Category Archives: News

Drive carefully on SR 69 with firefighting still underway

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PHOENIX – While State Route 69 has reopened between Interstate 17 and State Route 169 near Prescott, drivers need to use caution as crews in the area continue fighting the Goodwin Fire, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Those using SR 69 through the affected area should slow down and watch out for vehicles and equipment entering and exiting the highway. In addition, windblown smoke can reduce visibility.

Other options for reaching the Prescott area from the Valley include taking SR 169 west from Interstate 17 or taking SR 89 north from US 93 via US 60 through Wickenburg. Because both SR 169 and SR 89 are one lane in each direction most of the way, heavy traffic can lead to slowing on those routes.

SR 69 closed Tuesday between Cordes Junction and SR 169 as the Goodwin Fire burned near Mayer. It reopened to all traffic Friday morning.

Initial assessments by ADOT suggest that only minimal fire damage occurred along SR 69. Approximately 20 guardrail posts were damaged when fire crossed the highway near Mayer. ADOT will conduct a full assessment once firefighting operations wind down.

For the most current information about highway closures and restrictions statewide, visit ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, follow us on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511.

Bradshaw Ranger District reports some success in Goodwin Fire

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PRESCOTT – The 25,714 acre Goodwin Fire centered 14 miles south of Prescott is 44% contained as of today. The fire started June 24 at about 4 P.M. and the cause of the fire is under investigation. Some evacuations have been lifted.

Fire crews constructed a large amount of fireline yesterday in a critical part of the fire on top of Big Bug Mesa. After reviewing the day’s accomplishment, Operations Section Chief, Todd Abel, said “We are setup for success”.

Bulldozers will continue to create contingency firelines north of the fire, today, in order to protect Dewey in the event the fire moves across existing firelines.

Crews will continue mopping up where the fire burned along the SR69 side of the fire. Firefighters will also start rehabilitating firelines and removing equipment in areas where the fire has been contained. Crews will be patrolling these areas of the fire and will remain in place to protect Breezy Pine Canyon and Pine Flat.

Slightly stronger winds from the southwest are expected today. The fire continues to move very slowly into sparse vegetation located in an old fire scar. The fire only grew by 472 acres yesterday.

As of 10 a.m. this morning, evacuation orders were lifted for Blue Hills and Upper Blue Hills where power has been restored. The evacuation of Dewey/Humboldt all areas west of SR 69 south to mile post 280 has also been lifted, but west Poland Junction remains under evacuation. The Blue Hills/Upper Blue Hills area has fire suppression sprinklers that were installed by firefighters in various portions of the community. Please keep these areas clear and allow fire officials access to do their work.

SR 69 – west side from Grapevine Road north to Milepost 280, Poland Junction- west side, Pine Flat, Breezy Pines, Walker, Potato Patch, Mount Union, Mountain Pine Acres still remains under mandatory evacuation.

Although some evacuations have been lifted and roads reopened, property owners are urged to remain vigilant and monitor fire news. There is still active fire behavior, particularly in the northern portion of the fire, and conditions can change easily if impacted by high wind events. For additional information regarding evacuations and pre-evacuations please call the Yavapai County Emergency Operation Center at (928) 442-5103, 7am – 7pm.

Coconino County Sheriff’s Office joins Operation Dry Water to raise awareness about dangers of boating under the influence

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PAGE – The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office will be participating in Operation Dry Water as part of a nationally coordinated effort to increase knowledge about the dangers of boating under the influence (BUI). The goal is to reduce the number of accidents and deaths associated with alcohol and drug use on our waterways.

