Category Archives: Arizona

Whiskey Fire to produce smoke southwest of Flagstaff this week

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FLAGSTAFF – Wildland firefighters are managing the Whiskey Fire, a lightning-started fire reported on September 2, burning on approximately 105 acres in Ponderosa pine about 15 miles southwest of Flagstaff within the footprint of the 2014 Slide Fire.

Coconino National Forest Map

Fire managers are strategic when making decisions about how to manage a wildfire for restoration purposes.

When a wildfire begins in the forest, fire managers assess how best to use the fire as nature intended and whether or not to suppress it immediately. In the case of the Whiskey Fire, managers are using it as nature intended and allowing it to burn dense forest fuels across the landscape to help mitigate the possibility of severe wildfires in the future.

Fire managers will continue to assess the fire to determine the best course of action. Today’s operations will be similar to the last few days, where fire personnel continue to reinforce containment lines and monitor the fire for a change in fire behavior. Recent rains continue to aid fire personnel by creating excellent conditions for allowing the fire to burn slowly, consuming the forest debris at low intensities.

As temperatures drop in the evening, smoke impacts are possible to the communities of the Village of Oak Creek, Sedona, and surrounding areas. Smoke may also settle along the state Route 89A corridor. The greatest impacts will be during the early morning hours from midnight to 3 a.m. and should improve by mid-morning.

Forest users are advised to use caution when entering the proposed fire area. Firefighting vehicles and firefighters are present on roadways and smoke may reduce visibility. Parts of Forest Road 231 may be closed periodically to allow for firefighting equipment and operations. Please reduce speed and remain alert.

The Whiskey Fire will be active for weeks to come. Due to safety concerns for the public and firefighters, campers should not set up long-term campsites near the fire area.

Crews Busy with Two New Fire Starts on the North Kaibab Ranger District

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FREDONIA — Two new wildfires started yesterday on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest. Multiple interagency resources, including aircraft, responded to the incidents and took immediate suppression actions to stop the fires’ spread.

The Le Fevre Fire, located approximately 15 miles southeast of Fredonia off Highway 89A near the Le Fevre Overlook, was caused by a motor vehicle accident. Due to hot, dry and windy conditions the fire grew to approximately 20 acres in the pinyon, juniper and brush. Although the fire’s spread has been stopped, fire managers only list the containment at 80 percent due to the potential for spot fires with another day of gusty southwest winds predicted. Today, crews will continue to hold, secure and mop up the fire.

Highway 89A remains open to motorists but may be restricted to one lane to allow fire crews to utilize equipment and personnel to secure the fire. Visitors traveling in the area should use caution and be aware that fire crews and equipment may be working near the road.

The Cougar Fire was also discovered yesterday near Cougar Lake just south of the recent Castle Fire area approximately 6 miles northwest of Demotte Campground. The fire was contained at approximately one acre and was caused by lightning from a recent thunderstorm. Today fire personnel will continue to hold, secure and mop up the fire.

In addition to the two new fires, fire personnel are still closely monitoring the progress of the Ikes wildfire. This fire has been managed jointly between the Kaibab National Forest and the National Park Service since its discovery on July 25 near Swamp Point on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. It is currently 7,630 acres within its 7,785 acre planning area and is being utilized in order to fulfill its natural role of reducing dense forest fuels and improving overall ecosystem health. For more information regarding the Ikes Fire please visit: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/6475/

Plan for lane restrictions on Interstate 40 west of Flagstaff September 7-8

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BELLEMONT – The Arizona Department of Transportation advises northern Arizona drivers who use Interstate 40 west of Flagstaff to plan for eastbound lane closures and restrictions this weekend and to allow extra travel time.

Drivers should plan for travel delays while eastbound I-40 is narrowed to one lane at Bellemont (Exit 185) from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, September 7, and Sunday, September 8.

The restrictions are necessary so crews can continue work to replace the bridges on I-40, approximately 13 miles west of Flagstaff. The project is scheduled for completion this fall.

