Monthly Archives: May 2014

Slide Rock firefighters discover historic cabin

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10415667_716489855063758_6710966526141201803_nFirefighters preparing to do burnout operations on the Slide Fire north of Sedona discovered the remains of a previously unidentified historic cabin unknown to the forest.

Engine Boss Leo Holley and crewmembers from the Coronado National Forest identified this historical small cabin, tucked away in a steep side canyon, and right away recognized the importance of this exciting find.

Leo and his crew began to remove fuels and constructed a fire line and removed debris around the cabin to protect and preserve the delicate piece of unseen history. They reinforced defense efforts with a layer of protective fabric that will help save it during burnout operations. Coconino National Forest archaeologist Jeremy Haines salvaged an axe hewn log from the structure in order to send it to the Tree Ring laboratory at the University of Arizona to have it dated.

This is just one more extraordinary effort firefighters have taken to preserve this piece of land we all hold dear.

Slide Rock Fire Information Page

Doug Ducey Lurches Left

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Doug_Ducey_-_Arizona_State_TreasurerSonoran Alliance March 28, 2014 by arizonaprogressgazette The Conservative’s Corner

It has been said that you can’t choose your family, but you can choose your friends. That’s why so many people say it is unfair to judge someone by what a family member does. On the other hand, it is also why so many people look long and hard at the advisers and staff members that elected officials hire.

When Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema hired an illegal alien who was fortunate enough to be granted deferred action through President Obama’s DACA program, she was making a point. When House Speaker John Boehner hired an advisor who led John McCain’s push for amnesty, it too sent a message.

Perhaps that is why Arizona politicos pay so much attention to the various hires made by the candidates running for Governor, and who is supporting whom at this early stage?

East Valley News Net

Memorial Day services in Williams

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WILLIAMS – The flags at the Williams Own Veterans memorial hung at half-staff as they held a Memorial Day service at the cemetery with ceremonial-songs and testimony and a 21-gun salute.

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Perico Avila, Williams American Legion Cordova Post #13.

The ceremony was conducted by Perico Avila, Chaplain of the American Legion Cordova Post #13. Father Kilian of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church conducted a prayer service.

Army veteran Mike Rioux gave a speech detailing his return to active duty at age 49 and combat service in Afghanistan. Debbie, Pamelia and Beverly sang in honor of those who lost their lives in battle.

The ceremony ended with the honor guard giving the traditional a 21-gun salute and Lu Carle played taps.

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Williams holds parade and events against a backdrop of Slide Rock Fire smoke

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WILLIAMS – The appearance of Smokey the Bear at the Memorial Day parade in the City of Williams against a backdrop of smoke was a somber reminder of the result of carelessness. The Slide Rock fire in Oak Creek and Woods Canyon fire near Payson are human-caused fires being fought by fire crews who cannot stop to enjoy the festivities.

975 fire fighters are still on the Slide Rock fire which has consumed nearly 11,000 acres and is still only 5% contained. They are fighting with air craft, as well, and are reporting some positive results with air-dropped fire retardants. Winds have died down—as they usually do around this time—which helps the fire fighters.

With them in mind, the City of Williams went on with the annual parade in honor of those who are fighting, have fought and who died doing their duty for their country.

Members of the American Legion Cordova Post #13 carry the colors followed by the Vietnam Veterans Association.

Members of the American Legion Cordova Post #13 carry the colors followed by the Vietnam Veterans Association.

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The parade naturally starts with members of the American Legion Cordova Post #13 carrying the flag. They were followed by the Vietnam Veterans Association.

Entries included the Bill Williams Mountain Men, the First Baptist Church and Saint Joseph Catholic Church and the Shriners. Camp Civitan, The Flagstaff Kennel Club K-9 Drill Team entered and the Cancer Society entered a float for breast cancer awareness.

Of course there were classic cars, politicians, first responders from Junipine, Ponderosa and Williams fire departments and Lifeline Ambulance.

After the parade a concert was held at the community stage. The Williams Aquatic Center was opened thanks to the efforts of the Friends of the Williams Aquatic Center including a pool party.

Attractions such as the Zipline and Bearizona were open for business.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Matthew Broehm post held a fundraising barbeque and sold tickets for their August raffle. They are raffling a Remington Model 870 tactical shotgun to be drawn for during the August Cool-Country Cruise In. Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. Only 500 tickets will be sold.

Events included the opening of the Williams Aquatic Center and rides on the Zipline.

Events included the opening of the Williams Aquatic Center and rides on the Zipline.

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Two Arrests Made in Homicide of David Alan Christine

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christine-suspects-2Flagstaff – Coconino County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested two subjects in connection with the homicide death of David Alan Christine. The body of David Christine was found by a motorist traveling on a dirt road near milepost 440 of Forest Service Road 505, also known as Leupp Rd. Mr. Christine was found lying near the roadway and was the apparent victim of a homicide.