Operation Dry Water weekend, June 30-July 2, is the national weekend of amplified enforcement of boating under the influence laws and recreational boater outreach. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is reaching out to our community and to the entire recreational boating community as part of the yearlong Operation Dry Water campaign to inform and educate boaters about the hazards and negative outcomes associated with boating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Recreational boating is a fun and enjoyable activity. Consuming alcohol while on the water can hinder that experience and create a dangerous scenario for you, your friends and family, and others on the water. Alcohol impairs judgment and reaction time on the water just as is does when driving a car, even more so because of the added stressors of sun, heat, wind, noise and the vibrations of the boat. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office wants everyone to have a great summer on the water, and to do that you’ve got to stay safe and stay sober while underway.

As Operation Dry Water weekend and Independence Day approaches, law enforcement will be out on the water educating boaters about safe boating practices and removing impaired operators from the water. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office supports these efforts as they go a long way in ensuring the safety of recreational boaters and water sport enthusiasts.

Tips to staying safe on the water:

  • Boat sober. Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in recreational boater deaths*. Alcohol and drugs use impairs a boater’s judgment, balance, vision and reaction time.
  • Wear your life jacket. 83% of drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket*.
  • Take a boating safety education course. 77% of deaths occurred on boats where the operator did not receive boating safety instruction, where instruction was known*.

Boaters can take the pledge to boat safe and boat sober, and find more information about boating under the influence at operationdrywater.org.

Two-Year Old Found Safely After Wandering Away from Campsite

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WILLIAMS – A two-year old boy is back safely with his family after wandering away from a campsite Wednesday afternoon.

At approximately 5:45 pm on Wednesday, Coconino County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of a 2 year old boy who wandered away from the family’s campsite south of Williams, AZ near Hyde Hill. The campers, who were from the Phoenix area, consisted of a family of four adults and five children. They were setting up their camp off of the Forest Service 139 road when they realized the child was missing. They had last seen him approximately 20 minutes prior, and he had been playing with the other children next to the campsite.

Deputies from the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Williams Patrol District responded to initiate the investigation and establish containment of the search area. They coordinated bystanders and family who wanted to assist. Deputies from the Flagstaff Patrol District also responded as did the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Unit. Arizona Department of Public Safety, Northern Air Rescue was requested and flew over the area. Other agencies that assisted with the search included the Williams Fire Department and personnel from the Kaibab National Forest.

At approximately 7:30 pm, the child was located by one of the deputies searching the area. The child was found approximately 0.7 miles northwest of the camp in the forest near a road. The child was in good condition and was reunited with family members.

“We credit the success in finding the child to several factors, including that the report was called in timely and that Sheriff Deputies were able to get to the scene quickly,” the press release stated.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Unit provides preventative search and rescue education in the form of the Hug-A-Tree program to elementary age school children. The program has been offered and continues to be offered to schools in Coconino County. If a school or group would like to request a program please contact the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Unit.

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.

No highway construction closures during Independence Day weekend

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PHOENIX – During the Independence Day weekend, state and local agencies are focusing on keeping motorists safe and placing equipment and resources along heavily traveled highways to help move traffic should incidents occur.

Motorists will play key roles in keeping traffic moving, too, by making smart driving decisions that won’t result in serious crashes that ruin road trips and create travel delays.

The Arizona Department of Transportation and its contractors won’t schedule construction closures along state highways from Friday through late Tuesday evening. Drivers are urged to use caution over the holiday weekend in existing work zones and in three “holiday travel corridors” that will receive extra enforcement and resources to minimize travel delays.

In an effort to reduce crashes and delays that result from speeding and driver inattention, speed limits will be lowered during peak holiday travel periods on a winding stretch of Interstate 17 north of Phoenix.

ADOT will reduce speed limits by 10 mph Friday, June 30, on northbound I-17 between New River and Sunset Point Rest Area. Speed limits on the same stretch of southbound I-17 will be reduced by 10 mph on Tuesday, July 4.

Temporary signs will advise drivers of the lower speed limits. For example, areas where the speed limit is ordinarily 65 mph will have a speed limit of 55 mph. Throughout the long weekend, temporary electronic signs will remind drivers how fast they are going.