More project information is available here.

Please proceed through the work zone with caution and watch for construction personnel and equipment.

Lifesaving Award Presentation to Professional Responders

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TUSCON — On July 13, 2019, an elderly male seated near the swimming pool appeared to be sleeping when a lifeguard approached him, however the man was unresponsive. The lifeguard activated the emergency action plan to immediately respond and assist the individual. Through the coordination of six staff members, three-person CPR and AED interventions were administered to save the individual’s life.

“Based on the professional actions of our Town of Marana lifeguard staff, the patient is alive, has no neurological deficits, and is at home with his family recovering from this life-threating experience,” said Parks and Recreation Director Jim Conroy.

“The Town of Marana commends the Red Cross for the training and setting the standard that our staff followed to save a life,” Town Manager Jamsheed Mehta added.

For their heroic and lifesaving actions, six staff members of Marana Arizona Parks and Recreation Department: Kevin Goodrich, Noah McConnell, Joshua Larsen, Clayton Hall, Brinley Miller and Spencer Murphy will receive the Red Cross Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders at the Marana Community Center at 1:00 pm. The Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders is one of the highest awards given by the American Red Cross to an individual or team of individuals who saves or sustains a life by using skills and knowledge learned in a Red Cross Training Services course.

“We’re extremely honored to present the Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders to six staff members of Marana Arizona Parks and Recreation” said Courtney Slanaker, Executive Director. “Their actions exemplify our mission to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.”

Lightning Caused Wildfire on Sitgreaves Mountain Being Monitored

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WILLIAMS – A recent lightning strike on the upper third of the northeast slope of Sitgreaves Mountain is showing a plume of smoke and is visible from the communities of Spring Valley, Bellemont, and Parks. The “Rock Fire” is just over half an acre in size and is burning within the Eagle Rock Fire burn scar of 2010. The fire is located in steep terrain and has been receiving intermittent moisture since it was discovered on Sunday September 1.

Due to its location, Kaibab National Forest Managers have decided to avoid exposing firefighters to the difficult topography and high volume of snags in the area. This incident will be monitored from road systems around the base of the mountain and periodically by aircraft. There is no danger or threat to private property or residences. Firefighters will be on scene daily to observe behavior and plan for future actions as the fire moves naturally on the terrain.

Weather forecasts are predicting more isolated thunderstorms over the area for the week ahead which may influence fire behavior and visibility.

Additional information about the Rock fire will become available as the situation develops.

Information about other fires and the Kaibab National Forest can be obtained through the following sources:

· InciWeb https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/
· Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF
· Kaibab Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF

Public Notice of First Responder Exercise at Cromer School

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FLAGSTAFF – On Friday September 6th, 2019 the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting a Critical Incident Response Drill at Cromer School in the Doney Park area. The drill will occur between 5 pm – 9 pm and will involve personnel from Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Flagstaff Fire Department, Guardian Medical Transport, Flagstaff School District, National Park Service “Walnut Canyon “ and Summit Fire District.

We want residents to be aware that this training will result in increased police and fire activity in the area. The training will be a reality-based exercise to provide first responders an opportunity to practice integrated response to critical incidents.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Cromer School for providing the venue for this training.

Precautions recommended to prevent rabies

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) has received several reports of potential and confirmed human and domestic animal exposures to rabid wildlife.

A recent confirmed exposure occurred near Jacob Lake southeast of Fredonia, Arizona. An individual and a dog encountered a bat that subsequently tested positive for rabies. The individual is receiving rabies prophylaxis treatment and the vaccinated dog has been placed in a 10-day at-home quarantine for observation.

A potential rabies exposure occurred in a Flagstaff neighborhood where two dogs interacted with a dead skunk found in the dogs’ pen. As a result, the skunk is being tested for rabies to confirm if the dogs were exposed to the rabies virus. Test results are pending.

