Category Archives: Arizona

Wilbur Fire remains at 10,279 acres

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CLINTS WELL — The Coconino National Forest resumed command of the lightning-caused 10,279-acre Wilbur Fire Thursday morning, June 22, which originated 8.5 miles west of Clints Well on the Mogollon Rim Ranger District.

The Wilbur Fire is being managed with multiple strategies to meet objectives including the release of nutrients back into the soil and the reduction of hazardous fuel accumulations.

Objectives also include protecting critical infrastructure, watersheds, wildlife habitat and culturally sensitive areas from future catastrophic wildfires. Managing low-intensity wildfires such as this reduces the threat of catastrophic fire by reducing the accumulation of dead wood, pinecones, and pine needles, that would otherwise contribute to hotter and bigger fire behavior. This is part of the Wildfire Crisis Strategy recently announced by the Chief of the Forest Service.

All strategic firing operations have been successfully completed, and firefighters are utilizing previously improved holding features and roads to confine the wildfire to a predetermined area. Crews continue to patrol and monitor fire activity and work toward full containment, with current containment at 78 percent.

Suppression repair projects are underway, including mending fences and removing snags (dead standing trees) from high-use dispersed recreation areas and along roads. Smoke is visible at times as interior pockets of unburned forest fuels consume.

Night operations conclude Sunday night and early Monday morning with firefighters and the Arizona Department of Transportation remaining to monitor the fire perimeter and smoke conditions along highways and provide for public safety.

The Coconino National Forest has issued an area closure to protect public health and ensure firefighter safety. The full closure order and map are available online.

In the interest of public and firefighter safety, drivers are asked to travel with caution as fire crews will be entering and exiting roadways during operations.

As temperatures cool overnight smoke may linger in drainages and valleys until daytime winds surface.

Regular fire updates can be found on the Wilbur Fire Inciweb page until it is fully contained.

Fire weather watch issued for Tuesday

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FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR NORTHERN ARIZONA
Fire Weather Watch issued June 25 at 1:12PM MST until June 27 at 8:00PM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
The National Weather Service in Flagstaff has issued a Fire Weather Watch due to strong winds and low relative humidity, which is in effect from Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening.

* AFFECTED AREA…Locations near Alpine, Camp Verde, Chino Valley, Congress, Cottonwood, Paulden, Payson, Strawberry, Pinetop-Lakeside, Prescott, Sedona, Seligman, Show Low and Whiteriver. This includes portions of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Coconino National Forest, Kaibab National Forest, Prescott National Forest and Tonto National Forest.

* WINDS…Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY…As low as 7 percent.

* IMPACTS…The combination of gusty winds and low humidity can cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them.
Click HERE to sign up for Coconino County Emergency Notifications and alerts.

Necropsy conducted on bear that killed man near Prescott

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s (AZGFD) wildlife veterinarian, Dr. Anne Justice-Allen, conducted a necropsy on the carcass of the adult male black bear responsible for the June 16 killing of Steven Jackson at his property in the Groom Creek area near Prescott, Ariz.

Dr. Justice-Allen’s summary indicated the bear was a 7- to 10-year-old adult male weighing 365 pounds. It was in good condition with no apparent signs of disease.

An examination of the stomach found human remains consistent with the injuries found in the victim. Additionally, native vegetation and seeds were found inside the bear. The amount of body fat on the bear indicated it was in good nutritional condition.

The bear’s brain stem was tested for rabies at the Arizona Department of Health Services state laboratory and the results were negative. Arizona has recorded only one case of a bear having tested positive for rabies, in 1971.

Cause of death of the bear was determined to be from multiple gunshot wounds from a neighbor who was trying to stop the attack.

AZGFD officials believe this bear acted in what appeared to be an unprovoked predatory attack by the animal. Bears are predators, and when acting aggressively toward humans can attack, injure and kill.

