Monthly Archives: July 2019

FEMA and FCC Conduct Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test

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WASHINGTON – FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission, will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on Wednesday, August 7, 2019.

The nationwide test will be sent to radio and television stations beginning at 2:20 p.m. EDT.

The test is being conducted through FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS). This year, the test message will originate from designated radio stations, known as Primary Entry Point stations, which participate in a component of IPAWS called the National Public Warning System.

All other radio and television stations, cable, wireline service providers, and direct broadcast satellite service providers should subsequently receive and broadcast the test message.

This year’s test will evaluate the readiness of the national alerting capability in the absence of internet connectivity. The test will be approximately one minute long, have a limited impact on the public with only minor interruption of radio and television programs, and will be similar to regular monthly EAS tests. Both the audio message and text crawl should be accessible to people with disabilities.

The test will not include a message on cell phones via Wireless Emergency Alerts.

Suspect in Fernwood assault incident booked

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FLAGSTAFF – Detectives with the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office continue to investigate the July 29, 2019 assault that occurred in Fernwood. Additional information is being released about the shots fired and the arrest of the suspect.

On July 29, 2019 immediately after the victim was assaulted and while deputies were responding, family members attempted to locate the suspect outside of the house. The family members saw a person that they believed may be the suspect on a nearby neighborhood roadway. When they drove near the suspect, the suspect drew a handgun and fired at least one bullet at the victim’s family members. The suspect then fled. No one was injured during the shots fired incident.

During a neighborhood canvas looking for the suspect and other witnesses, deputies located the suspect at his residence. He was taken into custody without further incident. Deputies also recovered the handgun believed to be used in the armed confrontation with the family of the assault victim.

The suspect was taken to the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office for questioning. That individual was subsequently booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility. Another male subject, who deputies initially thought may have been involved in the incident, also was taken to the Sheriff’s Office for questioning. After interviews and further investigation, the second person does not appear to have been involved and he was released.

Kasey Johnson, a 22-year-old from Flagstaff, was booked into the Coconino County Jail the following charges: Sexual Abuse, Armed Robbery with a Deadly Weapon, five counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, First Degree Residential Burglary, and two counts of Sexual Conduct with a Minor.

The case remains under investigation by the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office. If anyone has any information regarding this incident, please contact the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office 1-800-338-7888 or Silent Witness at 928-774-6111

Castle Fire slowly continues burning towards Riggs Canyon

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FREDONIA — Excellent progress is being made in securing the entire perimeter of the 19,368-acre planning area which defines the outermost boundary of the Castle Fire. The fire has burned north and south from its point of origin, traversing almost 12 miles of the eastern perimeter of the planning area. As the fire established itself, it gained depth and started spreading southwest towards Riggs Canyon.

Traveling across the landscape, the fire is consuming dead and down material, leaving a footprint of lightly smoldering fine surface fuels and the area is now primed for regeneration. Active flames are mostly occurring on the flaming front of the fire, which constitutes a small percentage of the 7,900 acres that have burned over the past 19 days.

Although scattered thunderstorms have visited the general area over the past week, no precipitation has materialized over the Castle Fire. When the rains do arrive however, they will be the catalyst for restoring and renewing the area that the fire has visited.

Since July 12th, the lightning-caused Castle Fire has grown to 7,900 acres. It has now moved across about 40% of the planning area and has 177 personnel assigned. The fire’s origin is located about 11 miles south of Jacob Lake, 3 miles west of Highway 67, and just east of Forest Road 761 near Oquer Canyon.

Following long-term planning and preparation for a natural ignition to occur in the right place and at the right time, fire managers have been allowing the fire to burn naturally within its pre-defined 19,368-acre planning area.

A temporary Closure Order is in effect for the Castle Fire area: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6439/.

The Castle Fire poses no danger to structures or other local infrastructure.

Kaibab National Forest proposes fee increase for Ten X Campground

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TUSAYAN — The Kaibab National Forest is proposing to increase fees for overnight camping at Ten X Campground on the Tusayan Ranger District in order to better align prices with other nearby private and public recreation areas as well as to improve visitor experience by enhancing amenities and services.

The fees at Ten X Campground have not been raised for more than 25 years, resulting in the recreation area being significantly underpriced as compared to equivalent offerings. The proposed fee increases would not only better align costs with average market values but would also provide additional funds to better maintain existing infrastructure, hire more seasonal workers to service the campground, and support the proposed expansion of this popular recreation site.

The Kaibab National Forest is proposing that the overnight camping fee for a single site be raised from the current $10 to $24, and for a double site from $20 to $48. The Kaibab National Forest is also proposing that the overnight fee for Group Site A, which accommodates 75 people, be increased from the current $125 to $175, and for Group Site B, which accommodates 50 people, from $75 to $125. Fees are assessed based on the level of amenities and services provided, cost of operation and maintenance, market assessment, and public comment.