On May 21, the on scene detective noticed a wire ligature around Mr. Christine’s neck indicating foul play. Based on investigation of the area around the body, detectives believed the homicide occurred elsewhere. The victim’s vehicle was not in the area and the victim had no identification on him.

The United States Marshals Flagstaff Field Office assisted the investigation with an expedited finger print analysis which led to the identification of the victim as David Alan Christine. Flagstaff Police Department patrol officers located the victim’s vehicle, a white Plymouth Voyager minivan, abandoned behind a local motel. The help of both of these partnering agencies was instrumental in the investigation of this case.

Leads were developed by Sheriff’s Office detectives, and many individuals were interviewed. Two individuals interviewed were 35-year-old Gabriel Lewis, a former friend of Mr. Christine, and 51-year-old Marvin Curley, uncle of Gabriel Lewis. Mr. Christine and Lewis had been friends but had a falling out approximately a year ago. For the past year, Mr. Christine had been living in Phoenix and had just recently returned to Flagstaff. Marvin Curley and Gabriel Lewis also recently moved to Flagstaff from the Williams Arizona area. The three individuals were acquaintances, and all three frequented the Flagstaff Homeless shelter.

Detectives were able to determine that Marvin Curley was the last person known to be with David Christine before the discovery of his body near Leupp. Detectives learned that on May 20 David Christine and Marvin Curley met up and began drinking together. In the early evening hours Marvin Curley produced a length of wire and placed it around David Christine’s neck and choked him until he was dead.

Curley then drove David Christine out of town toward the reservation. On Leupp Road just shy of the reservation, Curley pulled off of the main road onto a side road and dumped the body of David Christine. Curley then returned to Flagstaff, leaving the van in a motel parking lot.

Detectives learned that Curley and Lewis had previously discussed and planned this attack on David Christine days before this incident. Lewis was apparently not present during the homicide, information was gathered implicating Lewis in the crime. Statements indicated that they were seeking a way to get rid of David Christine because he would not leave them alone. On May 21 Curley informed Lewis that he killed David Christine and they would no longer be bothered by him.

On May 23 detectives booked Marvin Curley into the Coconino County Jail on First Degree Murder of David Christine. Gabriel Lewis also was booked at that time for Conspiracy to Commit First Degree Murder and Obstructing a Criminal Investigation. Curley has no bond and Lewis currently has a $1,000,000.00 bond.

Woods Canyon Fire 40% contained

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Springerville – While the Slide Rock Fire is garnering much of the headlines, firefighters are also battling a human-caused blaze in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. The 88-acre Woods Canyon fire approximately 22 miles west of Heber Overgaard is said to be 40% contained as of yesterday.

Dozer and handlines have been created on the east and west sides of the fire. Crews are still battling spot fires on the north side. No structures or powerlines are threatened at this time.

Resources on the scene include a single engine air tanker, hotshot crew, two Type 3 helicopters, two Type 2 crews, one water tender, and several engines. Helicopters are dipping water from Woods Canyon Lake. No injuries have been reported.

All campgrounds in the Woods Canyon Lake area and the Woods Canyon store are open. Some parking in the area is closed to visitors while it is being used for fire logistics. The Rocky Point day use area is open.

To make matters worse, there are reports of lightning-caused fires in the Clifton Ranger district 5 miles NE of Clifton near Sunset Mountain, 13 miles NE of Clifton near Pat Mountain and 35 miles N of Clifton, 18 miles SW of Alpine. The largest of these is the Sunset Mountain at 20-50 acres and all were reported at 0% containment as of yesterday. The Sunset Mountain fire is being fought by a Hotshot crew and helicopter and the others are being worked on by local fire firefighting responders in the area. They are mainly brush fires in contrast to the pine fuels burning in the Slide Rock and Woods Canyon fires.

The Apache-Sitgreaves and counties in the area have initiated Stage II fire restrictions. This means not open fires of any kind, including charcoal fires, even in developed campgrounds. No smoking except in vehicles or buildings and no operation of internal combustion engines that might create sparks. The use of explosive targets or tracer ammunition is prohibited, but the use of firearms is not prohibited as reported by Phoenix television—though it is probably not a smart idea.

Slide Rock Fire grows to 7,500 acres

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slide-rock-helicopter-01OAK CREEK – The Slide Rock Fire has grown to 7,500 acres according to an 8 p.m. update. The fire is reported to be 5% contained.

Coconino National Forest photo

Coconino National Forest photo

Crews continued to hold the fire west of Highway 89A and south of Fry Canyon. A small spot fire occurred across the northern line into an area that was previously thinned in 2006. Because this area was previously treated, the spot fire was unable to grow and crews quickly extinguished it. Hotshot crews also worked to create fire line across the Pumphouse Wash near the Hwy 89A ‘switchbacks’ to control the east flank and prevent further spread east.

