UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS Fort Apache Agency P.O. Box 560 Whiteriver, Arizona 85941

Bureau of Indian Affairs, Wildland Fire Management News Release Phone line: (928)421-4984 Email: [email protected]

Lofer Fire and Flash Fire Update for September 08, 2020

Lofer Fire Summary Location: 15 miles east of Whiteriver Containment: 50% Fire Cause: Lightning Fuel Type: Timber, brush, litter Fire Size: 1,256 acres Resources: 133 incident personnel

Lofer Fire: Yesterday afternoon, crews carried out firing operations along the K.L. Ridge which allowed firefighters to strengthen containment lines and promote a low intensity backing fire down Big Bonito Creek. Firefighters have begun to restore areas disturbed by containment and suppression efforts. This is being done to limit erosion along fire lines as well as to enhance the aesthetics of the landscape. Today, crews will be assessing if there is an additional need for firing operations while other resources will continue with suppression repair efforts. There will be a local type 3 organization transitioning tomorrow evening for the Lofer and Flash Fires. As containment continues to increase and fire activity decreases, the updates for the fire will only be posted to the BIA Forestry & Wildland Fire Management – Fort Apache Agency if there are any significant changes. Flash Fire: The Flash Fire is 51 acres in size and approximately 90 percent contained. Values and Objectives: Safety of incident responders and the public remains the number one priority. Incident personnel will continue to protect traditional gathering sites, recreation areas, the Mount Baldy Wilderness, commercial timberlands and watersheds, and continue to protect riparian areas to the Apache trout. Closures: For your safety and firefighter safety, please avoid the wildfire area and avoid access roads into the fire. An approximate ten-mile section of BIA 55 Road remains closed to the public. Smoke: Smoke from California fires has increased dramatically and will again move into Arizona. Gusty winds today should move lingering smoke out of the area. Important Reminders: Today, strong gusty winds are predicted, and we ask that everyone be careful with their campfires and extinguish it completely when you are leaving. Campfires are prohibited in undeveloped campgrounds and the public is reminded to be fire safe in developed campgrounds. Never leave a campfire unattended and be sure to drown your campfire with water and stir it up to suffocate any remaining heat. Fire information is available on the BIA Forestry & Wildland Fire Management – Fort Apache Agency at www.facebook.com/biafaafiremgt and on InciWeb at inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7093/

Ko’ dilzih gozaa - Fire should be respected