Bear attacks and kill man in Prescott area

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PRESCOTT — At approximately 7:50 yesterday morning, the YCSO dispatch center received multiple 911 calls about a man who was being mauled by a bear in the Groom Creek Area. When YCSO deputies and Prescott PD arrived at the scene, which was in a heavily wooded remote area, they found Steven Jackson, 66 years old of Tucson dead of an apparent bear attack, and the bear dead nearby. Deputies called officials from Arizona Game and Fish to respond to the scene as well.

From multiple witness accounts and preliminary investigation of the scene, Mr. Jackson had been sitting having coffee at a table on his property where he was building a home. It appears that a male black bear attacked Mr. Jackson, taking him unaware, and dragged him approximately 75 feet down an embankment.

Neighbors who heard the victim screaming tried to intervene through shouts and car horns, but the bear did not let go of Mr. Jackson until one neighbor was able to retrieve his rifle and shoot the bear to get him to disengage. Unfortunately, by that time Mr. Jackson has succumbed to his horrible injuries.
According to Arizona Game and Fish and confirmed by YCSO this attack, which appeared to be predatory in nature, is highly uncommon and unusual, with only one other fatal attack known since the mid 1980s. At first glance there did not appear to be anything on the site that would have precipitated a attack by the bear, such as food, a cooking site or access to water.

There is no threat to the public as this bear has been put down. The location where the attack occurred was not near recreational sites for camping, but officials still caution revelers to take precautions when camping, such as locking up food in a vehicle and not leaving out items such as toothpaste that may bring a bear to your campsite.

YCSO will be conducting the death investigation, while Game and Fish will investigate what may have caused the attack, but officials at the moment do not have a theory other than a predatory response by the bear. Both investigations are just beginning, and more information will be release when available.

“Our sincere sympathies go out to Mr. Jackson’s family” said Sheriff David Rhodes. “I cannot express how deeply sad this situation is and can only say our prayers are with you.”

YCSO and Game and Fish caution people to not shoot bears that they see unless there is an imminent threat to you or someone else.

Happy Flag Day and Honor America Days

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NATIONAL — While listening to President Donald J. Trump speak on June 6, 2023 at North Carolina, he mentioned a few interesting things. One thing he said he would hold a year long celebration to honor America. I’m not sure, but I think I recall that he said he would start in on July 4th. I guess that is as good a day as any. Though I still cringe when people say “July 4th” instead of the appropriate “Independence Day,” July 4th was not the true Independence Day. It was the date the proclamation was issued for a vote that was taken on July 2nd. Thus, July 2nd was the date that Independence was actually declared.
36 United States Code §110 designates June 14th as Flag Day. The law “requests” that the President issue a proclamation calling on “…United States Government officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings…” The President is also supposed to urge “…the people of the United States to observe Flag Day as the anniversary of the adoption on June 14, 1777, by the Continental Congress of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States.” That is the flag that has thirteen red and white stripes with stars on a blue background. That is the ONLY flag that is supposed to be displayed and honored. Whether it be the current flag with fifty stars or thirteen, it should not matter. The so-called Betsy Ross flag was, of course, the original honoring the thirteen colonies.

Most people do not know, however, that there is an actual “Pride” month celebration during this period. 36 USC §112 designates the 21-day from Flag Day to Independence day as “…a period to honor America.” 36 USC §112 (b) is a declaration in which “…Congress declares that there be public gatherings and activities during that period at which the people of the United States can celebrate and honor their country in an appropriate way.” It is not “appropriate” to loot and burn. That is not appropriate at anytime no matter what the current “administration” says. Likewise, drag queen hour and grooming of children.

What we suggest is that you take the time to review history. One thing you can do is watch the mini-series John Adams. The Patriot is another good selection (not the 1928 version). There are others; pick your favorite. You might be able to find these movies on line for free or they might be available through one of your streaming subscriptions, such as Prime or Sling.

How about doing a little study? Check out The Federalist Papers. These are the arguments by John Jay, James Madison and the first corrupt official in our government, Alexander Hamilton. Hilldale college has a free course on the Federalist Papers. I strongly recommend No. 29

You might find some interesting things on the Archive.org web site. It is packed with Public Domain videos, audio books, old magazines. Even donated video and audio from around the country; e.g. “home movies.” You might want to listen to this selection.

