Arizona Emergency Information Network
Deadline approaching for SBA Working Capital Loans
Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration, today reminded small nonfarm businesses in 16 New Mexico counties and neighboring counties in Arizona of the May 28, 2024, deadline to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for economic injury. These low-interest loans are to offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by drought in the following primary counties that began Sept. 19, 2023.
Primary New Mexico counties: Hidalgo, Santa Fe, Torrance and Valencia;
Neighboring New Mexico counties: Bernalillo, Cibola, Grant, Guadalupe, Lincoln, Los Alamos, Luna, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, Sandoval and Socorro;
Neighboring Arizona counties: Cochise and Greenlee.
According to Sánchez, small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. “Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact,” said Sánchez.
“SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the applicant suffered any property damage,” Sánchez added.
The interest rate is 4 percent for businesses and 2.375 percent for private nonprofit organizations with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.
Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the initial disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.
By law, SBA makes Economic Injury Disaster Loans available when the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. The Secretary declared this disaster on Sept. 25, 2023.
Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Services Agency about the U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance made available by the Secretary’s declaration. However, nurseries are eligible for SBA disaster assistance in drought disasters.
Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Springerville Ranger District resumes Whiting prescribed fire
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/.
Visit the A-S National Forests website and follow us on Facebook and X (Twitter).
WhitingRX_ PIO_20231010 (1).jpgDeadline Approaching in Arizona for SBA Working Capital Loans Due to Drought
Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration, today reminded small nonfarm businesses in 11 Arizona counties and neighboring counties in New Mexico of the May 28, 2024, deadline to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for economic injury. These low-interest loans are to offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by drought in the following primary counties that began Sept. 19, 2023.
Primary Arizona counties: Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pima and Santa Cruz;
Neighboring Arizona counties: Apache, Gila, Maricopa, Navajo, Pinal and Yuma;
Neighboring New Mexico counties: Catron, Grant and Hidalgo.
According to Sánchez, small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. “Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact,” said Sánchez.
“SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the applicant suffered any property damage,” Sánchez added.
The interest rate is 4 percent for businesses and 2.375 percent for private nonprofit organizations with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.
Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the initial disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.
By law, SBA makes Economic Injury Disaster Loans available when the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. The Secretary declared this disaster on Sept. 25, 2023.
Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Services Agency about the U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance made available by the Secretary’s declaration. However, nurseries are eligible for SBA disaster assistance in drought disasters.
Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available to California and some Arizona Small Businesses
Small nonfarm businesses in three California counties and neighboring counties in Arizona are now eligible to apply for low‑interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, announced Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration. These loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by monsoon, heavy rain and flash flooding in the following primary county that occurred Sept. 1, 2023.
- Primary California county: Imperial;
- Neighboring California counties: Riverside and San Diego;
- Neighboring Arizona counties: Yuma and La Paz.
“SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster,” Sánchez said.
Small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred.
“Eligibility for these loans is based on the financial impact of the disaster only and not on any actual property damage. These loans have an interest rate of 4 percent for businesses and 2.375 percent for private nonprofit organizations, a maximum term of 30 years and are available to small businesses and most private nonprofits without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship,” Sánchez said.
Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the initial disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.
By law, SBA makes Economic Injury Disaster Loans available when the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. The Secretary declared this disaster on April 24.
Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Services Agency about the U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance made available by the Secretary’s declaration.
Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The deadline to apply for economic injury is Dec. 24.
Coconino National Forest prescribed fire projects to begin week of April 29, 2024
The Coconino National Forest will begin conducting prescribed fire on two of its three districts next week should wind and weather conditions allow.
Fire managers plan to begin a variety of projects across both the Flagstaff Ranger District (FRD) and the Mogollon Rim Ranger District (MRRD) starting the week of April 29.
“We’re looking forward to another great season of using prescribed fire to restore our local landscape and safeguard our communities,” said Coconino National Forest Fire Staff Officer Jason Clawson. “The work we’re doing now helps prevent the risk of catastrophic and unexpected wildfire during our hottest, driest and windiest months.”
