FLAGSTAFF — Evacuations and road closures in the Tinder Fire area remain in effect. As this is still a very dynamic situation, there is no estimated timeline for when closures will be lifted.
Residents of the evacuated areas should call the County Call Center at 928-679-8393 for recovery and evacuation information.
Evacuation notices went out via the Coconino County Emergency Notification System, door-to-door contacts and vehicle loud speaker notification through Sunday, April 29. It’s estimated that 600 people evacuated from the estimated 1,000 homes in the area.
As of Sunday night, at least seven people checked into the Evacuation Reception Center at Twin Arrows Casino. Approximately 20 people refused to evacuate from their homes. The County Sheriff’s Office and public safety partners continue to provide security in evacuated areas. The Sheriff thanks residents for their cooperation and patience.
As County officials begin damage assessments of the area, information will be shared with residents as it becomes available.
FLAGSTAFF – The Northern Arizona Chapter of the American Red Cross has relocated the Tinder fire evacuee shelter to Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort, 22181 Resort Blvd., Flagstaff, AZ 86004, I-40 east of Flagstaff. The shelter in Winslow has been closed.
The Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort shelter is available to people needing assistance, shelter, food and information.
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in identifying a deceased body that was located near Woody Mountain Road.
On April 24 at approximately 5 p.m., Deputies received a report of human remains located near Woody Mountain Road. The remains had been found by a sportsman driving in the area. The body could not be immediately identified due to exposure to the elements, but detectives believe the deceased person to be an adult male of light complexion. It is thought the body had been in the area for several months.
Detectives are currently investigating the death as a homicide. They believe the victim was killed at another location and the body transported to the Woody Mountain Road area to be discarded.
The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office along with the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office are attempting to identify the victim. We are seeking information from the public to help in this investigation.
If anyone has information, please contact the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office at 1-800-338-7888 or Silent Witness at 928-774-6111.
PHOENIX (April 30, 2018) – The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is celebrating Air Quality Awareness Week April 30 to May 4, 2018. While there have been improvements in air quality over the last 40 years, Arizona still faces challenges. Weather and climate are big factors in our air quality, but each person can make a difference in reducing air pollution.
“The biggest contributors to air pollution decades ago – industry – are no longer the biggest contributors today. Our air pollution issues are now community-based, which means our solutions are community-based,” says Timothy Franquist, ADEQ Air Quality Division Director. “With 7 million people living, working and enjoying all that Arizona has to offer, small actions add up to big ones. Together, we can positively impact our environment, our economy and our community.”
Monday, April 30: Celebrate the successes. Since 1990, air quality has improved for Arizona even as the population and economy has grown. Plus, the American Lung Association found in their 2018 State of the Air report that some counties and the city of Phoenix were experiencing fewer days of unhealthy levels for certain pollutants compared to the last report.
Tuesday, May 1: World Asthma Day. Almost 100 Arizona residents die every year due to asthma. Hundreds of thousands more suffer from it. Driving less, curbing fireworks use during the holidays and using gas instead of wood fires are all actions that can reduce harmful pollutants.
Wednesday, May 2: Ozone. What type of air pollution can you not see or smell? Ozone. By simply driving less, taking mass transit, reducing idling in lines at drive-thru windows and waiting to fuel up until after dark, we can reduce the amount of ozone impacting our breathing.
Thursday, May 3: PM-10 — also known as dust. Some areas in Arizona are in nonattainment for PM-10, which means they are above a level set by the Clean Air Act and the EPA to control pollutants. This has economic impacts with increased regulation, as well as health impacts.
Friday, May 4: PM-2.5 — also known as smoke. These tiny particles get deep into the lungs and can cause bigger health impacts than PM-10. Smoke from fireworks during the 4th of July holiday may drive those with respiratory issues inside or even to the hospital.
What can you do? You can be a part of the solution! Working together, we can improve air quality across Arizona, allowing each of us to breathe easier. Please help us spread the word.
For information to localize this story to your area and audience, contact ADEQ PIO Erin Jordan at jordan.erin@azdeq.gov or 602-771-2215.
TIPS TO IMPROVE AIR QUALITY:
Ride transit, carpool or telework.
Eliminate all unnecessary driving and/or combine trips.
Avoid idling.
Refuel after dark.
Keep your tires inflated to proper levels and your car tuned.
Change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
Avoid the use of gas-powered lawn equipment.
Avoid dirt roads.
Avoid the use of leaf blowers.
Use gas or electric instead of burning wood.
Limit the lighting of fireworks.
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FLAGSTAFF – As the Arizona Department of Transportation studies and develops long-term visions for two major Flagstaff corridors, the agency will hold public meetings on the first two Thursdays in May to solicit input.
The public meeting on the US 180 Corridor Master Plan will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 3, at the Flagstaff High School Commons, 400 W. Elm Ave. ADOT will also host a public meeting for the Milton Road Corridor Master Plan from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 10, at the same location.
Both meetings will begin with a brief presentation, followed by an open house during which the public can talk with ADOT representatives.
Each corridor master plan will set a 20-year vision for US 180 and Milton Road with suggested projects aimed at improving traffic flow and maintaining safety.
US 180, the primary route between Flagstaff and Arizona Snowbowl and other snow-play areas, has seen heavy traffic during winter weekends. The study area for US 180 runs from the intersection of Humphreys Street and Route 66 to the Crowley Pit at milepost 233.
