U.S. Forest Service - Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests

10/07/2026

🔥Vernon Pile Burns Update🔥
Lakeside Ranger District

Fire crews were successful with ignition of the piles this morning. They will continue to monitor the area.

10/06/2026

The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are planning prescribed fire operations as early as Wednesday, October 7, 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.

Lakeside Ranger District Vernon pile burns planned:

• 2 acres of piles, 5 miles west of Vernon, off Apache County Road 3144. Map attached.

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 may impact Vernon, but will be light due to the size and amount of piles being burned. 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 postponed or 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.

10/05/2026

The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are planning prescribed fire operations beginning this fall, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through spring 2027, as weather conditions allow. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.

Prescribed fires planned for the area include:
Black Mesa Ranger District
• Vincent (2,258 acres) – south of Dutch Joe Ranch
• Dye (4,966 acres) – 2 miles southeast of Dutch Joe Ranch
• Sinkhole (876 acres) – 4 miles southwest of Forest Lakes, north side of Hwy 260

Lakeside Ranger District
• Morgan Tank 5 (1,465 acres) – 1 mile southwest of Show Low
• Apprentice (2,375 acres) – 5 miles northeast of Pinetop
• Rhoton Seep (2,609 acres) – 4 miles northeast of Pinetop
• Brushy Mtn North (300 acres) – 4 miles east of Pinetop
• Brushy Mtn South (887 acres) – 3 miles east of Pinetop
• Telephone (1,676 acres) – 6 miles northeast of Pinetop
• Arab (674 acres) – 1 miles southwest of Vernon
• Butler West (788 acres) – 2 miles south of Vernon

Black River Zone (Alpine and Springerville Ranger Districts)
• Wallow West Unit 6BC (7,236 acres) – 5 miles south of Big Lake
• Luna (2,158 acres) – 1 mile east of Alpine, north side of Hwy 180
• Heifer (3,116 acres) – 8 miles southwest of Alpine, 1 mile east of Buffalo Crossing

Clifton Ranger District
• EEMS Phase 2 Block A (Bear) (5,000 acres) – 6 miles south of Blue Vista Overlook, west side of Hwy 191
• Hagen (5,757 acres) – 3 miles south of Blue Vista Overlook, west side of Hwy 191

Those areas may be closed to the public for several days for public safety. Watch for warning signs along roads near all prescribed fire areas before and during burns.

Residents may experience smoke during the prescribed burns. Go to https://fire.airnow.gov/ to find more detailed information about air quality. 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 postponed or canceled. Please do not report these fires, as firefighters will remain on scene throughout ignitions and patrol afterwards.

Stay informed about the scheduled prescribed fires through the forest website, and InciWeb, the interagency incident information system. We will notify county emergency management officials when burning begins.

09/30/2026

09/29/2026

Expect areas of heavy rain and thunderstorms with potential flooding for Arizona through tonight. This is due to an early fall storm interacting with both remnant Monsoonal moisture and tropical moisture. The potential exists for additional 0.5 to 2 inches of rain, with locally higher amounts. Additional rainfall could cause impactful rises in area waterways, including major waterways such as Little Colorado River.

09/25/2026

Beginning October 1, our Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Supervisor’s Office and Springerville District Office will be closed for lunch from 12:00 – 12:30 pm Monday – Friday.

More information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/apache-sitgreaves/offices

09/25/2026

🌲Tomorrow is National Public Lands day!

Join the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests on one of three events being hosted on the Black Mesa, Clifton and Springerville Ranger Districts on September 26th.

Be a part of the nation’s LARGEST single-day volunteer effort, and celebrate America’s 250th anniversary through the stewardship of public lands.

Interested in Volunteering with us? 📢 SAVE THE DATE!

Mark your calendar for National Public Lands Day on September 26, 2026. The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are holding three events on the Black Mesa, Clifton, and Springerville Ranger Districts. Celebrate America’s 250th 🇺🇲 and give back to our public lands through volunteering.

🌲Black Mesa Ranger District:
We will meet at the Rim Top parking lot at 8:00 AM. Join us for trash collection at various recreation sites from 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM.

Contact the Black Mesa Ranger District office for questions or information at 928-535-7300.

🌲Clifton Ranger District:
Join us for a half day of trails work from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Highline Trail with Wild Arizona .

Registration and Details: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/heal-the-highline-trail-for-national-public-lands-day-tickets-1995162709372. Be prepared and bring gloves, close-toed shoes, pants, long sleeves, snacks and lunch.

Location: Highline Trailhead - 33.552278°, -109.318446°

Contact Rebecca D***s for questions or information: [email protected] or 928-687-8612

🌲Springerville Ranger District:
Join us to help clean up and maintain the Big Lake Visitor Center from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Bring gloves, closed-toe shoes, pants, and long sleeves.

Location: Big Lake Visitors center 33.878758°, -109.408339°

Contact Jeremy Evans for questions or information: [email protected] or 928-333-6200