Category Archives: Flagstaff

County enacts Stage Three Fire Restrictions

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County will be entering Stage Three Fire Restrictions at 8 a.m. on May 23. The restrictions will be enacted for all of Coconino County up to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Stage One restrictions will remain in effect above the North Rim.

This ordinance applies to unincorporated areas and residences in the County that are not under the jurisdiction of a fire district.

“The County is implementing common sense restrictions, in coordination with our regional partners, to mitigate the catastrophic damage of wildfire,” said Chairman of the Board Matt Ryan. “We live in a forested ecosystem and our forests provide jobs for our economy, trails for our adventures and comfort for our homes. We must be extremely firewise this dry and dangerous season.”

Stage Three Fire Restrictions prohibit any combustion, open fire, charcoal, propane, shooting of firearms and camp fires in unincorporated areas and residences in the County unless:

  • People have written permits or variances from their fire district (except on Red Flag Days).
  • Personal use of tobacco products is restricted to inside closed vehicles or buildings only.

While activities, that don’t involve mechanical operations, such as lawn care, home construction and community clean-ups, are not specifically prohibited, residents and visitors should use their best judgment when considering whether to engage in any activity that could spark a fire. Anyone engaging in these activities could be held legally responsible.

For the full Wildfire Defense Ordinance 2017-5 and to sign-up for emergency notifications, go to www.coconino.az.gov/ready.

NAU study: Post-wildfire flooding to cost hundreds of millions

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors heard a presentation from the Northern Arizona University (NAU) Alliance Bank Economic Policy Institute (EPI) on the economic impact of post wildfire flooding to the City of Williams resulting from a wildfire on Bill Williams Mountain.

The EPI study, commissioned by the Coconino County Flood Control District, estimates that the economic impact from a catastrophic wildfire and the post-wildfire flooding in the Bill Williams Mountain watershed (City of Williams and downstream) is between $379 million and $694 million. The estimated cost of forest restoration on Bill Williams Mountain is approximately $8 million.

The response to a fire would incur immediate expenses, including suppression, post-fire rehabilitation, evacuation and repair costs. Long-term impacts of a catastrophic fire include the loss of sales tax revenue, tourist revenue, business revenue, and repair costs to railroads, highways and facilities.

Last year, a study conducted by J.E. Fuller Hydrology and Geomorphology, at the direction of the County’s Flood Control District, recommended the development of a pre-disaster plan to identify ways to reduce the impacts of flooding. The City of Williams is working with the County to develop the plan and secure funding.

The Bill Williams Mountain Watershed is located south and uphill from The City of Williams’ cultural, tourist, retail, residential and governmental core. The watershed is heavily used for outdoor recreation including a ski area, residential housing and summer camps. It is also unnaturally dense with ponderosa pine and mixed-conifer forests and characterized by steep slopes, making this area vulnerable to an intense catastrophic wildfire and post-wildfire flooding.

Due to increasing fire danger with warmer and dryer weather conditions in the immediate forecast, the Kaibab National Forest closed the Bill Williams Mountain watershed area last week until the area receives significant precipitation.

Coconino County provides notice of security incidents

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County recently detected suspicious activity within certain staff members’ email accounts.

The County engaged a leading computer forensics investigation company to determine the nature and scope of these activities. Although the investigation is ongoing, the County did identify certain individuals whose personal and protected health information may have been compromised. There is no evidence that anyone’s information is being misused and the County is providing individuals with notice of these data security events as well as access to credit and identity protection services. A hotline has been established (855-789-0940) where people with questions can call. Additional information is also available at http://www.coconino.az.gov/1985/Data-Security-Public-Notices.

Coconino County takes the security and privacy of personal information very seriously. The County has ensured the security of its email accounts and continues to monitor its systems to ensure the privacy and security of personal information in our care.

Sheriff’s Office Investigating a Homicide of Elderly Male Whose Body was Found Near Forest Lakes

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FOREST LAKES – The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the homicide of an elderly male whose body was found west of Forest Lakes, AZ.

On Sunday May 20, 2018 around 3:30 PM the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office received a call of a deceased person found lying along Forest Road 512 (to Young, AZ), less than ½ mile south of State Route 260.

