Category Archives: Flagstaff

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.

Boundary Fire Suppression Repair Needs Assessed

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WILLIAMS – On Wednesday crews worked to secure control lines and patrol for hotspots along the perimeter. An assessment of suppression repair needs has begun. Suppression repair will include the construction of water bars to divert the flow of water away from fire lines during rainstorms, the felling of hazard trees, the repair of roads and trails where they were used as part of the control line and the repair of fences where they were cut to allow access to crews and equipment during suppression operations.

A Red Flag Warning is in effect today due to low humidity, high temperatures and strong winds. Due to the increased fire danger, the Coconino National Forest will move into Stage II fire restrictions at 8 am today.

The winds are expected to pick up today moving smoke around the north side of the San Francisco Peaks where it will then travel east. Smoke is expected to be most noticeable to the south of Grey Mountain and north of Timberline/Doney Park.

Countywide Stage 2 fire restrictions enacted

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FLAGSTAFF — Stage 2 fire restrictions, will begin at 8 a.m., Thursday, June 22, across Coconino County. Fire restrictions are to help protect public health by reducing the number of human-caused wildfires. The County has been in Stage 1 fire restrictions since June 15. The County is enacting Stage 2 restrictions due to forecasted weather and very high fire danger. Restrictions are in coordination with Coconino National Forest and the Arizona Department of Fire and Forestry Management.

The following restrictions apply on County public lands, as well as private lands in the unincorporated areas of the County. During Stage 2, 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 used inside an enclosed vehicle or building only.
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 any Federal, State or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting entity in the performance of an official duty.
5. By persons whose open fire is the result of a device manufactured for the purpose of cooking of 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.
6. By persons operating internal combustion engines with spark arresting devices when the use is for common household-only activities such as landscaping and property maintenance and repair.
7. By persons operating 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.
8. Persons engaged in industrial and ranching operations with a permit or variance.

Unless allowed by an exception above, in addition to stage one common prohibited activities (including open fire, campfires, fireworks, open smoking and use of exploding targets and tracer round ammunition), prohibitions now include all open fire, campfires, open smoking, outdoor mechanical and Coconino County Board of Supervisors
A link to the full Wildfire Defense Ordinance can be found at on the Coconino County homepage at www.coconino.az.gov/emergency.

Firefighters Make a Big Stride in Boundary Fire Containment

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WILLIAMS – Monday afternoon, forecasted isolated thunderstorms brought gusty winds and light precipitation to the Boundary Fire. Crews made a big stride today securing private property parcels and fire lines which increased containment from 18% to 30%. Cloud cover and increased relative humidity allowed fire to move along the ground, promoting healthy consumption of dead and down fuel returning nutrients to the soil.

In the morning, minimal but noticeable smoke may impact the following communities of Flagstaff, Baderville, Tuba City, Cameron, Timberline/Doney Park, and Bellemont. Smoke will disperse east of Flagstaff towards Leupp and hazy smoke will be drifting near Doney Park and Timberline as temperatures increase throughout the day. For more information on smoke and air quality, visit www.azdeq.gov.

Smoke will continue to impact US 180, especially at night. US 180 has reopened north of Flagstaff between mileposts 236 and 248 after visibility along the highway has increased due to reduced smoke impact from the Boundary Fire, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Though the road is open for travel, there will be lower speed limits through the affected area as firefighting operations continue and personnel and equipment enter and exit the highway. While the smoke impact has lessened enough to safely reopen US 180, ADOT personnel will continue to monitor visibility conditions along the highway.

US 89 remains open and may see light smoke impacts during the day. Interstate 40 may experience impacts in the evening and at night. The forest service advises drivers slow down and use caution when driving through these areas.

Wind shift may relieve Flagstaff of smoke from Boundary Fire

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WILLIAMS – Overnight light north winds pushed smoke into some communities around Flagstaff with most of the smoke dispersing before dawn. As Sunday progresses, northeast winds are expected to push smoke toward Williams and Bellemont. Individuals sensitive to smoke may want to stay indoors to avoid smoke impacts.

Firefighter, public safety, and ecosystem health remain the top priorities for fire managers while keeping the fire within the planning area. Smoke continues to affect Highway 180, especially at night, and may impact I-40 and SR 64 tonight. Travelers are urged to use caution when traveling in and around the fire area.

Aerial ignitions will continue today and into the week on Kendrick Mountain. Ground crews continue to conduct hand ignitions near and around private property. Ignitions will be applied slowly to prevent high intensity fire and to minimize smoke effects to communities and highways.

Kaibab National Forest (map) and Coconino National Forest have instituted Stage 1 Fire Restrictions as of June 15, 2017, at 8:00am MST.

