The Apache‑Sitgreaves National Forests’ Forest Service announced plans to conduct a prescribed fire on the Pace Rx unit — about 2,062 acres located roughly four miles east of Alpine, south of US 180 — between Nov. 12 and Nov. 14, weather permitting. The operation is scheduled to run only under appropriate conditions; officials warned that the burn could be postponed or canceled if the weather changes.

In conjunction with the unit ignition, crews will also burn material at the Alpine green‑waste pit and close the facility until operations finish. Residents who routinely use the green‑waste pit should plan for temporary disruption and check for reopening information before hauling yard debris.

Drivers on US 180 and residents in Alpine should anticipate periods of smoke and limited visibility during the prescribed fire. Motorists are advised to slow down and use headlights when encountering smoke on the roadway, and all residents are encouraged to monitor air quality through the AirNow website to assess health risks. Temporary road or area closures around the unit are possible while crews are working to contain flames and manage smoke impacts.

The Forest Service notes the operation is dependent on favorable weather and may be canceled if conditions change. For the latest updates on timing, smoke impacts, and access restrictions, community members can contact the Springerville supervisor’s office at 928‑333‑6280.

Prescribed burns are a common land‑management tool across the West, used to reduce hazardous fuel loads, restore native grass and shrub communities, and lower the risk of larger, uncontrolled wildfires. Local residents should expect visible smoke, a temporary change in air quality, and occasional traffic slowdowns while crews carry out the work.

The planned burn carries direct implications for public safety and daily routines in Apache County. Reduced visibility on US 180 can affect commuter and recreational travel between Alpine and points east and west; the green‑waste pit closure will affect property owners and landscapers who rely on that disposal option. Residents with respiratory conditions, young children, and older adults should consider limiting outdoor activity during peak smoke periods and consult AirNow for real‑time air quality readings.

Community members seeking more information or updates about the Pace Rx prescribed burn, road closures, and the green‑waste pit closure should call the Springerville supervisor’s office at 928‑333‑6280 and follow local alerts. The operation will proceed only under conditions that allow crews to manage the fire safely and minimize impacts to residents and travelers.