“Ten X Campground provides a valuable camping experience in a beautiful setting for visitors to Grand Canyon National Park and northern Arizona,” said Dutch Maatman, assistant recreation staff officer with the Kaibab National Forest. “If approved, this fee increase will help us support the proposed expansion of the campground, increase the amenities offered there, and ultimately provide the positive recreation experience that our visitors have come to expect.”

In 2004, Congress passed the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, which allows the Forest Service to retain funds collected at certain recreation sites and use those funds locally to operate, maintain and improve these sites. Eighty to 95 percent of the revenue collected at recreation fee sites remains on forest for management of those same facilities.

Under REA, all new fees and fee changes must be proposed and approved by a citizen advisory committee, in this case the Arizona Bureau of Land Management Recreation Resource Advisory Committee. Committee members represent a broad range of recreation interest groups to help ensure that the Forest Service is proposing reasonable and publicly acceptable new fees and fee changes.

Members of the public are invited to provide input on the Kaibab National Forest’s proposed Ten X Campground fee increases through Oct. 31, 2019. Comments should be submitted to Dutch Maatman at joseph.maatman@usda.gov or (928) 635-5661.

Once the public review period has ended, the proposed fee changes and all comments received will be considered by the advisory committee, which will then submit a recommendation to the Regional Forester of the Forest Service’s Southwestern Region for a final decision.

To learn more about the proposed Ten X Campground Expansion project, please visit www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=55626.

Game and Fish Commission to meet August 2 in Flagstaff

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The next meeting of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission will be held Friday, August 2 at the Northern Arizona University de Bois Center (Building 64), Aspen ABC Conference room, 308 E. Pine Knoll Dr., Flagstaff.

View the complete agenda.

Agenda revisions, if any, are typically posted no later than the Wednesday before each meeting.

Type 1 Team to transfer command of Museum fire to Coconino National Forest

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FLAGSTAFF – The Museum fire containment is going so well that the Type I management team plans to transfer command back to Coconino National Forest tomorrow by 6 p.m. Containment of the fire, that remains at 1961-acres, is at 82%.

The Southwest Area Type 1 Incident Management Team 2, led by Incident Commander Rich Nieto, plans to transfer command of the Museum Fire back to the Coconino National Forest tomorrow, July 30, 2019, at 6 PM. A local Type 3 organization led by Incident Commander Preston Mercer will continue to fight the fire.

Personnel from the Type 3 organization are on-site shadowing the Type 1 team, and together are producing a plan for a smooth transition. Fire activity has been minimal with no perimeter growth the past two days. Firefighters will continue to closely monitor the fire on the ground and will utilize aerial resources as needed.

Firefighters on the ground worked in conjunction with helicopters to cool hotspots on the north and east flanks today. Heavy fuels will continue to burn and smolder within areas the fire perimeter until significant rains set in.

A robust initial attack crew is staying vigilant as monsoon weather is anticipated to bring thunderstorms to the area tonight and tomorrow, and stand ready to suppress any new starts.

The Coconino National Forest has released a new Forest Order reducing the Museum Fire Public Safety closure area. Detailed information and a map are available on Inciweb at inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/map/6450/0/93533.

Castle Fire progresses at slow and steady pace

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FREDONIA — The Castle Fire remains low to moderately active and fire managers are now utilizing aerial ignitions to help fortify the control lines and keep the fire’s spread in check. As the fire moves across the landscape, it will encounter areas with dense pockets of fuel that could result in increased fire behavior. The aerial ignitions can be used to target heavily fueled areas which will help lessen the fire intensity as the Castle Fire progresses.

Fire managers have identified the 19,632-acre planning area where the Castle Fire can bring positive restorative benefits to the area. Low intensity wildfire can be advantageous by providing an efficient and safe way to remove the dead and decaying plant material that could act as fuel for future forest fires.

Fire managers plan well in advance for opportunities such as this. The success in achieving restoration objectives is largely attributed to timing, current weather conditions and available fuel. The appropriate organization of well-trained professional firefighters to develop the plan and execute the work on the ground is essential.

Area thunderstorms have not materialized over the fire area and have had minimal effects on the Castle Fire. However, the forecast calls for hotter and drier weather into the weekend.

When the lightning-caused Castle Fire was first discovered on July 12th, it was located about 11 miles south of Jacob Lake, 3 miles west of Highway 67, and just east of Forest Road 761 near Oquer Canyon. It Is currently 1,720 acres and is spreading north and south along the eastern perimeter of the planning area.

As an added safety measure for both public and firefighters, a temporary Closure Order is now in effect for the Castle Fire area: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6439/

The Castle Fire poses no danger to structures or other local infrastructure.