FRD plans include work on ongoing projects such as Horseshoe (Slate and Peaks units), 3Echo (3E), Wild Bill and Mint. The MRRD will also be continuing work on projects such as Upper Beaver Creek (UBC), Sawmill, Clints and Blue Ridge Urban Interface (BRUI).
Project areas can be viewed in the attached map.
These upcoming prescribed fires support the Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI). This landscape-level effort is restoring the structure, pattern, composition and health of fire-adapted ponderosa pine ecosystems in northern Arizona. The project uses a full suite of restoration approaches that are carried out by Forest Service personnel, partners, volunteers and contractors.
Prescribed fire works alongside other land treatments, such as mechanical thinning, to reduce fuel loading on forested lands and restore it to a healthier, more resilient state.
4FRI is part of the Forest Service’s 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy.
Prescribed fire information can always be accessed in several ways:
- Via InciWeb at inciweb.wildfire.gov. InciWeb will update several times a week on both the Flagstaff Ranger District and Mogollon Rim Ranger District pages with planned prescribed fire projects and any ensuing changes.
- On X (Twitter) at @CoconinoNF
- On Facebook - search "U.S. Forest Service - Coconino National Forest"
- Via news releases. Subscribe to Coconino National Forest news releases by visiting coconinonationalforest.us, and then clicking the "Get News Via Email" link under the "Stay Connected" header
Prescribed fire plans are always dependent upon weather and wind conditions and may change at any time.
During prescribed fire, smoke will be visible from several areas across the forest. Please refrain from contacting dispatch or 911 to report prescribed fires so lines can remain open for emergencies.
Prescribed fires are also subject to approval from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). The public can view approved prescribed fire projects on ADEQ’s website at smoke.azdeq.gov. Coconino National Forest fire projects begin with the designator “COF.”
Fire managers take air quality concerns seriously and are trained to minimize smoke impacts to the greatest extent possible. The Coconino National Forest will continue to coordinate closely with partners to keep communities informed about projects and potential smoke. More information is available at airnow.gov.
Prescribed fire is an important part of maintaining forest health. For more information on why prescribed fires are conducted and how they benefit the landscape and help protect communities, please visit our Prescribed Fire and Forest Health webpage.
Capture.PNGBlack Mesa Ranger District works to reduce hazardous fuels
The Black Mesa Ranger District plans to conduct prescribed fire operations on 10 acres to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations and minimize the risk
of high-severity wildfires.
Ignitions on the 10-acre Black Mesa Admin burn are planned to begin on April 28, 2024 and the project is expected to be completed the next day. The prescribed project area is located at 2748 East Highway 260 in Overgaard at the Black Mesa Ranger District administrative site. The prescribed burn
will be bounded by Forest Road 50 and previously constructed fire control lines.
Smoke is expected to impact the communities of Heber-Overgaard and Highway 260. Drivers are cautioned that smoke may cause reduced visibility in the area. The objective is to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations around the Black Mesa Ranger District and return the landscape to a more fire-
resistant condition. This prescribed burn will also be utilized as a teaching tool as it is part of the curriculum for the S-219 Firing Operations class for wildland firefighters.
Prescribed fires support land management objectives by improving plant and wildlife habitat, reducing the threat of invasive species on the landscape, and help protect communities from extreme wildfires. These prescribed fires align with the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy to reduce wildfire risk to nearby communities and natural resources. Air quality information can be found at https://www.airnow.gov/.
Visit the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests website and follow us on Facebook and X (Twitter)
A map of the Black Mesa prescribed fire April 25 2024.jpgGlobe Ranger District, San Carlos Apache Tribe plan consecutive prescribed fires to reduce forest fuels, protect communities and natural resources
Tonto National Forest and San Carlos Apache Tribal fire managers are planning to begin two prescribed fire operations April 30 through May 10.