An additional potential exposure involved a Flagstaff resident and two cats that were exposed to a bat suspected to have rabies. Test results in this case are also pending.

CCHHS is reminding individuals to use caution to protect against rabies exposure when hiking, camping or in situation where wildlife may be present. Health officials recommend the following precautions to protect against rabies:

  • Avoid wildlife, especially those exhibiting unusual wildlife behaviors which can include; showing no fear of humans, aggressive behavior, staggering and/or acting sickly, and nocturnal mammals active during daytime.
  • Keep all pets current on vaccinations and obey leash laws.
  • Always keep pets away from wild animals.
  • Never pick up, touch, or feed wild or unfamiliar animals, even if they do not appear sick or aggressive.
  • Report any wild animals exhibiting erratic or aggressive behavior.
  • Seek immediate medical attention if bitten by or when there is direct contact with a wild animal.
  • Pet owners should seek medical care from their veterinarian if their pet is bitten by wildlife.

Rabies is a virus spread by the bite of an infected animal or direct contact with the saliva of an infected animal (such as via a scratch or tear in the skin). In Arizona, bats, skunks, and foxes are the main animal sources of rabies. Rabies causes severe damage to the central nervous system and usually leads to death once symptoms appear. However, effects of the virus are preventable if proper medical treatment is obtained within the proper timeframe.

Human exposures to rabid animals are usually rare, but domestic animals, such as cats and dogs often come into contact with wild animals and are at an increased risk. Routine rabies vaccination will help protect your pet against rabies.

Interactions with a bat or a bat found in a home should be reported to the Coconino County Health and Human Services Animal Management Program at 928-679-8756. Unusual wildlife sightings or behavior should also be reported. To report an emergency involving wildlife, call 911.

For more information on rabies visit www.azhealth.gov/rabies.

Kaibab National Forest to offer firewood permits in Navajo and Hopi communities

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TUSAYAN — The Kaibab National Forest will offer free-use, paid personal-use and ceremonial firewood permits for the Tusayan Ranger District at a variety of locations in Navajo and Hopi communities over the next two months. These opportunities are part of the Kaibab National Forest’s ongoing effort to increase access to firewood for tribal members and communities.

Kaibab National Forest representatives will offer firewood permits on the specified days and times and at the following locations:

  • Friday, Sept. 13 – 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. DST – Tuba City, Flea Market
  • Saturday, Sept. 28 – 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. DST – Cameron, Cameron Celebration
  • Friday, Oct. 4 – 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. MST – Kykotsmovi Village, Honahnie Building
  • Friday, Oct. 18 – 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. DST – Tuba City, Flea Market
  • Saturday, Oct. 26 – 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. DST – Cameron, Chapter House

A permit must be acquired by anyone harvesting firewood on the Kaibab National Forest. The 2019 firewood season runs from May 1 to December 31 for the Tusayan Ranger District.

Each person, with proper identification, may obtain permits for up to 30 cords per season of combined paid-use and free-use firewood. Individuals may purchase up to two 10-cord paid-use firewood permits at a rate of $2 per cord, and may obtain one 10-cord free-use firewood permit. Ceremonial-use permits are also available, which authorize collection of two cords per individual.

The Kaibab National Forest has increased the amount of wood available to each person for purchase while reducing the cost per cord by crediting firewood cutting for the contribution it provides to forest restoration goals. By removing dead and down as well as small-diameter trees, firewood cutting can help improve forest health and reduce the risk of unnaturally severe wildfire.

It is important that a permit be acquired even for free-use areas because by tracking public demand for the various kinds of permits, the amount of wood removed, and other factors, forest managers are better able to plan for the future needs of firewood collectors and provide greater opportunities for accessing these important resources. Firewood from the Kaibab National Forest is frequently used by local community and tribal members for home heating, cooking and other critical purposes.

