Category Archives: National Government

Boundary Fire Suppression Repair Needs Assessed

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WILLIAMS – On Wednesday crews worked to secure control lines and patrol for hotspots along the perimeter. An assessment of suppression repair needs has begun. Suppression repair will include the construction of water bars to divert the flow of water away from fire lines during rainstorms, the felling of hazard trees, the repair of roads and trails where they were used as part of the control line and the repair of fences where they were cut to allow access to crews and equipment during suppression operations.

A Red Flag Warning is in effect today due to low humidity, high temperatures and strong winds. Due to the increased fire danger, the Coconino National Forest will move into Stage II fire restrictions at 8 am today.

The winds are expected to pick up today moving smoke around the north side of the San Francisco Peaks where it will then travel east. Smoke is expected to be most noticeable to the south of Grey Mountain and north of Timberline/Doney Park.

Crews make significant progress in suppressing wildfire near Tusayan

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Crews made significant progress last night in suppressing the 151-acre Rain Fire located about 5 miles southwest of the Town of Tusayan on the Kaibab National Forest.

Incident commander Quentin Johnson said the wildfire, which is burning in pinyon-juniper woodlands, is now 40 percent contained after retardant drops yesterday and the construction of hand and dozer line late into last night.

Resources assigned today include three 20-person hand crews, three engines, a dozer, a water tender and several individual fire personnel for a total of about 80 people. With winds predicted to be out of the west and gusts up to 30 mph in the forecast today, fire personnel will focus on enhancing established containment lines especially on the east flank to try to prevent the wildfire from spreading.

Smoke from the Rain Fire has diminished significantly since yesterday, but it may still be visible from Grand Canyon Airport, Grand Canyon National Park, Highway 64, and the Town of Tusayan. Grand Canyon National Park remains open.

No structures are threatened. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Kaibab National Forest and Grand Canyon National Park fire resources responding to wildfire near Tusayan

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Kaibab National Forest and Grand Canyon National Park fire resources are responding to a wildfire located southwest of Grand Canyon Airport on the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest. The Rain Fire is about 150 acres in size and is being suppressed by aerial and ground firefighting resources.

Resources responding include an air attack platform, one air tanker, two single engine air tankers, one helicopter, three engines, one dozer, and three 20-person hand crews.

The wildfire is burning in pinyon-juniper woodlands and is creating smoke visible from Grand Canyon National Park, Highway 64, and the Town of Tusayan.

No structures are threatened. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Grand Canyon National Park remains open.

United Pet Group Expands Voluntary Recall of Multiple Brands of Rawhide Chew Products for Dogs

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United Pet Group, a division of Spectrum Brands, Inc. is voluntarily expanding its recall of multiple brands of packages of rawhide dog chew products to include our retail partners’ private label brands. The recall involves the brands and products described below.

United Pet Group previously initiated a voluntary recall of its branded products on 6/10/17 which included the following brands: American Beefhide, Digest-eeze, and Healthy Hide (including Healthy Hide – Good -n- Fun and Healthy Hide – Good -n- Fit).

The recall was initiated after  United Pet Group identified that certain of its rawhide chew manufacturing facilities located in Mexico and Colombia, as well as one of its suppliers in Brazil, were using a quaternary ammonium compound mixture as a processing aid in the manufacturing of rawhide chews. The compound is an anti-microbial chemical that is approved for cleaning food processing equipment, but it has not been approved in the U.S. as a processing aid in the production of rawhide chews for dogs.

United Pet Group received very limited reports of pet illness based on the volume of possibly affected rawhide chew products manufactured and distributed. The primary complaint received from consumers was that the affected product had an unpleasant odor. Diarrhea and vomiting were also reported.

Exposure to quaternary ammonium compounds through direct ingestion may cause the following symptoms in dogs: reduced appetite and gastric irritation, including diarrhea and vomiting. These symptoms may require treatment by a veterinarian depending on severity.

The affected product was distributed nationwide from United Pet Group’s Edwardsville, Illinois distribution facility and was delivered to consumers through various retail establishments, including online outlets. All of the dog chew products included in the voluntary recall identify an expiration date ranging from 06/01/2019 through 5/31/2020 located on the  back of the package with the exception of the Enzadent and Dentahex products which are listed by UPC codes below and specific expiration dates outlined below.