The 531-acre Roadside prescribed fire operation will occur within the Globe Ranger District’s Roadside burn block located 25 miles northeast of Globe, Arizona. Following the Roadside burn, Tonto fire crews, working in collaboration with the San Carlos Apache Tribe’s fire crews, will share resources and assist the Tribal Reserved Treaty Rights Land (RTRL) fire crews with a prescribed fire in the 1,967-acre Tanks Unit on reservation land adjacent to the Roadside burn block.
Both prescribed fire operations are part of the Highway Tanks fuel reduction project, a local, cross-boundary initiative between the Tonto National Forest and San Carlos Apache Tribe that have been in various planning phases for several years. Over the past 6 months Tribal Fire crews and Forest Service crews have been actively thinning and pretreating the area for fuels reduction.
Both prescribed fires fall under the overarching San Carlos Apache Tribal Forest Protection (TFPA) landscape that include the Apache-Sitgreaves, Coronado, Tonto National Forests and San Carlos Apache Tribal Lands. With additional funding under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the Forest Service identified the TFPA project area as one of 11 high-risk landscapes across the country selected for forest restoration and fuel reduction treatments.
The Tribal Forest Protection Act designation provides the ability to perform cross-boundary ecological restoration work and cooperative fuel management treatments across the entire landscape that include tribal ancestral lands and adjacent national forest system lands. The San Carlos TFPA landscape is part of the Forest Service’s 10-year strategy for confronting the wildfire crisis.
Prescribed fires modify post-treatment wildfire behavior and effects by reducing surface fuels (dead vegetation on the forest floor such as branches or needles from ponderosa pine and juniper) and ladder fuels (small- to medium-sized trees with low-lying branches as well as shrubs that can carry fire from the ground into the tree canopy). They reintroduce fire to a fire-dependent ecosystem and create a fire-safe buffer that helps protect communities from extreme wildfires.
These treatments improve plant and wildlife habitat to increase biodiversity for wildlife corridors, clean water, and flood control. They also help protect culturally significant native foods and plants, improve timber stands and recreational opportunities, and reduce the threat of invasive species on the landscape.
For the safety of the fire crews and the public, officials urge motorists to use extreme caution when driving on US Route 60 as fire specialists anticipate possible smoke impacts from mile marker 281 to mile marker 284. Burning will cease each day by 3 p.m. to reduce smoke impacts to US Route 60.
For additional information, contact the Globe Ranger Station located at 7680 S. Six Shooter Canyon Rd., Globe, Arizona 85501. Or phone the station at (928) 425-7189 Monday – Friday between 7:45 - 11:45 a.m. and 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.
For the latest news and information about the Tonto National Forest, follow along on Facebook @TontoNationalForest or Twitter @TontoForest.
highways_Tonto.jpg
YCOEM and YCSO Announce Genasys Protect
The Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management (YCOEM) and Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) proudly announce the vital enhancement in emergency evacuations for residents who live in unincorporated areas of Yavapai County, with the purchase of Genasys EVAC. This advanced zone-based evacuation tool, adopted by various communities nationwide, assists in streamlining evacuations and communication during emergencies.
Over the past few months, YCOEM, in collaboration with YCSO, Yavapai County Geographic Information Systems, Genasys, and various fire partners from local, state, and federal agencies have sectioned unincorporated Yavapai County into zones. Each zone has the prefix “YCU” followed by a unique four-digit zone identifier (for example, YCU- 0123).
The introduction of Genasys EVAC brings with it the launch of the public-facing platform, Genasys Protect. Genasys Protect allows the public to access crucial information, including:
- Evacuation zones
- Location of American Red Cross and animal shelters
- Road closures and road updates
- Sandbag station locations
- Additional emergency resources
Residents can use Genasys Protect by visiting www.protect.genasys.com or by downloading the free Genasys Protect app from the app store. To easily find out your designated zone, the public can enter the addresses of homes, workplaces, schools, and other important locations in unincorporated Yavapai County into Genasys Protect. This feature enables residents to "Know Your Zone."
