Daily Archives: April 11, 2018

Best advice for blowing dust: Pull Aside, Stay Alive

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PHOENIX – Drivers across Arizona should be prepared for strong winds, possible blowing dust and an increased fire danger on Thursday, April 12.

The National Weather Service has issued advisories covering the entire state forecasting strong winds and low humidity, conditions that could make driving hazardous in areas prone to blowing dust and for drivers with high-profile vehicles.

Statewide, winds of 25-30 mph are forecast, with gusts likely to reach 40 mph. Winds are expected to increase beginning late Wednesday in western Arizona and reach the center of the state by midday on Thursday. The strongest winds are likely in northwest Arizona, including Kingman and Lake Havasu City. Conditions are expected to return to normal on Friday across the state.

The Arizona Department of Transportation encourages drivers to avoid driving into a through a dust storm. Drivers may want to consider delaying travel until Friday.

Drivers should slow down after checking traffic around their vehicle and completely exit the highway if possible. Additional safety tips from PullAsideStayAlive.org:

* Pull entirely off the highway if possible.
* Turn off all vehicle lights, set the parking brake and take your foot off the brake to reduce the likelihood of being hit by following drivers.
* Remain in your vehicle with your seatbelts buckled.
* Wait for the storm to pass.

For current road and weather conditions, passengers should check on Twitter with ADOT (@ArizonaDOT) and the National Weather Service (@NWSPhoenix and @NWSTucson).

Coconino Sheriff’s Arrests 70-Year-Old Suspect for Child Molestation

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FLAGSTAFF – On April 6, 2018, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office arrested 70-year-old Jesse Bernard Watkins, III on three counts of child molestation of a child under 15 years of age.

Investigators learned that Watkins met the victim’s family when he was volunteering for a juvenile rehabilitation facility in the Prescott area. Watkins traveled to Flagstaff, visiting the victim’s family several times before the acts occurred.

Anyone with information related to this crime is asked to contact Sergeant Larry Thomas of the Criminal Investigations Division at 1-800-338-7888.

Campfire Safety Urged This Weekend on Kaibab National Forest

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WILLIAMS – Kaibab National Forest fire managers would like to remind visitors and the public to use extreme caution with campfires and any other activity that could potentially cause a wildfire as the weekend approaches.

Although there are currently no fire restrictions in effect on the forest, a dry cold front will bring stronger southwest winds into the area this weekend. Temperatures will be noticeably cooler however very dry conditions will endure increasing the threat for critical fire weather. A Red Flag Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for all of northern Arizona beginning Wednesday afternoon. Winds are expected to be up to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph today and 22 to 28 mph, with gusts as high as 41 mph on Thursday. Although red flag conditions are not yet set for Friday, winds will be 15 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph.

“When fuel moistures and relative humidity remain low, fire can spread just as fast even when cold temperatures exist” said Fred Phillips Fire Prevention Officer on the Williams Ranger District. “Historically we have seen more unwanted human caused wildfires occur during this time of year when these type of conditions exist.”

We welcome people to visit and enjoy a wide variety of unique recreational opportunities the forest has to offer, but emphasize the message that there is always a need to be responsible with campfires.

The following tips for ensuring a safe visit to the Kaibab National Forest are recommended:

  1. Never abandon or leave a campfire unattended.
  2. Have a shovel and plenty of water on hand to put it out. “Drown, Stir, and Feel!”
  3. Ensure the area surrounding your campfire is free of any burnable materials.
  4. Use existing campfire rings to minimize impact to the surrounding soil.
  5. Remember fireworks are prohibited on all National Forest Lands.
  6. Dispose of all trash and debris in appropriate receptacles.

    Remember that if a fire starts no matter what precautions you take, evacuate the area immediately. Do not try to pack up your stuff and do not try to fight the fire yourself. When you get to a safe location call 911.

    As weather conditions become warmer and drier, fire managers will continue to assess the need to implement fire restrictions. Forest visitors may call the Kaibab National Forest fire information phone line at (928) 635-8311 for current conditions and the status of fire restrictions. To find out if fire restrictions are in effect anywhere in Arizona, visit www.firerestrictions.us/az.