The following trails in the closure area are closed: Pumpkin Trail, Kendrick Mountain Trail, Bull Basin Trail, Slate Mountain Trail, Kendrick Watchable Wildlife Trail, and the 4th Connector Trail. While the Red Mountain Trail is open, it can only be accessed from the valley end of the Highway 180.

Boundary Fire continues to burn fuels

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WILLIAMS – Warmer and dryer weather conditions are expected over the weekend which could slow progress on the Boundary Fire, as fire crews work slowly and methodically to back the fire down the mountain. This will allow for better control reducing the chances of the fire front pushing uphill and creating intense heat which would adversely affect the tree canopy. It is important that fire crews continue with ignitions during dry weather as it allows for consumption of the decadent fuels on the ground, decreasing the heavy accumulation of fuels on the mountain. The window of opportunity to be able to reduce fuel loads in this area is limited to the time between when the fuels dry out from winter snow melt and the Monsoon rains. Therefore, timing is everything.

Every year Kendrick Mountain sees multiple fire starts. By allowing this fire to reduce the hazardous fuels that exist there currently, we are setting ourselves, our neighbors and our communities up for less risk from those starts in the future.

Today, aerial ignitions continued adjacent to the historic cabin and Kendrick Lookout Tower. Helicopters were onsite assisting with water drops in the area. Ground crews began preforming hand ignitions near and around private property.

Expect increased smoke production over the next few days and poor air movement. Smoke may affect local communities including Greater Doney Park, Timberline, City of Flagstaff, Baderville, Fort Valley, and Bellmont. Firefighter, public safety, and ecosystem health remain the top priorities for fire managers while keeping the fire within the planning area.

Closure Order Number 04-17-14-F (PDF)) includes all or parts of Forest Roads 9005, 9023C, 91, 736, 144, 171, 193, and ending at US Highway 180 remains in effect. This closure includes all roads and trails within the perimeter of the closure area. US Highway 180 will also remain closed until further notice. For more information regarding highway closures please visit azdot.gov or visit ADOT’s Travel Information Site at www.az511.gov.

For more information on the Boundary Fire, visit inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5209/. Quick updates will also be provided via Twitter at @KaibabNF and @CoconinoNF. Please follow us if you would like to be updated as information is received.

Increased Smoke Production Expected While Crews Make Progress on the Boundary Fire

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WILLIAMS – Yesterday, aerial ignitions in conjunction with helicopters dropping water to moderate fire intensity of the 6278-acre Kendrick fire around the historic cabin and Kendrick lookout tower. Hand ignitions are planned around private property in the coming days once fire has reached a predetermined location in efforts to protect property and values at risk.

Fire will continue to work its way through timber stands consuming dead and down fuels along the forest floor minimizing impacts to tree canopies. Increased smoke production may occur over the next few days and poor ventilation predicted in the forecast may result in lingering smoke around the communities of Flagstaff, Kendrick Park, Whitehorse Hills, Timberline, Bellemont, Baderville, Cameron, and Tuba City. Firefighter and public safety and ecosystem health remain the top priority for fire managers while keeping the fire within the planning area.

An amateur radio operator reported that at the Flagstaff meeting last night, the Forest Service officials said they will investigate the possibility of smaller burns to reduce smoke.

The Kaibab Forest officials would like to remind people NOT to fly drones in the area of fires. Pilots only know if there is a drone in the area if they spot it. If they don’t, an impact can damage a helicopter. If the pilot spots a drone, the only thing they can do is land and wait. Please use drones responsibly.

Rescuers Respond to Calls for Hiking Fall Victims

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Pomeroy Tank Rescue

FLAGSTAFF – On Saturday June 10 at approximately 9:30 am the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, Ponderosa Fire District, Lifeline Ambulance, Arizona Department of Public Safety Northern Air Rescue Unit, and Guardian Air Transport responded to a report of an injured adult male hiker who fell approximately 20 feet from a rock at Pomeroy Tanks near Williams.

Sheriff’s Office personnel and EMS personnel located the patient who was suffering from serious injuries. Due to the injuries and the location of the incident, a short haul rescue was performed and the subject was then transported to a waiting air ambulance.

The short haul rescue involved connecting the patient and a rescuer to a rope suspended 150 feet below the helicopter and then flying a short distance to an area suitable for transferring the patient to another helicopter for transport to the hospital. The patient, a 47-year-old male from Phoenix, was transported to Flagstaff Medical Center.

On Monday June 12, 2017 at approximately 8:30 am the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, and Guardian Medical Transport responded to a report of a hiker who was injured in a fall in Walnut Canyon near the Canyon Vista Campground.

The adult male hiker was located by paramedics from Guardian Medical and assessed for injuries. Search and Rescue personnel hiked in with a litter and litter wheel to assist with a carry out o the patient to the ambulance at the trail head. The patient, a 63-year-old male from Carrollton, Texas, was transported to Flagstaff Medical Center with serious injuries.