"Over the past two years, we've been deeply involved in various evacuation zone initiatives, working to determine the most effective ways to implement these critical strategies in Yavapai County," explained Ashley Ahlquist, Emergency Manager. "With the Board of Supervisors' approval last December, we were able to move forward. This development is crucial for enhancing coordination among public safety agencies and broadening our communication with the community in all types of situations, not just emergencies. I am thankful for the support from the Board and the Sheriff's Office, which has been instrumental in advancing this initiative.”
YCOEM and YCSO urges all residents to embrace Genasys Protect, as well as register for the current Emergency Notifications System, Everbridge, at www.ycsoaz.gov. This registration is vital for receiving timely and targeted alerts during emergencies. In an emergency, YCSO will send an Everbridge notification including a link to the Genasys Protect map, indicating which zones are in SET, GO, or under different emergency conditions.
For more information and to make sure you are prepared for any emergency, please visit www.yavapaiready.gov/KnowYourZone. Familiarize yourself with the Genasys Protect platform and enhance your readiness for a safer tomorrow.
Globe Ranger District hosting meeting to discuss fire season, landscape projects
Tonto National Forest Globe Ranger District staff will host a public information meeting in May to discuss the upcoming fire season and potential impacts to the Globe-Miami area as well as surrounding communities.
Forest Service representatives also will share information about upcoming projects tethered to the San Carlos Apache Tribal Forest Protection landscape. This landscape includes National Forest System lands on the Globe Ranger District as well as lands on the neighboring San Carlos Reservation. It is one of 21 landscapes recently identified by the USDA Forest Service as part of its 10-year strategy for confronting the wildfire crisis.
The public meeting will take place on May 6 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Cobre Valley Recreation Center located at 4877 W Cypress Way in Miami, Arizona.
Discussion topics will include:
• 2024 wildfire season outlook
• What fire ecology can tell us about fire management in this area
• Planned, prescribed fires and vegetation management for 2024
• Future landscape projects to reintroduce fire into this fire adapted ecosystem
For additional information, contact the Globe Ranger Station located at 7680 S. Six Shooter Canyon Rd., Globe, Arizona 85501. Or phone the station at (928) 425-7189 Monday – Friday between 7:45 - 11:45 a.m. and 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.
For the latest news and information about the Tonto National Forest, follow along on Facebook @TontoNationalForest or Twitter @TontoForest.
Cave Creek Ranger District will conduct pile burning to reduce wildfire risk to multiple communities and critical infrastructure
Tonto National Forest firefighters will begin a one-day, prescribed pile burn on the Cave Creek Ranger District, April 25.
Firefighters will burn piles containing dead brush and limbs to reduce hazardous fuels on national forest land that is immediately adjacent to the communities of Rio Verde, Box-Bar Ranch, Ft. McDowell Indian Community, agriculture property and utility infrastructure. The unit is a 100-foot fuel break that totals 17 acres. In addition, the hazardous fuels reduction operation conducted along the community of Rio Verde will help residents maintain their Firewise status.
Reducing these hazardous fuels on national forest land bordering private/state lands can help limit the threat of wildfires to communities and infrastructure. All prescribed fires on the Tonto National Forest are approved through the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (AZDEQ) before ignitions begin. AZDEQ monitors air quality and determines whether it will be a good day for smoke dispersion. Although smoke from prescribed fire can still be noticeable, it is usually for a shorter time and considerably less smoke than wildfires produce. It is recommended that individuals with breathing issues should consider staying indoors and avoid smoke if present. For more information visit AZDEQ air quality webpage.
The completion of these projects reflects our partnerships with Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM), Rio Verde Fire Department and Scottsdale Fire Department in our collaborative efforts to reduce hazardous fuels around these communities.
