine, State Highway 191, south of Alpine and in the vicinity of the Campbell Blue River. Light smoke may continue to impact Campbell Blue and the Blue community.

BLUE RIVER FIRE:

Incident Start Date: 6/29/2019 Cause: Lightning/ Natural Size: 340 acres Containment: 10%

Incident Type: Wildfire Vegetation Type: Timber & Short Grass Total Personnel: 46

Current Situation Minimal activity was observed on the Blue River Fire on Wednesday. Fire managers are monitoring this fire and are prepared to take action if private or public assets are threatened. This low-intensity fire is being managed to reintroduce fire into the ecosystem, restore natural fire regimes, and remove excess fuels, thus reducing the risk of a more severe, high intensity wildfire later.

If conditions warrant, burn out operations may occur along control lines around the Blue River Ranch.

Smoky Conditions Remain in the Area: Smoke from the Blue River Fire may be visible from Alpine, the Blue River road going south of Alpine and in the vicinity of Campbell Blue drainage. Light smoke may continue to impact Campbell Blue and the Blue community.

Visitor Information: If you are sensitive to smoke, visit the Arizona Department of Health Services website at http://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/extreme-weather/index.php#wildfires-home for additional information regarding the dangers of wildfire and prescribed burn smoke and wildfire preparedness.

• Northeastern Arizona Public Information System: http://311info.net/ or call 311 or 928.333.3412
• Arizona Fire Restrictions: http://firerestrictions.us/az/
• Fire Restrictions and Red Flag Alerts: http://wildlandfire.az.gov/
• Wildfires Near Me: http://www.wildfiresnearme.wfmrda.com/

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Forest Service Blue River Fire Info Line:

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (928) 333-3412

30 S Chiricahua Drive

Springerville, AZ 85938

(928) 333-6280

Web: www.fs.usda.gov/asnf

Twitter: @A_SNFs

www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnf

Blue River Fire Update July 3, 2019

Incident Start Date: 6/29/2019 Cause: Lightning/ Natural Size: 340 acres

Containment: 0% Incident Type: Wildfire Vegetation Type: Timber & Short Grass Suppression Strategy: Point/Zone Protection Total Personnel: 34

Resources Assigned: 2 Engines, 1- 20 person crew, 1-7 person module, 1 water tender.

Current Situation: On June 30, 2019, Fire managers received a report of smoke in the vicinity of Campbell Blue drainage west of Blue River Ranch. Due to rugged terrain and an abundance of snags and debris from the 2011 Wallow Fire, this naturally occurring low intensity fire will be used to reintroduce fire into the ecosystem, restore natural fire regimes, and remove excess fuels. Ground crews and air resources will monitor this fire and take action as necessary to protect values at risk.

Today’s Plan: Fire personnel will focus on protection of Blue River Ranch and power-lines as well as monitor the fire perimeter growth.

Smoky Conditions Remain in the Area: Smoke from the Blue River Fire may be visible from Alpine, the Blue River road going south of Alpine and in the vicinity of Campbell Blue drainage. Light smoke may continue to impact Campbell Blue and the Blue community.

Visitor Information: If you are sensitive to smoke, visit the Arizona Department of Health Services website at http://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/extreme-weather/index.php#wildfires-home for additional information regarding the dangers of wildfire and prescribed burn smoke and wildfire preparedness.

There are no closures or restrictions relating to this fire.

• Northeastern Arizona Public Information System: http://311info.net/ or call 311 or 928.333.3412

• Arizona Fire Restrictions: http://firerestrictions.us/az/

• Fire Restrictions and Red Flag Alerts: http://wildlandfire.az.gov/

• Wildfires Near Me: http://www.wildfiresnearme.wfmrda.com/

Forest Service Alpine Ranger District Fire Info Line:

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (928) 333-3412

30 S Chiricahua Drive

Springerville, AZ 85938

(928) 333-6280

Web: www.fs.usda.gov/asnf

Twitter: @A_SNFs

www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnf

Alpine Ranger District Fire Update July 4, 2019

COLEMAN FIRE: Final Update

Incident Start Date: 6/29/2019 Cause: Lightning/ Natural Size: 990 acres Containment: 100%

Incident Type: Wildfire Vegetation Type: Timber & Short Grass Total Personnel: 4 personnel

Current Situation: Crews completed all burn out operations yesterday, bringing the fire to 100% containment. Smoke may be visible from the Coleman Fire as pockets of unburned fuels continue to burn within the fire perimeter.