Milton Road, also known as State Route 89A, is the primary roadway through the heart of Flagstaff. It sees traffic delays during weekday rush hours and experiences backups during winter weekends.
The study area for Milton Road runs from Forest Meadows Street near the southern entrance to Flagstaff to the point where Milton turns into Route 66 at Butler Avenue and goes to Beaver Street.
For more information on these important studies, visit azdot.gov.
FLAGSTAFF –– The Coconino County Board of Supervisors has declared a State of Emergency due to the imminent danger to homes and structures. The County is anticipating needing additional resources.
The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office evacuated communities in the Blue Ridge Area at noon, today, April 29, due to the wildfire. Numerous homes and structures are at high risk.
If the Governor signs the Declaration, then the State of Arizona will offer further disaster assistance through operational efforts and financial support to the County.
The County thanks current efforts by the State of Arizona, Arizona Department of Military and Emergency Affairs, Navajo County, Gila County, Maricopa Arizona Department of Public Safety, the American Red Cross and United Way of Northern Arizona.
The Tinder Fire started at 11 a.m. on April 27. It is currently being managed by a U.S. Forest Service Type 1 Incident Management Team.
Evacuated residents of the Blue Ridge area can call the County Call Center at 928. 679.8393 for evacuation information
BLUE RIDGE –– The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office has ordered an evacuation for all Blue Ridge Tinder Fire affected communities north, east and west of Hwy 87 including Moquis Ranchettes, all Starlight Pines, all Clear Creek, all Timber Ranch, all Tamarron, Pine Canyon, Blue Ridge Estates, Ponderossa Pines and Mogollon Ranches.
A reception for evacuated residents at the Winslow Junior High School, 1100 N. Colorado Ave. Winslow, Ariz 86047. Residents are advised to evacuate north on State Hwy 87 as southbound roads are currently closed.
An animal shelter (for large and small animals) is available at Holbrook Navajo County Fairgrounds.
Smoke from the fire may increase as winds pick-up. Coconino County health officials are encouraging individuals to take precautions to protect themselves from health effects of wildfire smoke. People with pre-existing conditions should avoid exposure to the smoke as much as possible, and consult their physician if they have questions.
WILLIAMS – On April 29th, 2018 at approximately 10:00 a.m., the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office located Kaylee Cook. She was located within 1.5 miles from the home she went missing from at 6:00 p.m. on the 28th.
On April 29th, at approximately 10:00 a.m., Kaylee walked out on to a road near the junction of Buckboard and Espee Road and was spotted by a Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Searching the road in his Patrol Vehicle and 2 residence Devin and Cameron Maebe. A CCSO Deputy and Search and Rescue Trackers responded to the area prior that morning after a tip came in from resident Brandon McDonald. who reported seeing a young Girl matching Kaylee’s description the night before at 7:30 pm.
Coconino County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all those involved in the search, Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue, Coconino County Sheriff’s Patrol Deputies, Department Of Public Safety Officers, DPS Air Rescue and Civil Air Patrol.
In addition, a special thanks to the community and neighbors for all their efforts and assistance with the Search and rescue efforts.
WILLIAMS –– On April 28th, 2018 at approximately 6:41pm, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call for Kalyee Cook, a missing 4-year-old girl. Search efforts have continued throughout the night.
On April 28th, at 6:41 pm, Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Deputies from the Williams Substation responded to the report of a missing 4-year-old girl, from 7937 N. Perrin, a residence about 8 to 10 miles north of Williams off of Highway 64.
Family Members last saw the Child playing in front of the residence at 6:00 pm and believed she may have wandered off in an unknown direction.
Search efforts are ongoing, units involved include Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Deputies, Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue, Junipine Fire Department and Family Members.
FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Emergency Management (CCEM) has activated an Emergency Operations Center in support of the Tinder Fire. The center opened at 8 a.m., April 28 and personnel are preparing and coordinating services in the event the fire spreads.
The Tinder Fire started at 11 a.m. on April 27 in East Clear Creek of the Blue Ridge area, southwest of Arizona State Highway 87. The U.S. National Weather Service expects winds from the southwest to increase to 30 mph throughout the day increasing fire danger.
The communities of Starlight Pines, Moqui Ranchettes, Clear Creek Pines, Tamarron Pines and Blue Ridge Estates are currently under a pre-evacuation notice. If an evacuation occurs, CCEM has coordinated with the American Red Cross and set-up a shelter at the Winslow Junior High School, 1100 N. Colorado Ave. The shelter is operational if residents want to self-evacuate.
As wind conditions increase, smoke from the fire may impact the communities. Air quality monitors from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality have been requested. In the event of smoke, Coconino County health officials are encouraging individuals to take precautions to protect themselves from health effects of wildfire smoke. People with pre-existing conditions should avoid exposure to the smoke as much as possible, and consult their physician if they have any questions.
The Emergency Operation Center (EOC) collects resources necessary to handle a specific emergency. This operation likely has representatives from fire departments, the Coconino County Sheriff’s office and medical personnel who might need to send members of their organizations to assist. There is, also, a finance manager tracking the cost of the operation. The Coconino Amateur Radio Club (CARC) Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES®) group is providing backup communications.
WILLIAMS –– On April 28th, 2018 at approximately 6:41pm, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call for Kalyee Cook, a missing 4-year-old girl. Search efforts have continued throughout the night.
FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Emergency Management (CCEM) has activated an Emergency Operations Center in support of the Tinder Fire. The center opened at 8 a.m., April 28 and personnel are preparing and coordinating services in the event the fire spreads.