Prescribed fire operations are part of the USDA Forest Service’s overarching wildfire crisis strategy to reduce wildfire risk to people, communities, and natural resources while sustaining and restoring healthy, resilient fire-adapted forests. Visit the Confronting the Wildfire Crisis webpage for information about the USDA Forest Service’s 10-year strategy to reduce the risk of wildfires to communities, critical infrastructure and natural resources from the nation’s ongoing wildfire crisis.
For additional information, contact the Cave Creek Ranger Station located 40202 North Cave Creek Rd., Scottsdale, Arizona. Or phone the station at (480) 595-3300 from Monday – Friday between 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
For the latest news and information about the Tonto National Forest, follow along on Facebook @TontoNationalForest or X (formally Twitter) @TontoForest.
unnamed (47).jpgSpring prescribed fires planned on Kaibab National Forest
Fire managers on the Kaibab National Forest are planning to conduct prescribed fires throughout the spring season as conditions allow. Crews plan to begin ignitions the in the coming weeks with the goal of treating up to 8,597 total acres this spring.
Williams Ranger District
Three Sisters Rx (956 acres): located on the north shore of Kaibab Lake, ~1.5 miles northeast of the City of Williams.
Marteen East Rx (three units of 5,613 total acres): located west of Pumpkin Center Road, ~12 miles north of the community of Parks – ignitions may occur on this unit as a back-up should conditions not be appropriate to safely conduct the Three Sisters Rx.
Tusayan Ranger District
Blue Stem Rx (2,724 acres): located east of Forest Road 311, ~16 miles east-southeast of the Town of Tusayan –Russell Tank will be inaccessible and approximately 4.5 miles of the Arizona Trail will be rerouted around the perimeter of the burn unit on Forest Roads 320 (north side), 311 (west side), and 310 (south side) for public safety.
North Kaibab Ranger District
Billy Sink Phase 2 Rx (260 acres): located along .25 miles south of Jacob Lake along and east of State Route 67.
Grand Canyon National Park also plans on conducting the 50-acre Bright Angel Rx on the North Rim near the developed area.
Exact ignition dates are unknown as burning is dependent upon daily agency administrator approval and conditions within the ranges outlined in each prescribed fire plan. However, we are committed to providing the public with ongoing updates and as much advance notice as possible. Sign up to receive Kaibab NF news releases in your email.
Our land management strategy is centered on long-term forest health, including reducing forest fuels and using prescribed fire on the landscape. Prescribed fires help reduce hazardous fuels that have accumulated due to drought, climate change, insects and disease, and decades of fire suppression. Fire also recycles nutrients back to the soil, promotes the growth of trees, wildflowers, and other plants, and improves habitat for threatened and endangered species. These efforts align with the Forest Service’s 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy which aims to increase prescribed fire and other treatments to improve forest resiliency for generations to come.
We recognize that smoke can impact residents, visitors, and our fire personnel. We will continue to coordinate closely with our partners and communities to minimize smoke impacts as much as possible. All prescribed fires on the Kaibab National Forest are subject to approval by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. The department’s Air Quality Division: Smoke Management webpage provides details about its air quality program.
Information can be found on the Kaibab NF website, Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, or by calling the local ranger stations.
A map of the Three Sisters prescribed fire April 19 2024.jpg A map of the Marteen prerscribed fire April 19 2024.jpgA map of the Blue Stem prescribed fire April 19 2024.jpg
A map of the Billy Sink prescribed fire April 19 2024.jpg
Arizona Forestry conducting two prescribed fire projects in Coconino County
Next week, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) plans to implement two prescribed fire projects located east and northeast of Flagstaff. On Monday, April 22, DFFM begins the Walnut RX Fire then on Tuesday, April 23, the agency begins the Turkey Hills RX Fire. Project managers expect both broadcast burns to take one day to complete, dependent on favorable and safe weather conditions.