The private label products subject to the recall are described below.

Private Label Product Brands Private Label Product Names and Identifying Information
Companion United Pet Group is recalling certain packages of dog chews with the Companion brand on the label.

This recall is limited to dog chew products that contain rawhide. Only products with lot codes listed on the back of the package that start with AH, AV, A, AI, AO, or AB and which list expiration dates from 06/01/2019 through 05/31/2020 are affected by this recall. This includes all package sizes and/or weights. The following contact information appears on the back of the package of the affected products:

Distributed by FOODHOLD U.S.A., LLC LANDOVER, MD 20785 1-877-846-9946
Dentley’s United Pet Group is recalling certain packages of dog chews with the Dentley’s brand on the label.

This recall is limited to dog chew products that contain rawhide. Only products with lot codes listed on the back of the package that start with AH, AV, A, AI, AO, or AB and which list expiration dates from 06/01/2019 through 05/31/2020 are affected by this recall. This includes all package sizes and/or weights. The following contact information appears on the back of the package of the affected products:

Pacific Coast Distributing, Inc. 19601 N. 27th Ave. Phoenix, AZ USA 85027
Enzadent or Dentahex United Pet Group is recalling certain packages of dog chews with the Enzadent/Dentahex brand on the label.

This recall is limited to dog chew products that contain rawhide. Only products with the below listed UPC codes printed on the back of the package and which list expiration dates from 06/01/2021 through 05/31/2022 are affected by this recall. The following contact information appears on the back of the package of the affected products:

ENZADENT CHIPS MED 30 CT            17030030181
ENZADENT CHIPS PETITE 30 CT        17030030167
ENZADENT CHIPS SM 30 CT               17030030174
ENZADENT CHIPS LG 30 CT               17030030198
DENTAHEX CHIPS PETITE 30 CT       17030030228
DENTAHEX CHIPS SM 30 CT              17030030235
DENTAHEX CHIPS MED 30 CT            17030030242
DENTAHEX CHIPS LG 30 CT               17030030259

Manufactured for Vetoquinol USA Inc. Ft. Worth, TX USA 76137
Essential Everyday United Pet Group is recalling certain packages of dog chews with the Essential Everyday brand on the label.

This recall is limited to dog chew products that contain rawhide. Only products with lot codes listed on the back of the package that start with AH, AV, A, AI, AO, or AB and which list expiration dates from 06/01/2019 through 05/31/2020 are affected by this recall. This includes all package sizes and/or weights. The following contact information appears on the back of the package of the affected products:

Distributed by SUPERVALU INC. EDEN PRAIRIE, MN 55344 USA
Exer-Hides United Pet Group is recalling certain packages of dog chews with the Exer-Hides brand on the label.

This recall is limited to dog chew products that contain rawhide. Only products with lot codes listed on the back of the package that start with AH, AV, A, AI, AO, or AB and which list expiration dates from 06/01/2019 through 05/31/2020 are affected by this recall. This includes all package sizes and/or weights. The following contact information appears on the back of the package of the affected products:

Distributed by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Bentonville, AR 72716
Good Lovin’ or Petco United Pet Group is recalling certain packages of dog chews with the Good Lovin’ or Petco brand on the label.

This recall is limited to dog chew products that contain rawhide. Only products with lot codes listed on the back of the package that start with AH, AV, A, AI, AO, or AB and which list expiration dates from 06/01/2019 through 05/31/2020 are affected by this recall. This includes all package sizes and/or weights. The following contact information appears on the back of the package of the affected products:

Distributed by: International Pet Supplies and Distribution, Inc. San Diego, CA 92121
Hill Country Fare United Pet Group is recalling certain packages of dog chews with the Hill Country Fare brand on the label.

This recall is limited to dog chew products that contain rawhide. Only products with lot codes listed on the back of the package that start with AH, AV, A, AI, AO, or AB and which list expiration dates from 06/01/2019 through 05/31/2020 are affected by this recall. This includes all package sizes and/or weights. The following contact information appears on the back of the package of the affected products:

Distributed by H-E-B San Antonio, TX 78204
Priority Pet United Pet Group is recalling certain packages of dog chews with the Priority brand on the label.

