Tag Archives: Flagstaff

Coconino, Kaibab Forest and County fire restrictions end tomorrow

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FLAGSTAFF — In coordination with area partners such as the U.S. Forest Service and the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, Coconino County will remove fire restrictions at 8 a.m., Tuesday, July 18.

Significant moisture and fewer wildland fire starts throughout northern Arizona has brought has decreased the fire risk in the region. When local area U.S Forests lift fire restrictions, the Coconino Wildland Defense Ordinance allows for Coconino County Emergency Manager Whitney to remove restrictions.

Several areas in the region may have received less precipitation, causing fire danger to be higher in some locations. Residents and visitors are asked to use caution when using equipment or items that can spark a fire. They are also asked to extinguish all campfires, operate ATVS and motorcycles with spark arrestors and to use caution when operating barbeque grills. Residents and visitors are reminded they can be legally responsible for causing wildfires.

The County Enacted Stage 2 fire restrictions on June 22 due to very high wildfire danger in the area and went back to Stage 1 fire restrictions at the onset of the monsoon, July 13.

The Coconino and Kaibab forests have lifted their restrictions, also. The Coconino has been under Stage 2 fire restrictions while Kaibab remained in Stage 1 since mid-June.

“With the monsoon moisture we have received, the decreasing fire danger, and the availability of many firefighting resources, fire officials on both forests collaboratively decided it is the appropriate time to lift all fire restrictions for the Coconino and Kaibab,” said Jason Clawson, fire staff officer for the Kaibab National Forest. “Fire restrictions are a great tool for us in preventing unwanted, human-caused fires, and we’d like to thank our visitors for their vigilance in being cautious with potential ignition sources while recreating in the forests.”

The Coconino and Kaibab forests initially implemented campfire and smoking restrictions on June 13, in order to protect public health and reduce preventable, human-caused wildfires. While fire restrictions will be lifted over the next two days, visitors are always expected to use caution with campfires and other potential ignition sources. Campfires should always be completely extinguished and never left unattended or abandoned.

The task ahead is to remind people that they still have to be careful with camp fires. First you are required to have a shovel and enough water on hand to put out the fire out when you leave. A camp fire is NOT a bonfire. You should only build a fire that you can control. Remember winds can kick up and distribute sparks over a wide area.

Low-cost Rabies Vaccination Clinic

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) is sponsoring a low-cost Rabies Vaccination Clinic on Saturday, July 22 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Coconino Humane Association, 3501 E. Butler Ave.

Rabies vaccinations will be $10 per dog and cat. Fees for other vaccinations will vary and only cash or check will be accepted. The Kaibab Veterinary Clinic will provide services.

CCPHSD Animal Management will also be offering the opportunity to license your canine companion for $12 altered and $25 unaltered. Spay/neuter vouchers ($30 value) will also be available for canine owners with current rabies vaccinations and licensing.

Arizona State law requires all dogs to be properly vaccinated and licensed. The CCPHSD strongly recommends that cats be vaccinated against rabies.

Rabies is an infectious disease that affects the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord of animals and humans. It is caused by a virus present in the saliva of infected animals and is transmitted to humans through contact with the live virus.

For more information, call the CCPHSD Animal Management Program at 928-679-8756 or visit http://www.coconino.az.gov/health.

County to downgrade to Stage 1 fire restrictions

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County will rescind Stage 2 fire restrictions at 9 a.m., Thursday, July 13. Stage 1 restrictions will remain in effect and is in coordination with the National Forest Service and the State of Arizona.

Monsoonal rainfall throughout northern Arizona over the past week has brought moisture to the forests and the area. When local area U.S Forests move out of Stage 2 fire restrictions and back into Stage 1 restrictions, the Coconino Wildland Defense Ordinance allows for Coconino County Emergency Manager Whitney to downgrade restrictions. Coconino Emergency Management briefed the Board of Supervisors on the change in restrictions during a special session on Wednesday, July 12.

Although much of the region received rain, several areas may have received much less rainfall and fire conditions may still be high in some locations. Residents and visitors are asked to use caution when using equipment or items that can spark a fire. They are also asked to extinguish all campfires, operate ATVS and motorcycles with spark arrestors and to use caution when operating barbeque grills. Residents and visitors are reminded they can be legally responsible for causing wildfires.

The County Enacted Stage 2 fire restrictions on June 22 due to very high wildfire danger in the area.

The following restrictions apply on County public lands, as well as private lands in the unincorporated areas of the County. During Stage 1, the only combustion open fire and campfire allowed are listed below:

1. By persons with a written permit or variance.
2. For personal use of cigarette or other tobacco smoking medium when inside an enclosed vehicle or building, or in a developed recreational site in an area that is free of combustible materials and vegetation.
3. For emergency repair of public utilities and railroads and other health and safety mitigation measures when operated by a public utility or railroad and implemented in accordance with an approved agency plan.
4. By persons conducting a cultural or religious ceremony with a written permit or variance.
5. By any Federal, State or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting entity in the performance of an official duty.
6. By persons whose OPEN FIRE is the result of a device manufactured, for the purpose of cooking food, fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and turned off (for example a gas grill) when used in an area that is free of combustible materials and vegetation. This does not include Liquid fuel or LPG fire rings.