Walnut RX Fire:
The 200-acre Walnut RX project is located on State Trust lands approximately eight miles east of Flagstaff and one mile south of Interstate 40. Walnut is a continuation of a project DFFM started in October. At that time, crews were able to complete 250 acres of the total 450-acre project, but inclement weather and other factors required burn managers to stop the second day of firing until more advantageous weather conditions prevailed. Predicted winds out of the southwest may push smoke off the Walnut RX Fire to the northeast with potential impacts to Interstate 40 and nearby communities. Overnight, smoke may settle into the Walnut Canyon National Monument and drainages near the project work.
Turkey Hills RX Fire:
The 150-acre Turkey Hills RX Fire is also located on State Trust lands north of Interstate 40, 11 miles northeast of Flagstaff, and approximately four miles south of Doney Park. Winds may push smoke off the project to the northeast with minimal impacts to Interstate 40 and nearby communities.
Both projects consist of Ponderosa Pine and fine fuel components. The main goal for these two projects includes, reducing hazardous vegetation around infrastructure and private lands. Broadcast burning reduces the threat of wildfires, improves the health of Arizona’s forests and safeguards critical infrastructure like the state’s watersheds. Prescribed fire managers strategically plan projects in higher risk areas where forest fuels continue to accumulate and therefore pose a greater danger of producing extreme fire behavior.
All prescribed fire operations must have prior approval from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. Unfavorable weather can also delay or cancel burns out of public and firefighter safety. Once ignitions begin, notifications will be made on DFFM’s Facebook and X pages and through the agency’s mobile phone application. That app can be downloaded at https://www.apexmobile.net/app/azdffm/.
Walnut & Turkey Hills.pngPile Burning planned April 22 - May 31 in the Prescott Basin
Fire Managers on the Bradshaw Ranger District plan to conduct prescribed fire operations in the Prescott Basin (Ponderosa Park, Copper Basin, Walker Road, and Deering Park), burning debris piles from hazardous fuels reduction and thinning projects. Ignitions are planned to start on Monday, April 22, and continue through Friday, May 31, if conditions remain favorable.
Expect smoke impacts to be light and visible from multiple locations including Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, and surrounding areas. As nighttime temperatures cool, smoke may linger in drainages and valleys. In the interest of safety, forest visitors are reminded to obey all traffic signs and use caution when traveling in the vicinity of prescribed burns as firefighters and fire-related traffic will be in the area.
Prescott National Forest’s land management strategy is centered on long-term forest health and includes reducing forest fuels and using prescribed fire on the landscape. Reducing hazardous fuels will help reduce the threat of high- severity, high-intensity wildfire to the public, adjacent private property, and communities.
The project also furthers the goals of the Forest Service’s national Wildfire Crisis Strategy to restore forests so they are less vulnerable to extreme wildfires that can risk lives and property, and impact watersheds and wildlife habitat.
All prescribed fire activity is dependent on the availability of personnel and equipment; weather; fuels; conditions that minimize smoke impacts as much as possible; and approval from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (www.azdeq.gov).
Messages will be posted on social media when prescribed fires are ignited on the Prescott National Forest:
- Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PrescottNF/
- X/Twitter https://twitter.com/PrescottNF
For fire information please call (928) 925-1111; or stay up to date on Prescott National Forest news by checking the Prescott NF website and following us on Facebook and X/Twitter.
041624_PonderosaParkPileRX_Topo_port_MAP.jpgLakeside Ranger District plans prescribed fire and public meeting
The Lakeside Ranger District plans to conduct prescribed fire operations on the Lakeside Ranger District starting as early as April 22 and may continue through May 15, 2024 as weather and vegetation conditions allow for successful operations. Fire managers will be monitoring weather conditions leading up to, during, and after implementation to ensure conditions are favorable.
The Rodeo-Chediski Prescribed Fire project includes the Bear unit at 1,321 acres, and the Yellow Jacket unit at 1,186 acres. The Bear and Yellow Jacket Units are 3 miles to the south of Pinedale and to the east of Pinedale Estates along Forest Road (FR) 131, FR 300, FR 263, and FR 143.
A public meeting will be held at the Pinedale Work Center on Friday, April 19, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Forest Service Fire Managers and other fire officials will be in attendance to provide a briefing about the prescribed fire project, and will answer questions for those that may be impacted by smoke or are just interested in getting additional information.