A deputy responded from Forest Lakes and contacted the reporting party, a couple who had been driving in that area. The reporting party said they were travelling the Young Road around 3:30 pm and observed a male lying in the dirt approximately 20 yards off the side of the road in a pull-out area. They stopped to check on the male and could see he was obviously deceased.

Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office responded out of Flagstaff to conduct the investigation. They found the deceased victim with severe trauma to his body and head. The victim had no identification.

Investigators and crime scene personnel from the Arizona Department of Public Safety also responded to the scene and assisted in the investigation. The victim was transported to Flagstaff where an autopsy will be conducted by the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office.

The victim is described as a 60-70-year-old white male, about 110 pounds, about 5 feet 6 inches tall, with gray hair that is longer but cut above the shoulders, gray beard and mustache, wearing a white “Head” sports polo style shirt, off white or light British tan colored shorts with a black leather belt, black socks and white New Balance tennis shoes.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help for information about this death or the identity of the victim. Please call the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office at 1-800-338-7888, option 1 for Dispatch or Silent Witness 928-774-6111.

American Red Cross dispatched teams to three fires last night

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FLAGSTAFF – It was a very busy night for the Arizona American Red Cross last night. Three teams were dispatched to various fires.

Casa Grande, Arizona – The American Red Cross Pinal County Disaster Action team lead by Captain Jim Porter assisted 3 adults displaced due to a Mobile Home #fire and a fifth wheeler trailer parked in the back. Included in the #fire 1 adult next door displaced due to no utilities.

Phoenix, Arizona – The American Red Cross Phoenix Chapter, led by DAT team Captain Michael Young cared for 3 adults and 3 dogs displaced by a multiple apartment units #fire near West Campbell Ave, Phoenix, AZ.

Prescott Valley, Arizona – American Red Cross Northern Arizona, assisted 1 adult and 1 dog from a single home #fire due to the Viewpoint fire. Both are safe and being cared for by the DAT volunteers of Northern Arizona Red Cross. This was follow up as part of their larger wildfire response efforts.

Thank you, DAT volunteers, in providing shelter, food and emotional support to these families. We appreciate all that our volunteers do, to provide hope and help to members of our communities.

Fox tests positive for rabies

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) confirmed today that a fox tested positive for rabies. The fox was found in a wooded area north of Interstate 40, west of Milton Road and south of University Ave. in west Flagstaff.

The fox was captured and tested after residents walking in the area reported the animal attacked their dog and bit them when they intervened. The individuals are receiving post exposure rabies prophylaxis treatment.

CCPHSD 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 animal exhibiting erratic or aggressive behavior.
Seek immediate medical attention if bitten by or have contact with a wild animal.
Pet owners should seek medical care from their veterinarian if their pet is bitten by wildlife.

To report unusual wildlife sightings or behavior call the Coconino County Public Health Services District Animal Management Program at 928-679-8756. To report a wildlife emergency call 911.

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

Veterans Stand Down set for May 18

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County, in conjunction with area veteran’s advocacy groups, will host the 6th Annual Lance Davison Memorial High Country Stand Down. The event connects homeless and at-risk veterans with support services from state and local agencies.

This year’s event will be from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Friday, May 18, at the Flagstaff Armory, 320 N Thorpe Rd. Flagstaff, AZ. Registration begins at 9 a.m.

Veterans will have access to hot meals, hygiene kits, clothing, surplus, legal assistance, employment services, dental, vision and medical assistance, haircuts, Veterans’ Court and Notary services, information on disability and survivor benefits, and more. Surplus is not for resale and is for individual use only.

“It is an honor, as a member of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, to work with so many dedicated organizations helping connect veterans to the services they need,” said District 4 County Supervisor Jim Parks, whose office is helping to coordinate the event. “As a veteran, I hope everyone joins me in sharing this information with fellow veterans across northern Arizona including their families, their neighbors and in local communities.”

Services and logistical support are offered by Coconino County, Flagstaff Courts, Coconino County Superior Court, Williams Courts, Coconino County Public Health Services District, Arizona StandDown Alliance, Arizona Coalition to End Homelessness, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Arizona Department of Economic Security, Veterans Administration, the Hopi Tribe, Navajo Nation and many others. This year, food will be provided by Sodexo and Mormon Lake Lodge, and beverages provided by Nackard Pepsi.