We hope that what ever you do to celebrate will bring you to the conclusion that you should never show your total ignorance by wishing some one a “Happy Fourth of July.” You should reply to that greeting with “Happy Independence Day” without slapping them in the face though you are very tempted to do. There is a reason that the current government wants you to celebrate the date on the calendar rather than what it represents. Be a rebel. Go ahead and say Happy Independence day.

The flag of my Country.

2023 fall hunt applications due by 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) tonight

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The deadline to apply for 2023 fall hunt permit-tags is only hours away.

Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) tonight, Tuesday, June 6. To apply, visit www.azgfd.gov and click on “Apply for Big Game Draw.”

The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is available to assist applicants. Customer service representatives can be reached from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today by calling 602-942-3000. In addition, customer service representatives will be available to provide after-hours assistance — by telephone only at 602-942-3000 (do not call regional offices) — from 5 to 11:59 p.m. tonight (Tuesday).

To expedite the process, applicants are encouraged to be prepared with the following before calling AZGFD:

  • An applicant’s hunting or combination hunt and fish license must be valid through June 6. All applicants, including youth (ages 10-17), who are applying for a hunt permit-tag or bonus point only, must possess a license that is valid on the last day of the application period. Licenses can be purchased online at www.azgfd.gov/license/.
  • Know your Customer ID. This is a must to submit an application. There are four ways to locate a Customer ID: 1) Log into your AZGFD portal account, and click on “View Details” under “My AZGFD Dashboard; 2) Check your hunting or combination hunt and fish license, if it was purchased online; 3) A Customer ID number can be retrieved by visiting customerlookup.azgfd.com/. If the account is located, AZGFD will send the Customer ID number to that email address; 4) Call AZGFD at 602-942-3000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • Know where you want to hunt. It’s important to have your four-digit hunt number(s) pre-determined (not game management units).

All applicants are encouraged to purchase a PointGuard product. Choosing PointGuard Plus, or the standard PointGuard, ensures that applicants can surrender their hunt permit-tag for any reason, and the accumulated bonus points that were expended to draw that hunt permit-tag will be reinstated (if eligible). A portal account is no longer required to purchase a PointGuard product. More information: www.azgfd.gov/pointguard.

AZGFD also recommends downloading Arizona E-Tag. Hunters can download this mobile app from either the Apple or Google Play stores, and opt-in to receive an electronic tag in their AZGFD portal account (this is not an option selected through the draw). The Arizona E-Tag app provides real-time delivery of licenses and big game tags purchased or drawn after the app has been downloaded. The app also provides the ability to electronically tag a harvested animal and complete the hunter questionnaire. More information: www.azgfd.gov/etag.

In addition, as part of the application process, a customer can now enter his or her phone number (ghost number format) to receive a hunter questionnaire via text message on their mobile device.

For an overview of the application service, including license requirements, applying for bonus points and payment information, see Page 26 of the “2023-2024 Arizona Hunting Regulations” booklet. The booklet can be viewed at www.azgfd.com/Hunting/Regulations/. Printed booklets also are available at license dealers statewide (call in advance for availability).

For more information, check out “What You Need to Know,” a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs), at www.azgfd.gov/draw.

Afternoon thunderstorms bring light precipitation over Wilbur Fire

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CLINTS WELL – Afternoon thunderstorms moved over the Wilbur Fire yesterday during ignitions, where outflow winds drifted smoke down West Clear Creek into the Verde Valley and along portions of state Route 260.

Although light precipitation was received crews were able to continue with tactical firing operations throughout the operational shift enhancing holding features along the fire perimeter. Naturally-caused wildfires like the Wilbur Fire provide fire managers with great opportunities to treat the area removing accumulations of hazardous fuels. Reducing hazardous fuels will help reduce the threat of high-severity, high-intensity wildfire to the public, adjacent private property, and communities for future generations.