Smoke may be visible from the City of Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, communities of Pinedale, Clay Springs, and Snowflake. Smoke could also travel across Highways 260, 77 and 60. Smoke could last for several days after initial ignitions take place but should be significantly less each day afterwards. Air quality information can be found at https://www.airnow.gov/.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is a partner on this prescribed fire project which aims to improve wildlife habitat within hunting unit 3C. The burn treatment will improve range habitat for elk, mule deer, turkey, pronghorn, and bear. Prescribed fires support land management objectives by improving plant and wildlife habitat, reducing the threat of invasive species on the landscape, and help protect communities from extreme wildfires. This prescribed fire is within the Four Forest Restoration Initiative area (4FRI) and is part of the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy to reduce wildfire risk to nearby communities and natural resources.
Visit the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests website and follow us on Facebook and X (Twitter).
Capture.PNGEast Eagle prescribed fire project resumes on the Clifton Ranger District
Firefighters plan to conduct prescribed fire operations on the Clifton Ranger District beginning April 17 through May 15, 2024 weather permitting. The East Eagle project area is 13,416 acres and is 30 miles north of Morenci. The East Eagle prescribed fire is within the San Carlos Tribal Forest Protection Project which is one of the National Priority Landscapes. These landscape treatments are a cooperative effort with the San Carlos Apache Tribe and includes; the National Forest Foundation, the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the Mule Deer Foundation, and the Salt River Project. Approximately 2,000 acres were accomplished in November, 2023.
The boundaries of the project are along Trail #18 (Salt House Creek) to the east, Forest Road 54 to the north, Forest Road 8369 to the west, and East Eagle Creek to the south. Air quality monitors have been placed in Alpine, AZ and Luna, NM. More information on air quality is available at https://www.airnow.gov/.
Smoke will be visible from portions of State Highway 191 and the community along Eagle Creek. Fire managers will make every effort to keep people, including private landowners near the project, informed of the project before, during and after the prescribed fire.
Landscape treatments on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests align with the Forest Service's 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy, which aims to increase the use of fire on the landscape and other treatments to improve forest health.
Visit the ASNFs website and follow us on Facebook and X (Twitter).
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Pile burn operation at Lost Dutchman State Park next week
Starting Tuesday, April 16, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management in conjunction with Arizona State Parks and Trails and Superstition Fire and Medical District conduct a one-day pile burn project at Lost Dutchman State Park, northeast of Apache Junction in Pinal County.
DFFM project managers intend to start ignitions around 9:00 am taking into consideration appropriate and safe weather conditions. Smoke may be visible to nearby residences and to drivers along State Route 88. Smoke is expected to move to the southeast during the morning and northwest by the afternoon with very little impact to residential areas or roads. Once crews finish ignitions, resources will remain on the project through the weekend to monitor the piles. The project will not impact Lost Dutchman State Park visitors.
For the last few years, DFFM has collaborated with Arizona State Parks and Trails to help with their wildfire risk reduction projects at various parks throughout the state. Arizona State Parks and Trails conducts the routine, on-going vegetative maintenance and DFFM provides the qualified resources to burn off the piles. The project area consists of lands within the designated park boundaries. Prescribed burning of debris piles provide a more efficient way to reduce the leftover fuel from hand or mechanical treatments and helps further safeguard the park and nearby communities. DFFM recently completed similar projects at Picacho Peak State Park and Deadhorse Horse Ranch State Park with plans to continue project work at state parks as necessary.
All prescribed fire operations must have prior approval from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.
Unfavorable weather can also delay or cancel burns out of public and firefighter safety. Once ignitions begin, notifications will be made on DFFM’s Facebook and X pages and through the agency’s mobile phone application. That app can be downloaded at https://www.apexmobile.net/app/azdffm/.