This recall is limited to dog chew products that contain rawhide. Only products with lot codes listed on the back of the package that start with AH, AV, A, AI, AO, or AB and which list expiration dates from 06/01/2019 through 05/31/2020 are affected by this recall. This includes all package sizes and/or weights. The following contact information appears on the back of the package of the affected products:

Distributed by Lucerne North America LLC
P.O. Box 99
Pleasanton, CA 94566-0009
1-866-578-4395

Consumers who have purchased the products described above are urged to dispose of the product or return it directly to United Pet Group or to the retail establishment where they initially purchased the product for full refund. Please see brand logos below which will assist in identifying affected products.

We take our responsibility to pets and their owners seriously and we are continuing to investigate the cause of this problem. We are implementing changes across  the  affected manufacturing facilities in order to prevent this problem from reoccurring in the future. United Pet Group is also working with retailers to ensure that the affected products are no longer sold and removed from inventory.

If you have these products, please contact the United Pet Group consumer affairs team at 1-855-215-4962 between the hours of 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM Eastern Standard Time for a refund.

Firefighters Make a Big Stride in Boundary Fire Containment

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WILLIAMS – Monday afternoon, forecasted isolated thunderstorms brought gusty winds and light precipitation to the Boundary Fire. Crews made a big stride today securing private property parcels and fire lines which increased containment from 18% to 30%. Cloud cover and increased relative humidity allowed fire to move along the ground, promoting healthy consumption of dead and down fuel returning nutrients to the soil.

In the morning, minimal but noticeable smoke may impact the following communities of Flagstaff, Baderville, Tuba City, Cameron, Timberline/Doney Park, and Bellemont. Smoke will disperse east of Flagstaff towards Leupp and hazy smoke will be drifting near Doney Park and Timberline as temperatures increase throughout the day. For more information on smoke and air quality, visit www.azdeq.gov.

Smoke will continue to impact US 180, especially at night. US 180 has reopened north of Flagstaff between mileposts 236 and 248 after visibility along the highway has increased due to reduced smoke impact from the Boundary Fire, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Though the road is open for travel, there will be lower speed limits through the affected area as firefighting operations continue and personnel and equipment enter and exit the highway. While the smoke impact has lessened enough to safely reopen US 180, ADOT personnel will continue to monitor visibility conditions along the highway.

US 89 remains open and may see light smoke impacts during the day. Interstate 40 may experience impacts in the evening and at night. The forest service advises drivers slow down and use caution when driving through these areas.

Kaibab National Forest fuelwood permit holders advised to not cut live oak

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TUSAYAN – The Kaibab National Forest advises fuelwood harvesters with cutting permits for the 2017 firewood season to ensure they don’t accidentally cut live oak.

Some areas of the Kaibab National Forest, especially on the Tusayan Ranger District, experienced a late-season freeze that may have killed some leaves on oak trees. The trees may look dead, but they are not. Fuelwood permits are valid only for oak trees that are dead and down or standing dead but are not valid for live oak.

Josh Giles, silviculturist for the Williams and Tusayan ranger districts, urges fuelwood permit holders to “be vigilant in ensuring that oak trees are actually dead when harvesting them for firewood.”

The Kaibab National Forest advises the following to test and ensure oak trees are dead prior to cutting:

  • Check to see if you can bend the limbs without them breaking. Be sure to check several limbs of varying sizes. If the limbs are pliable, then the tree is still green and should not be harvested.
  • Scratch the surface of the oak tree with a knife or similar object. If you can see green just under the bark surface, then the tree is still alive and should not be harvested.

Giles adds that, although “the late freeze may look like it had a drastic effect on the oaks, they will bounce back in a very short time.”

Firewood cutting permits can be purchased at the following locations and during the specified hours Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays:

  • Williams Ranger District, 742 S. Clover Road, Williams; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; (928) 635-5600
  • Tusayan Ranger District, 176 Lincoln Log Loop, Tusayan; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; (928) 638-2443
  • North Kaibab Ranger District, 430 S. Main St., Fredonia; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; (928) 643-7395

Firefighters contain wildfire in Williams despite drone incursion

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WILLIAMS – Firefighters contained a small wildfire Thursday in Williams near Oak and 11th streets despite a drone flying over the area that temporarily delayed the arrival of a helicopter attempting to drop water on the blaze.