This will be the last update for the Coleman Fire unless significant events occur.

Smoky Conditions Remain in the Area: Smoke from the Coleman Fire may be visible from Alpine, State Highway 191, south of Alpine and in the vicinity of the Campbell Blue River. Light smoke may continue to impact Campbell Blue and the Blue community.

BLUE RIVER FIRE:

Incident Start Date: 6/29/2019 Cause: Lightning/ Natural Size: 340 acres Containment: 10%

Incident Type: Wildfire Vegetation Type: Timber & Short Grass Total Personnel: 46

Current Situation Minimal activity was observed on the Blue River Fire on Wednesday. Fire managers are monitoring this fire and are prepared to take action if private or public assets are threatened. This low-intensity fire is being managed to reintroduce fire into the ecosystem, restore natural fire regimes, and remove excess fuels, thus reducing the risk of a more severe, high intensity wildfire later.

If conditions warrant, burn out operations may occur along control lines around the Blue River Ranch.

Smoky Conditions Remain in the Area: Smoke from the Blue River Fire may be visible from Alpine, the Blue River road going south of Alpine and in the vicinity of Campbell Blue drainage. Light smoke may continue to impact Campbell Blue and the Blue community.

Visitor Information: If you are sensitive to smoke, visit the Arizona Department of Health Services website at http://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/extreme-weather/index.php#wildfires-home for additional information regarding the dangers of wildfire and prescribed burn smoke and wildfire preparedness.

• Northeastern Arizona Public Information System: http://311info.net/ or call 311 or 928.333.3412
• Arizona Fire Restrictions: http://firerestrictions.us/az/
• Fire Restrictions and Red Flag Alerts: http://wildlandfire.az.gov/
• Wildfires Near Me: http://www.wildfiresnearme.wfmrda.com/

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Forest Service Coleman Fire Info Line:

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (928) 333-3412

30 S Chiricahua Drive

Springerville, AZ 85938

(928) 333-6280

Web: www.fs.usda.gov/asnf

Twitter: @A_SNFs

www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnf

Coleman Fire Update July 03, 2019

Incident Start Date: 6/29/2019 Cause: Lightning/ Natural Size: 473 acres

Containment: 0% Incident Type: Wildfire Vegetation Type: Timber & Short Grass Resources Assigned: Engines: 2, Crews: 1 Total Personnel: 28 personnel

Current Situation: On June 30, 2019, Fire managers received a report of smoke in the vicinity of Campbell Blue drainage, near Highway 191. Fire managers are utilizing this lightning caused wildfire to help reintroduce fire into the ecosystem, restore natural fire regimes, and remove excess fuels. The Coleman Fire is a low intensity fire that is being confined inside a road system. The lightening caused fire will be monitored while it consumes unburned fuels within the perimeter.

Today’s Plan: Fire personnel will prep the containment lines for burnout operations. Crews will burn out along Highway 191 today, to lessen the smoke impacts on the highway for the holiday weekend.

Smoky Conditions Remain in the Area: Smoke from the Coleman Fire may be visible from Alpine, State Highway 191, south of Alpine and in the vicinity of the Campbell Blue River. Light smoke may continue to impact Campbell Blue and the Blue community.

Closures and Restrictions: Arizona Department of Transportation will be providing traffic control during burnout operations along Highway 191 approximately 6 miles south of Alpine. Motorists are asked to be alert and prepared to stop for flagmen.

