Governor Doug Ducey declared this week, March 28 - April 3, Wildfire Awareness Week in Arizona to highlight wildfire prevention and preparedness and to encourage responsible fire management. “Wildfire season is here, and it’s up to all of us to make responsible decisions that will protect our state,” said Governor Ducey. “There are simple, but effective, ways we can all minimize the threat of wildfires, like limiting combustible material and vegetation near your house and making sure matches … [Read more...] about Arizona Declares Wildfire Awareness Week
Fire
Reducing the Risk of Wildfire with Forest Restoration Efforts
With the Museum Fire threatening East Flagstaff and the Timberline areas as this article is being written, it reminds us of the ever-increasing threat of catastrophic wildfire and post-wildfire flooding. Coconino County has created a Forest Restoration Initiative in recognition that the most effective way to reduce these threats is through thinning the forest. In the past 12 months, as the forest restoration director, I have been busy with many projects that support this initiative, including … [Read more...] about Reducing the Risk of Wildfire with Forest Restoration Efforts
APS Focusing on Wildfire Planning to Keep Communities Safe
Having lived in Flagstaff for more than 40 years, I know there are some things you can count on as spring comes to the high country: wind, weather that changes in the blink of an eye, the return of the elk and deer along the highways and freezing at Little League games (did I mention the wind?). Another constant each spring is the preparation done by local fire departments, the Forest Service, County Emergency Management and others for fire season. At APS, we also plan and prepare for … [Read more...] about APS Focusing on Wildfire Planning to Keep Communities Safe
Understanding Emergency Management During Fire Season
As summer heats up in Coconino County, our residents and visitors alike are reminded that living and recreating amongst such unspoiled wilderness comes with risk and responsibility. Recent wildfires throughout the state illustrate the extreme risk of irresponsible fire behavior and the responsibility we all have to ensure our community stays safe from the natural and not-so-natural disasters. As part of this responsibility, Coconino County and the Coconino National Forest enacted Stage 2 fire … [Read more...] about Understanding Emergency Management During Fire Season
Navajo Gaming Breaks Ground on Twin Arrows Police, Fire Substation
The Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise (Navajo Gaming) has officially broken ground on the Twin Arrows Police and Fire Substation, which is expected to provide critical public safety resources as the Twin Arrows area continues to grow. The new facility will also serve remote areas of the Navajo Nation in Northern Arizona through an agreement between the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety and Navajo Gaming. “We are pleased to break ground on this important and much needed public … [Read more...] about Navajo Gaming Breaks Ground on Twin Arrows Police, Fire Substation
Officials Warning People to be Careful with Fire
A human-caused forest fire began about noon yesterday in Kendrick Park off of Highway 180 north of Flagstaff and spread to 47 acres before firefighters contained the fire last night. The Buffalo Fire started from an individual dumping hot ashes from a woodstove in the forest, and the dry conditions coupled with wind help spread the fire quickly. Two other small fires were reported yesterday afternoon off of North Highway 89 near Antelope Hills, but were quickly contained by … [Read more...] about Officials Warning People to be Careful with Fire
Fire Restrictions Underway
The City of Flagstaff would like to remind our residents and visitors that the Coconino National Forest, Coconino County and the City all have campfire and smoking restrictions in place. The City of Flagstaff’s restrictions include a ban on all fire pits and other open flame devises (Chimayo) – even those with a spark arrestor are banned. The use of charcoal grills and other devises which have an on-off switch are still permitted. City restrictions also ban … [Read more...] about Fire Restrictions Underway
Largest Firefighting Deployment in AZ History
While Arizona firefighters from multiple agencies responded to major wildland fires, such as the Wallow, Horseshoe 2 and Monument blazes, the Arizona State Forestry Division provided valuable support to mobilize more than 100 responding fire departments from cities, rural fire districts, and volunteer fire organizations. Additionally, the Division also dispatched several private fire service companies. “This is the largest deployment of local fire department resources … [Read more...] about Largest Firefighting Deployment in AZ History