Yesterday firefighters continued with tactical firing operations progressing south along constructed holding features, Forest Road 142B and tying into FR 142, keeping the fire out of West Clear Creek. Operations will be similar to previous shifts where fire resources plan to patrol, monitor, and secure any areas of concern from previous days ignitions, continue with line prep and improve roadways with the use of heavy equipment throughout the planned fire area.

Temperatures are forecasted to be 79-82 degrees. Winds are expected to be from the south at 10-15 mph allowing for excellent ventilation where smoke can disperse out of the surrounding area. Enough moisture will remain over the fire site for a slight chance of afternoon and evening showers though Tuesday. Winds will generally be light at night with southerly breezes during the day.

The Wilbur Fire is burning in an area with an extensive road system that firefighters are using for travel and as control features. For public and firefighter safety, forest visitors should travel with caution as fire crews will be on roadways during operations.

Impacts from smoke can be expected to be light through the weekend and visible from multiple locations including the Verde Valley and along Lake Mary Road and state Routes 260 and 87. Smoke may linger in drainages and valleys overnight as nighttime temperatures cool and will do so until daytime winds surface.

Contact information and daily updates regarding the Wilbur Fire will continue to be posted on Inciweb.

Prescribed fire continuing on Kendrick and Blue Stem Rx projects this week on Kaibab National Forest

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Backing Fire on Moritz Ridge / Kendrick Prescribed Fire Project – Kaibab National Forest photo

WILLIAMS — Moist weather in northern Arizona continues to endure providing excellent opportunities to keep moving forward with prescribed burns well into the early months of this year. Approximately 16000 acres have been broadcast burned thus far on the Kaibab National Forest, and crews will remain proactive as long as conditions allow.

Treatments may continue on the currently active Kendrick prescribed fire project in the week ahead as well as the next unit on the Blue Stem Rx project located 18 miles southeast of Tusayan.
Fire Managers recognize that as summer rapidly approaches, these windows of opportunity will eventually close as temperatures rise and fuels dry out. Ignitions only occur when environmental conditions at each location align with the parameters outlined in each project specific burn plan.

Area residents and visitors may see and hear a helicopter in the vicinity, as aerial ignitions will occur on portions of these burns. Citizens are strongly urged to refrain from using any type of aerial-drone systems near any active project area that could potentially interfere with aircraft operations.

Crews successfully completed burning 1509 acres on the Three Sisters Rx project on Wednesday last week and forest officials would like to thank the entire community of Williams for their support while this critical piece of ground was treated.

All prescribed fires are subject to approval by an agency administrator, and by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. The department’s Air Quality Division: Smoke Management webpage provides details about its air quality program. To learn more about smoke and public health, visit bit.ly/SmokeHealthAwareness.
The Kaibab National Forest remains committed to providing the public with ongoing updates with as much advance notice as possible. Sign up to receive Kaibab NF news releases in your email.

Our land management strategy is centered on long-term forest health, including reducing forest fuels and using prescribed fire on the landscape. Prescribed fires help reduce hazardous fuels that have accumulated due to drought, climate change, insects and disease, and decades of fire suppression. Fire also recycles nutrients back to the soil, promotes the growth of trees, wildflowers, and other plants, and improves habitat for threatened and endangered species. These efforts align with the Forest Service’s 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy which aims to increase prescribed fire and other treatments to improve forest resiliency for generations to come.
Additional information can be found on the Kaibab NF website, Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, or by calling the Fire Information Hotline at 928-635-8311.

Congratulations Lt. John Jamison and Lt. Adam Simonsen

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FLAGSTAFF – Congratulations to John Jamison and Adam Simonsen how have been selected to fill the two vacant Operations Lieutenant positions at the Sheriff’s Office. Lieutenant Jamison will lead the Flagstaff Patrol District and Lieutenant Simonsen will lead the Administrative Sergeant, Search and Rescue, and PIO/community programs areas.

Lt. Jamison and Lt. Simonsen sworn in by Sheriff Driscoll.

Lieutenant Jamison has an extensive career in law enforcement. Lieutenant Jamison has been with the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office since 2006. Prior to joining the Sheriff’s Office, John worked for the Williams Police Department for 14 years where he held several assignments, to include Police Officer, Detective, and Sergeant.