The public is also invited to attend the Armed Forces Parade at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 19, in downtown Flagstaff.

The High Country Stand Down was started by the local veterans’ community and retired Coconino County Supervisor Mandy Metzger over six years ago.

Friends of Coconino County Parks awarded Community Impact Grant

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FLAGSTAFF – The Friends of Coconino County Parks, a non-profit group in support of Coconino County Parks and Recreation, was awarded a $10,000 Community Impact Grant from New York Life to provide nature- and literacy-based afterschool programs to area youth.

The Friends of Coconino County Parks received funding to provide a nine-week, nature- and literacy-based program with educators and approximately 15 youth, ages 8-10, from Kinsey Inquiry and Discovery School and the K-21st Afterschool Program, with support from volunteers from The Literacy Center (formerly Literacy Volunteers of Coconino County).

The program began in March and runs through May 25. Youth will experience activities that focus on a nature scavenger hunt, nature-based journaling, archery, a ropes adventure course, a guided hike at local open space reserve and gardening. Volunteers from The Literacy Center will read books to the students after outdoor activities to promote enjoyment and achievement in reading. The program encourages students to be physically active and nurtures the need for children to play outdoors, with an educational component delivered through reading.

The Community Impact Grant program awards grants of up to $25,000 to local nonprofit organizations which are championed by New York Life agents and employees to serve the needs of their local communities. Since the program’s inception in 2008, 491 grants totaling more than $6.8 million have been awarded to nonprofits across the country.

The Friends of Coconino County Parks, Inc. (FCCP) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization in Arizona with the mission of supporting Coconino County Parks and Recreation Department’s efforts in the areas of land conservation, park development, volunteerism, and recreational activities. More information can be found at: http://coconino.az.gov/695/Friends-of-Coconino-County-Parks.

Partners host community forum on private wells in northern Arizona

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino Plateau Watershed Partnership (CPWP), the United States Geological Survey (USGS), Coconino County and County Supervisor Art Babbott are hosting a community forum, “Private Wells: Water Regulations, Perched Aquifers and Septic Impacts,” on May 16. The meeting will inform private well owners across Coconino County on how to better understand the relationship between private wells and septic systems in the region and how to protect their wells from contamination.

There will be presenters from the State of Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, the Department of Water Resources, Northern Arizona University, USGS and others to discuss the responsibilities of the State and County regarding people’s water supplies.

Specific questions may be submitted ahead of time using the “Contact Us” link on the Coconino Plateau Watershed Advisory Committee website www.cpwac.org. The link is located on the lower right of the Home Page. Questions should be submitted prior to Thursday, May 10 so they can be distributed to the presenters.

Attendees will also receive a copy of the Arizona Well Owner’s Guide.

WHO: Free and open to members of the public
WHAT: Community Forum on Private Wells in Northern Arizona: Regulations, Perched Aquifers and Septic Impacts
WHEN: 6 – 8:30 p.m. May 16.
WHERE: United States Geological Survey Bldg. #3
2255 N. Gemini Dr., Flagstaff, Ariz., 86001

American Red Cross provides recovery assistance to those affected by the Tinder Fire

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FLAGSTAFF – The Northern Arizona Chapter of the American Red Cross will be joining a number of state, county and local agencies and organizations at an Individual Assistance Service Center (IASC) and is urging those affected by the Tinder Fire to contact the Red Cross at 800-842-7349 or visit the IASC to open a case.

The Individual Assistance Center will be located at 5023 Enchanted Gardens Lane in Happy Jack and will be open from 10:00am to 5:00pm.

Caseworkers trained in disaster recovery will be available at the IASC to provide assistance to those in need. Community as well as government partners will be represented at the IASC providing Spiritual Care, Disaster Mental Health, clean-up and recovery services.

Emergency supplies including clean-up kits (general household clean-up supplies), Comfort kits (basic personal hygiene supplies), and snacks will be distributed to clients at the IASC and through mobile distribution once those evacuated are able to safely return home.

The Red Cross Shelter located at the Twin Arrows Casino Resort (22181 Resort Blvd.,Flagstaff, AZ 86004) is accepting anyone that has been evacuated from the fire area and needs a place to stay. The Red Cross and participating partners, The Salvation Army and the Coconino Humane Association will continue to staff the shelter and provide assistance as long as there is a need in the community.