Visitor Information: If you are sensitive to smoke, visit the Arizona Department of Health Services website at http://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/extreme-weather/index.php#wildfires-home for additional information regarding the dangers of wildfire and prescribed burn smoke and wildfire preparedness.

• Northeastern Arizona Public Information System: http://311info.net/ or call 311 or 928.333.3412
• Arizona Fire Restrictions: http://firerestrictions.us/az/
• Fire Restrictions and Red Flag Alerts: http://wildlandfire.az.gov/
• Wildfires Near Me: http://www.wildfiresnearme.wfmrda.com/

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Forest Service

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests 30 S Chiricahua Drive

Springerville, AZ 85938

(928) 333-6280

Web: www.fs.usda.gov/asnf

Twitter: @A_SNFs www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnf

News Release

Media Contact: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Phone: 928-333-6280

Whiting Knoll Fire

July 6, 2019 - Final Update

Location: Whiting Knoll

Cause: Lightning

Percent contained: 50%

Date Reported: June 30, 10 a.m.

Size: 2,280 acres

Fuel: Mixed Conifer, Ponderosa, grass understory

Resources assigned: 5 engines, 3 hand crews, 2 bulldozer, 1 helicopter, 1 water tender

Springerville, July 6, 2019 – For Immediate Release – Yesterday crews continued with back fire operations around the fire’s perimeter, consuming unburned fuels between the main fire and the fire line, bringing the fire to 50% containment. Navopache Electric Cooperative was able to access the tripped powerline, make repairs, and restore power by mid-day.

Today all main roads in the fire area are re-opened. Crews will monitor the fire and begin mop-up along the fire lines. This will be the final update on the Whiting Fire unless significant events occur.

Weather: An increasing chance of thunderstorms is expected across the White Mountains today through Sunday. Winds will be light but can become variable and gusty around approaching thunderstorms.

Safety: Smoke impacts will be light as fire activity winds down. U.S. Highway 60 between mileposts 370 and 379 may still be impacted by hazy conditions at times. Please drive with caution through areas impacted by smoke and fire.

Road Closures and Restrictions: All main roads in the fire area have been reopened. Visitors are reminded to be alert for fire crews and drive with caution through the area.

Individuals sensitive to smoke are encouraged to visit the Arizona Department of Health Services website at http://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/extreme-weather/index.php#wildfires-home for additional information regarding the dangers of wildfire and prescribed burn smoke and wildfire preparedness. Air quality data from across the state can be viewed at www.Phoenix.net/PPMmain.aspx.

Fire restrictions: The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest is not currently in fire restrictions. Visitors are reminded to be very careful with fire. Never leave a fire unattended – even for a short time.

Additional Information on wildfire and wildfire safety can be found at:

• Northeastern Arizona Public Information System: http://311info.net/ or call 311 or 928.333.3412

• Arizona Fire Restrictions: http://firerestrictions.us/az/

• Fire Restrictions and Red Flag Alerts: http://wildlandfire.az.gov/

Forest Service

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests 30 S Chiricahua Drive

Springerville, AZ 85938

(928) 333-6280

Web: www.fs.usda.gov/asnf

Twitter: @A_SNFs www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnf

News Release

Media Contact: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Phone: 928-333-6280

Whiting Knoll Fire Prompts Road Closures

July 5, 2019 Update

Location: Whiting Knoll

Cause: Lightning

Percent contained: 5%

Date Reported: June 30, 10 a.m.

Size: 1,625 acres

Fuel: Mixed Conifer, Ponderosa, grass understory

Resources assigned: 5 engines, 3 hand crews, 2 bulldozer, 1 helicopter, 1 water tender

Springerville, July 5, 2019 – For Immediate Release – The 4th of July was an active day on the Whiting Knoll Fire east of Vernon. Crews continued with back fire operations, bringing the fire down to Forest Roads 117 and 65 fire line and Apache County Road 3123 fire line. Due to the heavy holiday traffic and active fire in direct proximity, fire managers and Apache County officials have closed these roads for firefighter and public safety.