The Williams Fire, which was reported to the Williams Dispatch Center at about 12:45 p.m. Thursday and said to be located on the southwest side of Cemetery Hill, was less than a quarter mile away from residences in the area. Kaibab National Forest fire officials arrived on scene and immediately requested that a helicopter that was prepositioned at the Williams Airport be dispatched to drop water on the fire.

As the helicopter was preparing to launch, incident commander Mike Uebel reported that an unmanned aerial vehicle, also known as a drone, was flying over the fire. The helicopter was advised to stand down until representatives from the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office could find the operator and get the drone cleared from the area.

The drone eventually departed the fire area, and Uebel was able to guide the helicopter into the location to make water drops. Other firefighting resources working to suppress the Williams Fire included four engines and a dozer. While the Williams Fire was contained at less than an acre in size, the situation could have ended very differently, according to fire officials.

“People may be flying a drone thinking it’s cool to get video footage of a wildfire, but they don’t realize the impacts they have on our ability to do our jobs,” Uebel said. “Sometimes your actions that seem harmless can have major impacts to the safety of firefighters and to the safety of our community. If we can’t respond, we can’t put out the fire.”

Members of the public should never fly an unmanned aerial vehicle over or near a wildfire. Unauthorized drone flights could cause serious injury or death to firefighters in the air or firefighters and members of the public on the ground. Firefighting aircraft, such as air attack, lead planes, airtankers and helicopters, typically fly in smoky, windy and turbulent conditions. Safety depends on knowing what other aircraft are operating in the airspace and where they are at all times. This is compromised by the presence of unauthorized drones.

“We don’t want recreational drone use to impede the response of aerial resources. On another day when conditions weren’t as favorable for us, we could have had a different outcome,” said Jeremy Human, fire management officer for the Williams and Tusayan ranger districts.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. The drone never reappeared and the operator was not found.

Representatives from Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Williams Police Department and Williams Fire Department all assisted Kaibab National Forest fire officials in the fire suppression effort.

Datascope recalls certain Intra-Aortic Balloon pumps.

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Datascope Corp. is voluntarily performing a worldwide field correction of certain Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumps (IABPs) sold by Datascope Corp. for a potential electrical test failure code.

AFFECTED PRODUCT PART NUMBER
CS100i IABP 0998-UC-0446HXX; 0998-UC-0479HXX
CS100 IABP 0998-00-3013-XX; 0998-UC-3013-XX
CS300 IABP 0998-00-3023-XX; 0998-UC-3023-XX

This field correction also applies to any System 98 or System 98XT IABP that was converted to a CS100i or CS300 IABP.

Overall Action for User
Patients receiving IABP therapy are in critical condition and sudden interruption of therapy could result in unsafe, hemodynamic instability. Maquet/Getinge indicates that the risk-benefit of using an affected CS100i, CS100 or CS300 IABP should be assessed by the medical team for each patient when no alternative IABP or alternative therapy is available. Please adhere to the following instructions when using affected devices:

  • Pursuant to the USER Instruction WARNINGS, clinicians are instructed not to leave the patient unattended during IABP therapy.
  • An additional hazard associated with a sudden shutdown is related to the static condition (no inflating or deflating) of the balloon during the interruption of therapy. It is important to note the following WARNING in the CS100i, CS100 or CS300 IABP Operating Instructions Manual:

    WARNING: The patient balloon should not remain inactive in the patient (i.e., not inflating or deflating) for more than 30 minutes due to the potential for thrombus formation.

  • Until the service is performed, we recommend powering on the IABP prior to inserting the IAB catheter to allow the IABP to successfully complete its self-test. This action will take less than 60 seconds to perform. In the event the IABP fails to successfully complete the self-test and exhibits electrical test failure code 58, please remove the IABP from service and contact your local Maquet/Getinge Sales & Service Office.