Lieutenant Jamison has 31 years of law enforcement experience, consisting of 5 years as a deputy/officer, 3 years as a detective, and 23 years as a Sergeant. As a deputy with CCSO, he was assigned to the Northern Arizona GIITEM Gang Task Force for 2 years. He was the community deputy in Munds Park where he forged partnerships with residents and professionals. He was a key part in starting the Munds Park Neighborhood Watch, which is still one of the most active Neighborhood Watch groups today. John took an innovative approach to addressing community concerns, which made a significant difference in the safety of the community.

Lieutenant Simonsen has been with the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office since December of 2020. Prior to joining the Sheriff’s Office, he worked for the Kingman Police Department for 11 years where he held several assignments, to include Police Officer, Detective, and K9 Officer. Prior to working for the Kingman Police Department, Lt. Simonsen worked as a Detention Officer for the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office for approximately 3 years, where he was promoted to Detention Corporal.

Lieutenant Simonsen has significant experience in several different areas. His training and certifications throughout his career include Bicycle Patrol Training, Supervisor/Leadership Training, General Instructor Certification, Field Training Officer, Taser Instructor, Basic and Advanced Forensic Interviewing, Criminal Interdiction School, K9 Handler School (Narcotics and Patrol), and Pepper Ball Instructor Training. While at the Kingman Police Department, Adam earned the Distinguished Service Award, Department Commendation, Officer of the Year, Lettie Crocker Award (Community Chosen Award), and the Good Conduct Award. Lt. Simonsen is also an Eagle Scout.

We look forward to Lieutenant Jamison and Lieutenant Simonsen’s continued Service to Community in their new role as Lieutenants in the Operations Division at the Sheriff’s Office.

Interstate 17 to close in both directions nightly from Bumble Bee Road to Sunset Point for controlled rock blasting June 5-8

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The Arizona Department of Transportation reminds motorists to plan for overnight full closures and lane restrictions on Interstate 17 during the upcoming week. The work is starting Monday, June 5, and ending the morning of Saturday, June 10, as the I-17 Improvement Project between Anthem Way and Sunset Point continues.

Motorists should allow extra travel time, drive with caution, and reduce their speed around construction personnel and equipment while the following closures and restrictions are in place:

Controlled Rock Blasting Schedule – Expect delays of at least one hour and backups of about two miles.
17

I-17 will be closed in both directions between Bumble Bee Road and Sunset Point (mileposts 248-253) from 10 to 11 p.m. the nights of Monday, June 5, Tuesday, June 6, Wednesday, June 7, and Thursday, June 8, for controlled rock blasting. The on-ramp to southbound I-17 from Sunset Point, and the on-ramp to northbound I-17 from Bumble Bee Road will be closed at the same time.
Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (left lane closed) between Sunset Point and Bumble Bee Road (mileposts 252-250) nightly from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, June 5 to the morning of Friday, June 9, for controlled rock blasting operations.

Other Lane Restrictions Next Week

Northbound

Northbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (left lane closed) near New River Road (mileposts 232-234) nightly from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, June 5 to the morning of Friday, June 9, for earthwork.

Southbound

Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (right lane closed) near Bumble Bee Road (mileposts 248-246) nightly from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, June 5 to the morning of Saturday, June 10, for earthwork.
Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (alternating left- and right-lane closures) between Black Canyon City/Rock Springs and Table Mesa Road (mileposts 242-236) nightly from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, June 5, to the morning of Saturday, June 10, for temporary striping, temporary concrete barrier, bridge demolition at Moores Gulch, and earthwork.
Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (alternating left- and right-lane closures) between Table Mesa Road and New River Road (mileposts 236-232) nightly from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, June 5, to the morning of Friday, June 9, for electrical work and the installation of temporary concrete barrier.
Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (right lane closed) between New River Road and Anthem Way (mileposts 231-229) nightly from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, June 5, to the morning of Friday, June 9, for electrical work.