Winds increased to 18-22mph with gusts of 32, temperatures were in the 70s. As the day continued to warm, firefighters saw an increase in fire behavior, with the most active portion of the fire toward the northwest to Harding Point. Firefighters observed active fire in the East Pocket area, but previously dropped retardant helped firefighters minimize growth.

Tonight firefighters will be working throughout the lower canyon to monitor fire activity and conduct burnout operations as necessary. Overnight downslope winds will likely continue to drive the fire down canyon. Erratic winds may also be present producing moderate fire behavior. Crews will conduct burnout operations along forest service road 535 and prepare FSR 231 for continued burnout operations tomorrow.

Earlier we reported that highway 89A from Sedona to Fort Tuthill in Flagstaff was open, but that is incorrect. It remains closed. Other routes closed are Forest Road (FR) 535 at Highway 89A, FR 533 at Highway 89A, FR 231 at Rogers Lake, FR 527 and 530 (west side; Volunteer Canyon area), and Casner Mountain is closed to all vehicles.

Evacuations remain in place in Oak Creek Canyon from Slide Rock State Park to Sterling Springs Hatchery. Coconino County issued a pre-evacuation notice to residents of Kachina Village and Forest Highlands subdivisions. Residents are advised to be prepared to evacuate. County Emergency Management encourages those in the affected neighborhoods to begin packing important items they may need for several days. These items include prescriptions, important papers, any special dietary needs and pets. No new evacuations are in place at this time.

Coconino County is reminding people to register their cellphone number with the County’s CodeRED emergency notification system. Only those residents whose numbers are registered will receive a direct phone call about any type of pre- or mandatory evacuation order.

Slide Rock Fire delays improvement project on SR 89A

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State Route 89A is closed between Flagstaff and Sedona.

adot-logo3PHOENIX — Due to the ongoing firefighting efforts against the Slide Fire in Oak Creek Canyon, the State Route 89A improvement project along the switchbacks north of Sedona is on hold at this time, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

ADOT had been preparing for a scheduled closure of the SR 89A switchbacks for a pavement and safety-improvement project starting on Tuesday, May 27, at the conclusion of the Memorial Day weekend.

Crews were pulled off the project Tuesday afternoon shortly after the start of the Slide Fire, which originated approximately six miles south of the project near Slide Rock State Park.

Currently, SR 89A (mileposts 375-397) remains closed in both directions between Sedona and Flagstaff due to a wildfire that began Tuesday afternoon in the Oak Creek Canyon area.

Once the fire has been contained and access is allowed in the affected area, ADOT will need to conduct a roadway and rockfall assessment prior to any work resuming on the SR 89A project. Any potential environmental issues must also be addressed following the fire and all post-fire operations will be coordinated with the U.S. Forest Service.

Work began on the $2 million project to upgrade a three-and-a-half-mile segment of SR 89A between the Pine Flat Campground and Vista Point Overlook (mileposts 387-390) on April 21.

Sheriff’s Deputies investigate murder of Flagstaff Man

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputies and Detectives are investigating the murder of 56 year-old David Allen Christine of Flagstaff, AZ. Mr. Christine’s body was located by a passing motorist near Star School located on Leupp Road.

On Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at about 5:30 a.m. the Flagstaff Police Department/Coconino County Sheriff’s 911 Dispatch Center received a call from a motorist who was traveling on Leupp Road (Forrest Service 505). According to the reporting party, he was in the area located just east of Star School when he observed what he believed to be a body off of the roadway in the dirt.

Deputies arrived to find a Guardian Medical Transport team was already on scene. The subject was found to be deceased. During the initial investigation a detective who was at the scene observed indications of foul play. After the scene was processed and photographed, the victim was transported to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office in Flagstaff.

There were no forms of identification on the victim, and detectives received information causing them to believe the individual frequented several homeless shelters in Flagstaff. Investigators interviewed multiple clients of several homeless centers in Flagstaff in an attempt to identify the victim but met with no results.

Fingerprints were taken from the deceased and with the assistance of the United States Marshals Office the prints were submitted to a federal forensic laboratory that provides results in a short period of time. The results of the fingerprint analysis identified the body to be that of 56 year-old David Allen Christine of Flagstaff. Subsequently Flagstaff Police Officers located a white Plymouth mini-van registered to the victim parked outside a local motel.

The victim is described as a white male, 56 years of age, 5’11” in height, weighing approximately 135 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was wearing black Levi pants, black shoes, a beige
t-shirt, and a blue Columbia polar fleece jacket.

Manner of death will be determined during the examination conducted by the Medical Examiner’s Office.