7. By persons operating internal combustion engines, in the course of mechanical or industrial operations, that would produce open flames and sparks but containing appropriate spark arresting devices; those welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame in an area that is free of combustible materials and vegetation; and those using explosives with written permission of an authorized governmental agency.
8. By persons operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails.
9. By persons operating electric generators or pumps with an approved spark arresting device in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding combustible materials within three (3) feet of the device.
10. Persons engaged in industrial and ranching operations with a permit or variance.
11. With an open fire using charcoal or wood for cooking food or providing warmth for human beings in a for fee campground with fire hosting amenities [grill, fire ring].

Unless allowed by an exemption above, common prohibited activities include open fire, campfires, fireworks, open smoking and use of exploding targets and tracer round ammunition.

A link to the full Wildfire Defense Ordinance can be found at on the Coconino County homepage at www.coconino.az.gov/emergency.

Back to School and Community Health Fair in Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Public Health Services District is holding a Back to School and Community Health Fair on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, July 29. The event will be held at the Health and Community Services Building, 2625 N. King St., Flagstaff, Az.

Students grades K – 12 will receive free backpacks and school supplies, while supplies last. Students must be present and complete an event passport to receive a backpack.

Students can receive vaccinations required for Arizona school entry and vaccinations recommended by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Insurance will be billed with no insurance copay or office visit fee regardless of insurance status. Please bring insurance card and immunization records.

Other services and activities available at the Health Fair include:

  1. Free sports physicals ~ Limited number available. Inquire at Check-in tent.
  2. Oral health information ~ Free toothbrushes (limited supply), meet Tootsie the Tooth.
  3. WIC, nutrition and injury prevention information.
  4. Review of children and adult immunization records.
  5. Fun activity stations.
  6. Prizes, giveaways, music.
  7. Learn more about the Health District and other community resources.

For more information visit www.coconino.az.gov/health.

2017 County Fair Early Bird tickets on sale now

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FLAGSTAFF — Fair-goers can now purchase early bird Coconino County Fair admission tickets and carnival wristbands online. Coconino County Parks & Recreation is hosting the 68th annual Coconino County Fair, Labor Day Weekend, September 1 through 4 at Fort Tuthill County Park.

Early bird admission tickets are $5 each for adults and $3 each for youth (ages 6 – 12) and seniors (65 and older). Kids 5 and under are always free at the Coconino County Fair. Carnival wristbands, which allow unlimited carnival rides for one day, are $25 each, with a limit of 10 purchased at one time. Discounted admission tickets sales end July 31, and carnival wristbands are available while supplies last.

Exhibit entries for artwork, recipes, crafts, collections, and homegrown vegetables and flowers are being accepted for judging competitions. Entries are free except for livestock. Special awards, including cash, will be given for many entry categories such as clothing, quick breads, cookie jar, cherry pies, candies, preserved foods, quilts and photography.

The 2017 Fair Book is now online for people to view categories and enter their exhibit information. There are a limited number of printed Fair Books available at the Parks and Recreation Administration office or participating locations in Coconino County.

For more information on the County Fair, early bird tickets, entertainment line-up, the Fair Book and how to enter an exhibit, visit http://www.CoconinoCountyFair.com or call the Coconino County Parks and Recreation Department at 928-679-8000.

Hunt continues for suspect

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The multi-agency search efforts for the suspect who fired shots at a forest service employee earlier today will continue through the night.

We continue to ask the public to maintain caution and awareness in the area. If you do not need to be in the area, you are asked to stay out of the area. Anyone with information about the incident or the suspect is urged to contact law enforcement – 911 or Silent Witness (Coconino County Silent Witness phone: 928-774-6111).

Actively Looking for Suspect in Shooting that Occurred in Forest Lakes Area

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Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is searching for the suspect in a shooting in the Forest Lakes area. Canyon Point Campground has been evacuated and Code Red has been used for notification of citizens in the Forest Lakes area. There currently is a two-mile radius closure of the area including a 2000-foot air space closure. See the attached photo of the suspect.

On July 3 at approximately 6:00 pm, Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and US Forest Service responded to eight small brush fires in an area known as Pond Circle in Forest Lakes, AZ. Residents reported seeing a dark complexion male wearing a royal blue shirt, with a long sleeve white shirt underneath in the area. Personnel in the area attempted to locate the possible suspect.

On July 4 at approximately 10:20 am, a forest service employee was checking the area approximately ¼ mile south of Canyon Point Campground when he came across an individual matching the description from the fires. The suspect pulled a handgun on the forest service employee. As the employee was trying to back away, the suspect fired several rounds at him. As the employee ran to his truck, the suspect fired additional rounds at him using a shotgun. The forest service employee was not injured and was able to escape the area and call law enforcement.

Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is actively looking for the suspect. Other agencies assisting include Arizona Department of Public Safety SWAT and Air Ranger, FBI SWAT, Gila County Sheriff’s Office, Forest Service fire and law enforcement personnel, Forest Lakes Fire Department, Arizona Game and Fish, White Mountain Apache Police Department, and Navajo County Sheriff’s Office.

Anyone with information about this crime or suspect is encouraged to call 911 or Silent Witness at (928) 774-6111. The suspect is considered armed and dangerous. Please do not approach the subject but notify your local law enforcement agency.

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in effect for the Independence Day weekend

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County is in Stage 2 Fire Restrictions which prohibits the use of fireworks.

There are several wildfires currently burning throughout the state and northern Arizona. The National Weather Service has continued to issue “Red Flag” warnings due to hot, dry and windy weather across the region.

“The people of Coconino County greatly value our public lands and treasure our forests,” said Chairwoman of the Board Liz Archuleta. “We know too well the damage human-caused fire can have. I want to urge everyone to be extremely careful this holiday weekend and to please refrain from using any fireworks. The potential damage, loss of property and even the loss of life is too great to risk.”

Coconino County asks everyone to follow the Stage 2 fire restrictions, including the ban on the use of fireworks. Residents and visitors are asked to use their best judgment when considering whether to engage in any activity that could spark a fire. People can be held legally responsible for causing any wildfire.

A link to the full Wildfire Defense Ordinance can be found at on the Coconino County homepage at http://www.coconino.az.gov/207/Emergency-Management.

Summer Rescue Calls Continue to Keep Responders Busy

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Unit responded to three incidents over the weekend.

The first occurred on Saturday June 24, 2017 at approximately 3:00 pm and involved the rescue of an adult male with a knee injury located just below the Humphrey’s Saddle on the Humphrey’s Peak Trail. The Sheriff’s Office, Search and Rescue, and Guardian Medical Transport responded and were assisted by Arizona Snowbowl Security personnel. The patient, who was from Flagstaff, was assisted in walking out to a waiting UTV which brought him to an ambulance staged in the parking lot. He was transported to Flagstaff Medical Center.

On Sunday June 25, 2017 at approximately 2:00 pm the Sheriff’s Office and Search and Rescue responded to a report of two adults and two children stranded in heavy rain and hail on the Waterline Road between the Abineau and Bear Jaw trails. The hikers were not equipped with the appropriate clothing for the stormy conditions and were requesting rescue. SAR units responded to the area. The hikers in distress made contact with other hikers on the trail who helped them back to the Bear Jaw trail head where they were located by a Deputy Sheriff. All of the hikers were cold and wet but in otherwise good condition and did not require any further medical care. The family was from the Phoenix area.At approximately 6:30 pm on Sunday June 25, 2017, the Sheriff’s Office, Search and Rescue, and Guardian Medical Transport responded to a report of a fall injury on the Elden Lookout Trail below the junction with the Sunset Trail. The adult male hiker had suffered a shoulder injury and required rescue. Guardian Medical Transport personnel made contact with the patient and initiated care. Guardian and Search and Rescue personnel assisted in walking the patient out to the ambulance staged near the Mt. Elden Lookout Tower. The patient, who is a Flagstaff resident, was then transported to Flagstaff Medical Center.

Search and Rescue would like to remind hikers to be prepared for quickly changing weather conditions and unexpected emergencies while on the trail. Preparation includes being aware of the weather forecast and carrying the appropriate equipment and clothing for the conditions. In many backcountry locations rescuers may be hours away and outdoor users need to be able to care for themselves while the rescuers are responding. Search and Rescue recommends carrying the following

“Ten Essentials” in addition to a cell phone:

1. Extra water
2. Extra food
3. Extra clothing for the conditions
4. Navigation equipment (map, compass, GPS)
5. Headlamp/Flashlight
6. First Aid Kit
7. Shelter material (such as space blanket or large leaf bag)
8. Fire starting kit (during summer months when fire danger is high be extremely careful with fire)
9. Pocket knife/multi-tool
10. Signaling tools (whistle/signal mirror)

Another option to consider is getting an amateur radio license in the event you get in an area outside cell phone range.

Boundary Fire smoke enters Williams area

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WILLIAMS – Smoke from the Boundary Fire entered Williams creating a slight haze over the area. The forest service issued an advisory for parts of Flagstaff, Bellemont, Parks and Williams.
Coconino County health issued a release advising that smoke from wildfires in Northern Arizona and in Southern Utah continues to affect several communities in Coconino County. County health officials are encouraging individuals to take precautions to protect themselves from health effects of wildfire smoke.

Wildfire smoke is a mixture of small particles, gases and water vapor. The primary health concern is the small particles. Not everyone who is exposed to smoke will have health problems. Many factors influence a person’s susceptibility to smoke. These factors include the level, extent, and duration of exposure, age, and individual susceptibility.

Anyone who can see, taste or smell smoke should curtail outdoor activity. People with heart disease, lung disease or asthma should avoid the outdoors entirely, as should children and the elderly.