Firefighters began ignition operations yesterday (Friday, September 8, 2023) as resources continue to prepare remaining fire containment lines.
Operations: Through the weekend, fire managers plan to complete the remaining preparation work on the fire containment lines. As preparation work is completed and as conditions allow, firefighters will continue ignition operations. Please be alert for fire personnel working in the area. Roads may be restricted at times depending on the operational needs of fire personnel.
Fire Ecology: The work on the Labor Fire is the first step in returning fire to a fire-dependent ecosystem. Fire has been absent in this area for well over 50 years. During that time, litter, duff, and woody debris has accumulated to unnaturally high levels. The excessive fuel could support severe fire effects and extreme fire behavior if it burned during the peak fire year before monsoons. The moisture from the last few weeks, combined with carefully chosen ignition patterns and patience, is allowing the fire to burn with the desirable fire behavior. To learn more, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/wildfire-crisis
Evacuations: None.
Weather: 3-to-5-day weather predictions indicate slight chances of precipitation over the fire area. High temps expected to be in the 80s and minimum relative humidities in the mid-teens. Winds are predicted be variable but primarily out of the southwest. Higher chances of showers and thunderstorms are expected to enter the area beginning Tuesday.
Restrictions: None.
Smoke: Smoke will be visible from highway 260 and may also settle on the highway. An interactive smoke map at https://www.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.
Official fire information:
Online: https://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs