Forest Service News Release
Media Contact: Steven Johnson
Springerville Ranger District resumes Whiting prescribed fire
SPRINGERVILLE, Ariz. – April 26, 2024 – The Springerville Ranger District on the Apache- Sitgreaves National Forests plan to begin ignitions on the Whiting prescribed fire during the next available window of favorable weather conditions, potentially from April 30, 2024 through May 04, 2024. The prescribed fire unit is approximately 10 miles southeast of Vernon, near the Whiting homestead, and west of Forest Road 117.
In the fall of 2023, firefighters conducted black lining fire operations on the northern portion of the Whiting project and completed 1,226 acres of the 2,137 total acres, leaving 911 acres left to treat on the southern portion. Ignitions will depend on favorable weather conditions to achieve desired outcomes.
The Whiting prescribed fire project will aide in cleaning up dry climate grasses, ponderosa pine and the mixed conifer understory. Fire managers will work to mitigate impacts to values at risk within the unit that include nearby communities, private property, heritage sites, rangelands, and wildlife.
Smoke may impact the communities of Vernon and Springerville-Eagar, nearby private properties, and Highway 60. Drivers are cautioned that visibility may be reduced, especially in the overnight hours when smoke tends to form an inversion layer as it settles near the ground. Roads within the burn unit will not be closed but it is advised that individuals stay out of the area until the prescribed burn is completed. Information on air quality is available at https://www.airnow.gov/.
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