Firefighters continue to increase containment of Museum Fire

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FLAGSTAFF – Firefighters made great progress yesterday, increasing containment line on the Museum Fire to 35%. Crews have been able to work closer to the fire’s edge, going direct in some areas, where safe to do so. The new containment came mostly south of Shultz Tank and north of Dry Lake Hills on the north edge of the fire and northeast of Elden Mountain on the east side of the fire in the scar from the Radio Fire.

Initial attack crews assigned to the fire responded to two new starts as well as helped fill sandbags for Coconino EOC yesterday, as concerns over potential flooding remain. The new fires were suppressed quickly and do not currently pose any threats.

Today, firefighters will continue to work to increase containment, going direct where possible, monitoring hot spots along the perimeter and responding to any new fires reported in the area. Crews also are working on suppression repair along Schultz Pass Road.

A drying trend will continue through Monday which could result in an increase in fire behavior. Fire perimeter growth is not anticipated but there still are areas of concern with rugged terrain making access to some portions of the fire difficult.

The Coconino National Forest Closure Order remains in effect. For your safety and of firefighters, the public is not allowed in the fire area. Please visit the fire’s Inciweb page for a map of open trails and recreation areas.

Museum fire update

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NOTE: THIS IS AN OLD ARTICLE THAT COULD NOT BE POSTED BECAUSE OF A PROBLEM IN THE WEB SITE. WE ARE WORKING ON IT.


FLAGSTAFF – According to the evening update of last night, pre-evacuation orders are still in effect for Mt. Elden Lookout Estates, north and west of Hwy 89 and Silver Saddle, Hutcheson Acres, McCann Estates all of Timberline communities including, Black Bill Park, Wupatki Trails and Pine Mountain Estates. All areas, including the upper eastside neighborhoods of Flagstaff, including Cedar Hills, Shadow Mountain, Christmas Tree, Skyline, Swiss Manor and Upper Greenlaw should be in the “Ready” stage or “prepare now.”

The American Red Cross has set-up a shelter at Sinagua Middle School, 3950 E Butler Ave in Flagstaff.The fire, fueled by Ponderosa pines and mixed conifer, grew to about 1000 acres last night. It is reported the winds carrying embers have caused more fires to start up. The complexity of this fire has caused the forest service to call in the Southwest Area Incident Management Team #2 (IMT), led by Incident Commander Rich Nieto—a Type 1 Incident Management Team—that should take over management of the fire at approximately 6 p.m.

According to the latest press release by Coconino Forest service:

Wildland firefighters are using every available aerial platform in the southwest region on a wildfire in the Dry Lake Hills area north of Flagstaff today.

The Museum Fire, currently about 1,000 acres, was very active overnight. Crews were not able to conduct burnout operations due to the activity and the fire spotting ahead of itself, but took indirect suppression tactics where they could.

The fire was flanked with retardant and water from more than a dozen aircraft Sunday in an effort to keep it in the Schultz Pass area and limit its spread north and south. Spotting was noted toward the east, and hand crews are working to create a fire line to work on containment that ties in with aerial suppression.

Fire managers will be using direct and indirect tactics to suppress the fire today. A heavy air component is expected as the objectives are to keep the fire east and south of Forest Road 420 (Schultz Pass Road), west of U.S. Highway 89, and north of the Pipeline Road and those communities.

Heavy smoke will be visible from Flagstaff and other local communities. The public should use extreme caution when driving on U.S. Highways 180 and 89 north of Flagstaff and stay out of the fire area.

The Emergency Operation Center in Flagstaff remains open and a call center has been set up at 928-213-2990 for questions. They ask that you use this number for questions about evacuations and shelter related items only. They do not field information about power and phone outages and missing persons. If you are concerned about the safety of someone, contact the Flagstaff Police Department at 928-774-1414 or Coconino County Sheriff at 928-774-4523. For power outages you can check the APS web site.

Sheriff’s Office Rescues injured female from Lava Caves

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FLAGSTAFF – On July 13th, 2019 at approximately 11:55 am, Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue responded to the Lava River Caves located off Forest Service Road 171 and conducted a technical Rescue of a 43 year old female who sustained a possible hip injury from a fall.

Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, with the assistance of Guardian Medical and Ponderosa Fire Department, responded to the Lava Caves located off of Forest Service Road 171 after receiving a call of a 43 year old woman out of Phoenix who had fallen and sustained a possible left hip fracture. The patient slipped and fell because of rocky and slippery conditions inside the cave and was unable to walk out.

Rescue units arrive on scene and removed the patient by technical rescue and a basket carry out at 2:00 pm. The female was then transported to Flagstaff Medical Center for her injury.

The Sheriff’s Office reminds all visitors to wear proper footwear, warm clothing and lighting when traveling in the Lava Caves.