Heber-Overgaard

Point and Dutch prescribed fire projects planned on Black Mesa Ranger District

9/25/2024 - 1:24 pm
Black Mesa Ranger District, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, Prescribed Fire, Point project, Dutch project, Forest Lakes, hazardous fuels, fire-resistant landscape, Wildfire Crisis Strategy, forest health, smoke, Highway 260, Heber-Overgaard, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, smoke management, Air Quality, FR 237, FR 172, FR 34, FR 100, control lines, smoke-sensitive individuals, particulate-filtering respirator, fire.airnow.gov

Firefighters plan to conduct prescribed fire operations on the Black Mesa Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests beginning September 25 through October 31, 2024, weather permitting.

The Point project area is 814 acres and is approximately 1 mile north of Forest Lakes.  The boundaries of the project are mile marker 2 on FR 237 to FR 172 and FR 237C and constructed control lines.

The Dutch project area is 1,301 acres and is approximately 10 miles northwest of Forest Lakes.  The boundaries of the project are FR 34 and FR 100 and constructed control lines.

Pius Fire containment at 77 percent; fire transitioning back to Forest

7/15/2024 - 10:16 am
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, Pius Fire, wildfire, smoke, Christopher Creek, Payson, Young, Forest Lakes, Heber-Overgaard

The Southwest Area Incident Management Team will be transitioning management of the Pius Fire back to the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Wednesday following increased containment on the fire. The public is asked to continue adhering to all posted orders and closures for safety. This will be the final update for the Pius Fire unless significant activity occurs.
 

Crews making good progress toward full suppression on the Pius Fire

7/14/2024 - 9:42 am
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, Pius Fire, Christopher Creek, Payson, Young, Forest Lakes, Heber-Overgaard, wildfire, smoke

Crews are making good progress toward full suppression of the Pius Fire, which has reached 71% containment. The public is asked to avoid the fire area and abide by any posted signage. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
 

Weimer Fire Final Update

7/08/2024 - 3:05 pm
Weimer Fire, Heber-Overgaard, Forest Lakes, Wagon Draw

The lightning caused Weimer fire burning north of Forest Lakes and west of Heber-Overgaard is now at 1,066 acres with 80% containment.

Ignitions have been completed and remaining firefighting resources include three engines. The Weimer fire, detected on July 2, is burning within the Wagon Draw fire scar from 2009.

This will be the final update unless fire activity and weather conditions warrant.

Operations: Fire crews will continue to mop up and secure the fire perimeter by extinguishing any remaining hot spots along containment lines.

Firefighters respond to Weimer Fire on Black Mesa Ranger District

7/04/2024 - 9:55 am
Apache-Sitegreaves National Forests, Weimer Fire, Forest Lakes, Heber-Overgaard, smoke, Black Forest Ranger District

Firefighting resources are responding to the lightning caused Weimer fire burning north of Forest Lakes and west of Heber-Overgaard. The fire is approximately 55 acres and is being engaged with a full suppression strategy utilizing existing forest roads and a dozer line to the north to contain the wildfire. Fire crews will work on prepping roads and the dozer line, which is expected to be constructed today. Firefighting resources assigned to the incident include four engines, three initial attack crews, one dozer, and a helicopter.