All firewood permits issued by the Kaibab National Forest will include a map and detailed cutting regulations as well as load tags, which must be physically attached to each ¼ cord of firewood and visible from the rear of the vehicle. The goal of this load tagging system is to ensure accountability for the amount of wood removed from the forest and to inform planning for future firewood cutting areas to meet public need and forest restoration objectives.

The removal of firewood is permitted only from National Forest lands on the specific district for which the permit is issued. Firewood cutters are reminded to take note of property boundaries and cut only on National Forest lands.

Detailed firewood cutting information and maps are available on the Kaibab National Forest website at http://bit.ly/KNFfuelwood.

Kaibab National Forest information is also available through the following sources:

  • Kaibab National Forest Website: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
  • Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF
  • Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF

Honor Flight Arizona Fall 2019 Flight Season Begins

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PHOENIX – On Tuesday, September 3, Honor Flight Arizona begins the Fall season of veteran flights to Washington, D.C. from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. This will be the first of five Honor Flight trips for northern and central Arizona this Fall. Vietnam War Veterans will begin joining WWII and Korean War Veterans on the October 15th Honor Flight.

Honor Flights for the Fall season will occur on these dates:

· September 17-19
· October 1-3
· October 15-17
· October 22-24

Honor Flight Arizona took its first flight of 11 WWII Veterans in November 2009, and has now flown more than 1,700 WWII Veterans, and 500 Korean War Veterans. Trips have also included a total of 1,500 guardians. We have a base of 50-60 active volunteers. We encourage veterans from WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War to sign up for their no-cost Honor Flight. For many, this is the trip of a lifetime.

We thank Southwest Airlines, who is one of our major sponsors, and their employees. They continue to make sure everything is ready to greet the veterans and get them checked in. In addition, TSA employees compassionately process our veterans through security (since some of the veterans have not flown in many decades).

On every trip, there have been so many handshakes, hugs, kisses, and “Thank you for your service,” and “Welcome Home” comments along the way. It all makes a huge difference in the lives of our veterans. Many veterans do not like to be called heroes – they will say that title is for those who did not make it home. But, because of all they sacrificed and endured, heroes are indeed what they are.

Vietnam War Veterans have waited patiently for their Honor Flight call-up in Arizona. Robert Krug, Honor Flight Arizona Vice-President, announces, “We are glad to say ‘Welcome Home’ to our Vietnam War Veterans. Welcome to Honor Flight. It will be a privilege flying with you.”

Eden Fire allowed to burn near Clints Well

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CLINTS WELL, – A lightning-caused wildfire about 4 miles northeast of Clints Well that began last week is currently being used to clean up forest fuels and burn across the landscape for restoration efforts.

The Eden Fire was reported by the Hutch Mountain lookout just after noon on August 29 and is currently 375 acres, producing light to moderate smoke.

Coconino National Forest Map

Because of low humidity and low fuel moisture, the fire has continued to burn actively since its discovery. The fire was being monitored for several days before determining it would be allowed to burn and remove hazardous fuels left from years of previous fires and debris buildup.
The fuel buildup is currently burning on steep slopes in the Lost Eden Tank area in Ponderosa Pine and grass understory within heavy dead and down trees, as well as standing dead trees. Firefighters have used burnout operations for the last several days to establish fire control lines away from the main fire. These standoff tactics are used to maximize successful restoration and minimize the risk to firefighters and public.

Today, firefighters plan to continue reinforcing and constructing control lines where necessary, as well as conduct burnout operations throughout the next several operational periods.

Large amounts of smoke will be in the area over the next few weeks,as the fire continues to consume pockets of previously unburned forest fuels well within the established 19,885 acres fire boundary.

Firefighters, along with various resource specialists, will continue to evaluate risks to property and implement appropriate suppression measures.

The public should use caution when recreating or hunting near the fire area due to hazardous fire-weakened trees, burning stump holes and fire personnel working in the area.

Updates about the Eden Fire can be found on Inciweb. Follow the Coconino National Forest’s social media sites, such as Twitter and Facebook, to get timely updates on this fire, other incidents, and forest-wide activities.