The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are planning prescribed fire operations on Monday, January 12, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue throughout the week as weather conditions allow. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.
Black Mesa Ranger District pile burns planned (150 acres/maps attached):
• Rocky Point Piles – Located at Rocky Point Trailhead, FS Roads 105F and 105E.
• Bear Canyon Piles – Located at Bear Canyon Lake parking areas.
• Rancho Allegre Piles – Located between FS Roads 84, 34, and 300.
• Heber Brush Pit – Located at Hwy 277 and FS Road 488G.
Those areas may close 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 is expected to be visible from the recreation areas in and around both Woods Canyon Lake and Bear Canyon Lake, as well as the intersection of FS Road 300 and FS Road 34. The Heber Brush pit burn operation will be visible from Hwy 277 and the community of Heber-Overgaard.
For more detailed information about air quality, go to 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, scheduled prescribed fire activities may be canceled.
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.