Early in the day, the fire entered a sizeable pocket of heavy fuels consisting of mixed conifer with a heavy dead and down component resulting in a substantial smoke column through the day. A Navopache powerline that runs through this heavy timber pocket has tripped off line, causing power outages to customers in the Greens Peak area. Due to the heavy fire activity yesterday, line crews were unable to access the area. Navopache anticipates accessing and assessing the distribution line this morning. Currently, the level of impact to the line is unknown and there is no estimate on when power will be restored to affected customers.

Although an active day, operations went as planned and crews held the fire within the fire lines.

Today fire crews will focus on holding and reinforcing fire lines where needed utilizing ground ignitions. Smoke is expected to be heavy into the evening.

Weather: Moisture is expected to graze the White Mountains starting this afternoon bring a slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms into the weekend.

Safety: Smoke may be heavy at times along U.S. Highway 60 between mileposts 370 and 379. Visitors are reminded to use their headlights and drive with caution through areas impacted by smoke. Forest visitors are reminded to drive with caution on all forest roads.

Road Closures and Restrictions: Apache County Road 3123 is closed from Apache County Road 1326 to Forest Road 117. Forest Road 117 is closed from Apache County Road 1326 to the junction with Forest Road 65. Forest Road 65 is closed in its entirety.

Individuals sensitive to smoke are encouraged to visit the Arizona Department of Health Services website at http://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/extreme-weather/index.php#wildfires-home for additional information regarding the dangers of wildfire and prescribed burn smoke and wildfire preparedness. Air quality data from across the state can be viewed at www.Phoenix.net/PPMmain.aspx.

Fire restrictions: The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest is not currently in fire restrictions. Visitors are reminded to be very careful with fire. Never leave a fire unattended – even for a short time.

Additional Information on wildfire and wildfire safety can be found at:

• Northeastern Arizona Public Information System: http://311info.net/ or call 311 or 928.333.3412

• Arizona Fire Restrictions: http://firerestrictions.us/az/

• Fire Restrictions and Red Flag Alerts: http://wildlandfire.az.gov/

• Wildfires Near Me: http://www.wildfiresnearme.wfmrda.com/

Forest Service

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests 30 S Chiricahua Drive

Springerville, AZ 85938

(928) 333-6280

Web: www.fs.usda.gov/asnf

Twitter: @A_SNFs www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnf

News Release

Media Contact: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Phone: 928-333-6280

Whiting Knoll Fire Update July, 4, 2019

Location: Whiting Knoll

Cause: Lightning

Percent contained: 0%

Date Reported: June 30, 10 a.m.

Size: 460 acres

Fuel: Mixed Conifer, Ponderosa, grass understory

Resources assigned: 5 engines, 2 hand crews, 1 bulldozer, 1 helicopter

Springerville, July 4, 2019 – For Immediate Release - The Whiting Knoll Fire is located approximately 8 miles southeast of Vernon, Arizona. Fire managers are utilizing existing roads and natural features as fire line to create a box in which they plan to contain the fire. Utilizing ground and helicopter assisted ignition, crews successfully began burn outs within the planning area on Wednesday. Burn outs are a strategy employed by fire managers where crews set fire to fuels between the edge of the fire and the fire line to reduce fuel load in the fire’s path in order slow and eventually stop the progress of the fire. Wednesday’s operations went as planned and without incident. While smoke will be visible from surrounding communities, prevailing winds are pushing the column away from densely populated areas.

Today crews will continue with burn out operations as weather conditions remain favorable. Localized smoke is expected to be heavy through the afternoon.

Weather: Dry, breezy and warm conditions are anticipated today. Friday, wind directions turn more southerly allowing a chance for moisture to move into the area, bringing a slight chances for showers and thunderstorms to the White Mountain area through the weekend.