Datascope has received a complaint that has been associated with a patient death due to the failure of the device to initiate therapy. This complaint involved a CS300 IABP that did not pump due to an electrical test failure code #58 (power up vent tests fail), maintenance code #3, and an autofill failure. An electrical test failure code #58 is caused by a solenoid valve requiring more power than the solenoid driver board can deliver to open the valve.

There are approximately 12,000 affected units sold globally. The affected IABP units were distributed in the U.S. and worldwide (in over 100 countries). Affected units were distributed between March 23, 2003, and December 11, 2013. Units distributed after December 11, 2013, are not affected by the field correction.

A service representative from Datascope will be replacing the defective solenoid driver boards. Customers having affected IABP unit(s) will be contacted by a representative of the Maquet/Getinge Service Team to schedule on-site service.

For additional information regarding this field correction, please contact the Customer Service Department at 1-888-627-8383 and Press 2 (Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EDT).

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

  • Regular Mail or Fax: Download form www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178.

Wind shift may relieve Flagstaff of smoke from Boundary Fire

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WILLIAMS – Overnight light north winds pushed smoke into some communities around Flagstaff with most of the smoke dispersing before dawn. As Sunday progresses, northeast winds are expected to push smoke toward Williams and Bellemont. Individuals sensitive to smoke may want to stay indoors to avoid smoke impacts.

Firefighter, public safety, and ecosystem health remain the top priorities for fire managers while keeping the fire within the planning area. Smoke continues to affect Highway 180, especially at night, and may impact I-40 and SR 64 tonight. Travelers are urged to use caution when traveling in and around the fire area.

Aerial ignitions will continue today and into the week on Kendrick Mountain. Ground crews continue to conduct hand ignitions near and around private property. Ignitions will be applied slowly to prevent high intensity fire and to minimize smoke effects to communities and highways.

Kaibab National Forest (map) and Coconino National Forest have instituted Stage 1 Fire Restrictions as of June 15, 2017, at 8:00am MST.

The following trails in the closure area are closed: Pumpkin Trail, Kendrick Mountain Trail, Bull Basin Trail, Slate Mountain Trail, Kendrick Watchable Wildlife Trail, and the 4th Connector Trail. While the Red Mountain Trail is open, it can only be accessed from the valley end of the Highway 180.

Boundary Fire continues to burn fuels

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WILLIAMS – Warmer and dryer weather conditions are expected over the weekend which could slow progress on the Boundary Fire, as fire crews work slowly and methodically to back the fire down the mountain. This will allow for better control reducing the chances of the fire front pushing uphill and creating intense heat which would adversely affect the tree canopy. It is important that fire crews continue with ignitions during dry weather as it allows for consumption of the decadent fuels on the ground, decreasing the heavy accumulation of fuels on the mountain. The window of opportunity to be able to reduce fuel loads in this area is limited to the time between when the fuels dry out from winter snow melt and the Monsoon rains. Therefore, timing is everything.

Every year Kendrick Mountain sees multiple fire starts. By allowing this fire to reduce the hazardous fuels that exist there currently, we are setting ourselves, our neighbors and our communities up for less risk from those starts in the future.

Today, aerial ignitions continued adjacent to the historic cabin and Kendrick Lookout Tower. Helicopters were onsite assisting with water drops in the area. Ground crews began preforming hand ignitions near and around private property.

Expect increased smoke production over the next few days and poor air movement. Smoke may affect local communities including Greater Doney Park, Timberline, City of Flagstaff, Baderville, Fort Valley, and Bellmont. Firefighter, public safety, and ecosystem health remain the top priorities for fire managers while keeping the fire within the planning area.

Closure Order Number 04-17-14-F (PDF)) includes all or parts of Forest Roads 9005, 9023C, 91, 736, 144, 171, 193, and ending at US Highway 180 remains in effect. This closure includes all roads and trails within the perimeter of the closure area. US Highway 180 will also remain closed until further notice. For more information regarding highway closures please visit azdot.gov or visit ADOT’s Travel Information Site at www.az511.gov.

For more information on the Boundary Fire, visit inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5209/. Quick updates will also be provided via Twitter at @KaibabNF and @CoconinoNF. Please follow us if you would like to be updated as information is received.