Deadline approaching for SBA Working Capital Loans due to Drought
Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration, today reminded small nonfarm businesses in 10 New Mexico counties and neighboring counties in Arizona and Texas of the May 13, 2024, deadline to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for economic injury. These low‑interest loans are to offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by drought in the following primary counties that began Sept. 5, 2023.
Primary New Mexico counties: Catron, Doña Ana, Grant, Luna and Sierra;
- Neighboring New Mexico counties: Cibola, Hidalgo, Lincoln, Otero and Socorro;
- Neighboring Arizona counties: Apache and Greenlee;
- Neighboring Texas county: El Paso.
According to Sánchez, small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. “Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact,” said Sánchez.
“SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the applicant suffered any property damage,” Sánchez added.
The interest rate is 4 percent for businesses and 2.375 percent for private nonprofit organizations with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.
Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the initial disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.
By law, SBA makes Economic Injury Disaster Loans available when the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. The Secretary declared this disaster on Sept. 11, 2023.
Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Services Agency about the U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance made available by the Secretary’s declaration. However, nurseries are eligible for SBA disaster assistance in drought disasters.
Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Mesa prescribed fire planned on Clifton Ranger District
The Clifton Ranger District plans to implement the Mesa prescribed fire project between April 12 and April 22, 2024. The 8,767 acre project area is located approximately 16 miles north of Morenci, Arizona. The project boundaries are Turkey Creek/Cow Canyon to the east, Forest Road (FR) 515 (Pine Flat Rd) to the north and west, and FR 475 (Juan Miller Rd) to the south.
Meeting project objectives with the use of prescribed fire and thinning treatments will help improve wildlife habitat by increasing grassland vigor and productivity and increasing diversity in vegetation age and size classes (seral stages) in browse species for a variety of wildlife species including, but not limited to, mule deer and antelope. Fire managers will conduct additional burning treatments, or maintenance treatments, as needed until the project objectives are met.
An estimated 1,600 acres of the Mesa burn unit falls under the Tribal Forest Protection Act (TFPA). The TFPA is a cooperative effort between the Forest Service and the San Carlos Apache Tribe and is aimed at implementing cross-boundary landscape restoration projects. The TFPA involves various partners including the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) which has identified the project area as a priority for habitat restoration to increase forage for Mule deer and other species in the Unit 27 habitat plan. Continued restoration of the grasslands in the area would also expand Antelope habitat. As part of the TFPA cooperative agreement, a wildland fire crew with a type 6 engine from the San Carlos reservation will be assisting with the Mesa prescribed fire project.
Smoke will be visible from US 191 and the community along Eagle Creek. Smoke will impact portions of US 191 and FR 475 (Juan Miller Rd). All private landowners near the project area, including the San Carlos Indian Reservation and Gila National Forest, will be notified prior to project implementation.
Landscape treatments on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests align with the Forest Service's 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy, which aims to increase the use of fire on the landscape and other treatments to improve forest health. Air quality information is available at https://www.airnow.gov/. Visit the A-S National Forests website and follow us on Facebook and X (Twitter).
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Walnut Fire located east of Flagstaff fully contained
The small Walnut Fire, located east of Flagstaff along Interstate 40, is fully contained at a quarter of an acre.
Three engines and two hand crews responded to suppress the fire, which was originally estimated at two acres, but determined to be a quarter-acre at the time of containment.
The interior portion of the fire may continue to produce minimal smoke and may remain visible from I-40 for a short period of time.
I-40 motorists are asked to remain cognizant of fire suppression efforts along the roadway as firefighters continue to monitor the fire.
The Walnut Fire was first reported the morning of April 10. Its cause is unknown.
Resources responding to 2-acre Walnut Fire east of Flagstaff
Resources are responding to the 2-acre Walnut Fire located east of Flagstaff along Interstate 40.
Resources responding include three engines and two hand crews.
I-40 motorists are asked to remain cognizant of firefighters working alongside roads in the area.
The fire was reported at roughly 11 a.m. April 10 and its cause is under investigation.