Safety: Smoke may be heavy at times along U.S. Highway 60 between mileposts 374 and 379. Visitors are reminded to use their headlights and drive with caution through areas impacted by smoke. Most forest roads remain open in the fire zone, but forest visitors are asked to drive slow along Apache County Road 3123 and Forest Roads 117 and 65 and be alert for crews working along the road.

Individuals sensitive to smoke are encouraged to visit the Arizona Department of Health Services website at http://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/extreme-weather/index.php#wildfires-home for additional information regarding the dangers of wildfire and prescribed burn smoke and wildfire preparedness. Air quality data from across the state can be viewed at www.Phoenix.net/PPMmain.aspx.

Fire restrictions: The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest is not currently in fire restrictions. Visitors are reminded to be very careful with fire. Never leave a fire unattended – even for a short time.

Additional Information on wildfire and wildfire safety can be found at:

• Northeastern Arizona Public Information System: http://311info.net/ or call 311 or 928.333.3412

• Arizona Fire Restrictions: http://firerestrictions.us/az/

• Fire Restrictions and Red Flag Alerts: http://wildlandfire.az.gov/

• Wildfires Near Me: http://www.wildfiresnearme.wfmrda.com/

Forest Service

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests 30 S Chiricahua Drive

Springerville, AZ 85938

(928) 333-6280

Web: www.fs.usda.gov/asnf

Twitter: @A_SNFs www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnf

News Release

Media Contact: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Phone: 928-333-6280

Whiting Knoll Fire ignites near Greens Peak

Location: Whiting Knoll

Cause: Lightning

Percent contained: 0%

Date Reported: June 30, 10 a.m.

Vegetation: Ponderosa pine and grass understory

Incident Commander: Gary Strickland

Resources assigned: 3 engines, 2 10-person Initial Attack Crews, 1 Bulldozer

Springerville, July 2, 2019 – For Immediate Release The lightning ignited Whiting Knoll Fire was discovered Sunday, June 30, 2019 at approximately 10:00 a.m. The fire is burning on the Springerville Ranger District adjacent to Whiting Knoll, north of Greens Peak, midway between U.S. Highway 60 and Arizona State Highway 260. Utilizing a portion of Forest Roads 117 and 65 as well as natural features as fire line, fire managers have identified a containment area approximately 4,000 acres in size. While weather conditions are favorable, crews will take an active role to reinforce these fire lines by introducing fire to consume fuel in a controlled fashion. Smoke columns will be highly visible at times from the communities of Vernon, Springerville/Eager, and Greer. Motorists traveling U.S. Highway 60 and Arizona State Highway 260 may encounter light to moderate smoke. The Whiting Knoll Fire is currently not an imminent threat to private property.

Weather: Dry, breezy and warm conditions are anticipated through Thursday. Friday, wind directions turn more southerly allowing moisture to move into the area, bringing a slight chances for showers and thunderstorms to the eastern Mogollon Rim and White Mountain area.

Safety: Visitors are reminded to drive with caution through areas impacted by smoke and avoid traveling through the fire zone. While smoke is not expected to heavily impact local communities, Individuals sensitive to smoke are encouraged to visit the Arizona Department of Health Services website at http://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/extreme-weather/index.php#wildfires-home for additional information regarding the dangers of wildfire and prescribed burn smoke and wildfire preparedness. Air quality data from across the state can be viewed at www.Phoenix.net/PPMmain.aspx.

Fire restrictions: The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest is not currently in fire restrictions. Visitors are reminded to be very careful with fire. Never leave a fire unattended – even for a short time.

Additional Information on wildfire and wildfire safety can be found at:

o Northeastern Arizona Public Information System: http://311info.net/ or call 311 or 928.333.3412

o Arizona Fire Restrictions: http://firerestrictions.us/az/

• Fire Restrictions and Red Flag Alerts: http://wildlandfire.az.gov/

• Wildfires Near Me: http://www.wildfiresnearme.wfmrda.com/