Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests

Fire managers are planning to implement the Pierce prescribed fire on the Black Mesa Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests starting September 26 and continuing through September 28.  The 3,044-acre prescribed fire is located 1.5 miles south of Heber-Overgaard off Forest Road 51.

Fire managers and district rangers on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are looking for appropriate conditions to implement prescribed fires during the fall and winter months.

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 personnel are working to confine the Labor Fire on the Black Mesa Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests.

Crews are working to suppress a fire 11 miles west of Springerville, Arizona.

Fire personnel are working to extinguish the Lost Springs Fire on the Springerville Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests.

The Black River Complex has decreased in complexity and will transition on August 15th at 0600 from the White Mountain Zone Type 3 Team to two Type 4 organizations. The Corduroy and Willow fires will be managed by Incident Commander Cody Chartier and trainee Steven Daly. The Boundary fire will be managed by Incident Commander Heath Barker and trainee Aaron Norman. This will be the final update from the White Mountain Zone Type 3 Team unless conditions change.

CORDUROY FIRE

CORDUROY FIRE

Firefighters made progress containing the Corduroy and Willow fires, rain helps diminish Boundary fire.

Weather: A seventy-percent chance of afternoon thunderstorms are expected to bring substantial rains,  with a high of 65 degrees, and 5-10mph winds with higher gusts near approaching storm fronts.

Black River Complex fires receive rain, firefighters make progress with containment. More rain is expected.

Weather: Thunderstorms in the afternoon are forecast with a 50% chance of rain, a high of 69 degrees and winds 7-12mph with gusts up to 20 mph.

Values at risk: Sensitive species in surrounding areas, cattle and grazing areas, watersheds, riparian areas, impacts to Highway 191, Hannagan Lodge, and nearby electric powerlines.