By obeying speed limits, driving safely and not allowing impaired persons behind the wheel, travelers can reduce the chance of serious crashes that often create long travel delays and close highways. In 2016, 14 fatal crashes occurred during the holiday weekend – alcohol played a role in eight – that killed 16 people.

As they have during recent major holiday weekends, ADOT and the Arizona Department of Public Safety are emphasizing safety in three high-traffic zones: Interstate 17 between north Phoenix and Flagstaff, Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson, and State Route 87 between Mesa and Payson. Along those routes, ADOT crews will strategically stage equipment, such as loaders and utility trucks, to minimize travel delays with faster response times to crashes and stalled vehicles.

DPS will focus on preventing three leading causes of traffic deaths: speeding, impaired driving and lack of seat-belt use. The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is working with state troopers, police officers and deputy sheriffs on a holiday DUI enforcement campaign.

No closures are scheduled during the holiday weekend, but travelers should be aware that existing work-zone restrictions with lane reductions will remain in place. This includes a 30-mile stretch of I-40 east of Kingman and I-40 near Twin Arrows.

Because unexpected delays can occur due to crashes and stalled vehicles, drivers are encouraged to:

  • Pack extra drinking water and snacks.
  • Avoid the busiest travel times, if possible.
  • Get plenty of rest before driving.
  • Check vehicles, including tire pressure, belts and fluid levels.

As summer temperatures soar, so does the potential of brush fires and wildfires occurring. Travelers can minimize the risk of fires along Arizona roads by not parking or driving in dry, tall grass; making sure trailer chains are secured and not dragging and emitting sparks; and never throwing cigarettes out the window.

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Traveler Information Center at az511.gov, by calling 511 and through ADOT’s Twitter feed @ArizonaDOT.

ADM Animal Nutrition Recalls Rough-N-Ready Cattle Feed

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ADM Animal Nutrition™, a division of Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE: ADM), is recalling 50-pound bags of Rough-N-Ready 14 BT cattle feed, product number 54787BHB24, because the product contains elevated levels of monensin beyond the recommended dosage, which could be harmful to cattle. At elevated levels, monensin can be toxic to cattle and can cause colic-like symptoms, hypokalemia, myoglobinuria, chronic cardiovascular issues, and possible death.

There is one lot number involved in this recall: Lot # 2WS01717. The product was distributed between Jan. 19, 2017, and Feb. 2, 2017, and could have been purchased directly from ADM Animal Nutrition or through one of three distributors including: Midwest Fertilizer, Inc. in Iola, Kansas; CW Feeds in Wichita, Kansas and Northtown Ace in Mountain Grove, Missouri.

ADM Animal Nutrition received reports from two customers claiming this feed may have resulted in death loss on their respective farms. The company immediately began investigating and initiated the recall upon receiving confirmation that the feed contained elevated levels of monensin due to a temporary breakdown in the packaging process, which has now been corrected. ADM has been in direct contact with the distributors involved in this recall, and all product has been removed from retail shelves. ADM is also working directly with the customers involved.

The lot number, 2WS01717, can be found at the bottom of the label. Customers who have purchased the recalled feed should immediately stop using it and return it to their distributor or directly to ADM Animal Nutrition for a full refund. Please direct any customer inquiries to 800-217-2007 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Central Time Monday through Friday.

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.

Proposed AZPDES Renewal Permit for Valle Airpark, LLC

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On Thursday, June 22, 2017, the public comment period began for the proposed issuance of an Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (AZPDES) Renewal Permit for Valle Airpark, LLC..

View Public Notice/Related Documents

A public hearing request must be in writing and must include the reasons for such request. If there is a significant degree of public interest, the Director will hold a hearing in accordance with Arizona Administrative Code R18-9-A908(B).

Comments may be submitted as follows:

Email | Send Email to sk5@azdeq.gov
By Mail: (Must be postmarked or received by July 22, 2017)
ADEQ
Swathi Kasanneni
Water Quality Division
1110 W. Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85007