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

U.S. Forest Service - Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests The National Forest Foundation presents the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Offenders may be blocked in the interested of public safety.

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08/31/2026

This map shows fine particle pollution (PM2.5) from wildfires and other sources. It provides a public resource of information to best prepare and manage wildfire season. Developed in a joint partnership between the EPA and USFS led AirFire team. Development work done by Stuart Illson

Heber-Overgaard Brush Pit Operations Update:The Heber-Overgaard Brush Pit will resume normal hours and operations starti...
08/24/2026

Heber-Overgaard Brush Pit Operations Update:

The Heber-Overgaard Brush Pit will resume normal hours and operations starting tomorrow, August 24. However, a section of the pine needle disposal area will remain closed as fire resources continue to mop up and extinguish remaining heat sources.

The area will reopen once firefighters have completed mop-up operations and determined it is safe for public access.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as crews work to ensure the area is safe.

08/20/2026

Heber-Overgaard Brush Pit Update:

Resources continue to soak and stir the remaining pine needles at the Heber-Overgaard brush pit. Due to the amount of material remaining, continued heat within the pit, and shifting winds associated with thunderstorms, the pit will remain closed through the weekend. These changing winds can push smoke and lift embers in multiple directions, creating unsafe conditions for normal operations.

Managers will meet again Sunday to evaluate progress and determine whether conditions are suitable to reopen the pit on Monday.

We understand the need to resume normal operations and allow material to be brought in. However, the volume of pine needles and the time required to safely burn and consume the material takes time and effort. Crews will continue working to reduce the remaining material and heat as conditions allow.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Heber-Overgaard Brush Pit Update:Resources continue to stir and mix pine needles at the Heber-Overgaard Brush Pit to fac...
08/19/2026

Heber-Overgaard Brush Pit Update:

Resources continue to stir and mix pine needles at the Heber-Overgaard Brush Pit to facilitate consumption as quickly as possible. The volume of pine needles requires significant use of equipment and continued time and effort to safely stir and mix the material.

The brush pit will remain closed Thursday. Managers will evaluate progress throughout the day Thursday and determine when the brush pit can safely reopen.

Public and firefighter safety remain the top priorities. The brush pit will reopen only when managers determine that conditions support safe operations.

Smoke will remain visible from Highways 377 and 277 and throughout Heber-Overgaard while the material continues to be consumed.

Heber-Overgaard Brush Pit Update:Fire resources continue to move and stir the pine needles today in the brush pit.
08/18/2026

Heber-Overgaard Brush Pit Update:

Fire resources continue to move and stir the pine needles today in the brush pit.

Heber-Overgaard Brush Pit Update:The test ignition for the prescribed burn was successful this morning. Fire resources w...
08/17/2026

Heber-Overgaard Brush Pit Update:

The test ignition for the prescribed burn was successful this morning. Fire resources will remain on scene, and continue to add and stir the pine needles as needed for several more days until the fire is completely out.

08/14/2026

⚠️ ATTENTION RECREATORS & PET OWNERS IN EASTERN AZ ⚠️

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) have been reported in lakes across the White Mountains & Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. HABs can make you and your pets very sick!

Lakes with reported blooms:

🌲 Alpine District: Luna Lake, Big Lake, Nelson Reservoir
🌲 Springerville District: Tunnel Reservoir, River Reservoir
🌲 Pinetop/Lakeside District: Rainbow Lake, Show Low Lake
🌲 Black Mesa District: Chevelon Canyon Lake
🌲 State Parks: Lyman Lake

Please note: Harmful algae grows quickly in hot summer weather, and conditions can change by the hour. These are the lakes where HABs have been reported, however there could be algal blooms at any lake if conditions are favorable.

Keep an eye out for:

👃 Bad odors
👀 Water discoloration
🤔 Foam, scum, algal mats, or paint-like streaks
🦴 Dead fish or wildlife nearby

Remember: WHEN IN DOUBT, STAY OUT! 🚫🐶👶 Keep pets and children away from the water and shoreline.

📊 Check active updates: azdeq.gov/reported-habs
📱 Report a bloom: azdeq.gov/AZHABs/Reporting

Heber-Overgaard Brush Pit Update:Black Mesa Ranger District Fire Management will be conducting a prescribed burn of the ...
08/13/2026

Heber-Overgaard Brush Pit Update:

Black Mesa Ranger District Fire Management will be conducting a prescribed burn of the pine needles collected at the Heber-Overgaard Brush Pit beginning Monday, August 17, pending required approvals and favorable weather conditions.

During this operation, smoke may be visible throughout the Heber-Overgaard area and along Highways 260, 277, and 377. Fire resources will be on scene, including a dozer, to ensure the fire stays within the designated area. Crews will continue to add and stir the needles as needed until the fire is fully out.

For public safety, the brush pit will be closed during the prescribed burn. The closure is expected to last through Wednesday, August 19, but may be extended depending on fire activity. We appreciate the community’s understanding as we continue important fuels reduction work to help protect the area.

Address

30 S Chiricahua Trl
Springerville, AZ
85938

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

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+19283336280

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