Fire fighters respond to a fire at the Turquoise Tepee on Route 66.
Williams Fire Fighters ensuring fire is completely out.
Williams Fire department responds to Route 66 fire
Woman drowned in flash flood
PAGE – On Saturday, July 31st at 6:00 pm the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and National Park Service (NPS) responded to Labyrinth Canyon on Lake Powell after receiving information of a possible flash flood drowning. Deputies responding to the Labyrinth Canyon area were advised that a female hiking with her family had drowned as a result of flooding in the popular slot canyon.
The Victim, Heather S. Rutledge a 43-year-old female out of Louisville, Ky was hiking the Labyrinth Canyon with her husband and 3 sons at approximately 2 pm when she and her family were caught in a flash flood that ultimately drowned Mrs. Rutledge. The husband and children were ultimately able to locate Heather and performed CPR but were unsuccessful. Family members unable to move Heather, had to make their way back to the boat they had rented and get help.
Once back at the Rental Boat they discovered it had been damaged by the flash flood and was undrivable. A boater in the area was able to tow the boat out to the mouth of Labyrinth Canyon where contact was made with an NPS Boat. NPS transported the Victims family back to Antelope Point Marina where rescuers were preparing to locate and recover Heather. Due to weather conditions, darkness, and the potential of another flash flood, recovery operations were put off until the next Morning, on Sunday August 1.
On the morning of August 1st, at 6:00 am Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputies along with Rangers from NPS drove by boat, to the area in Labyrinth Canyon that the victim and her family had stopped at. Due to flood debris, rescuers could not use the kayaks to get up the rest of the canyon and had to swim through heavy canyon debris, to locate the deceased. Once located, she was removed back to the boat and transported to Wahweap Marina where the Coconino County Medical Examiner took custody of the victim and transported back to Flagstaff.
Special thanks for the invaluable assistance from the National Parks Service in this matter. Further investigation into this incident is being conducted by the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office. No further information is available currently.
The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office recommends knowing the forecast in an around the area when you are participating in recreational activities in canyon country. Flash Floods can start many miles up canyon from where you are recreating.
More information can be found at the National Weather Service at https://www.weather.gov/mob/Severe_Flood.
Letter to Editor: Opinion by Michael Pacer
70 people were shot in Chicago this weekend, 12 died. The figures are similar in every major city that the Democrats control. In Los Angeles the liberal, Soros financed District Attorney George Gascon is ignoring the “3 Strikes laws” or enhanced sentencing for certain crimes like killing cops . In most of these high crime Democrat controlled cities they have chosen to cut police budgets and in some have defunded the police completely then wonder why crime has skyrocketed.
The Socialist Democrats have turned this country into the lawless “Old West” so perhaps it is time to handle it like the “Old West” . Since the police are not allowed to protect us or even enforce the law perhaps it’s time to try something else. In the “Old West” people enforced the law in the pistols and shotguns that they carried. The only law that they had is what they brought with them…just like now. Thank GOD for the 2nd Amendment!!!
I believe that the misguided Democrats are promoting this lawlessness to push through more “Victim disarmament” aka: “Gun Control” They must disarm the public before they can proceed with the Socialist State. In other words, they must disarm us before they can enslave us as they do in EVERY Communist country.
The bottom line is simple. If the police cannot or will not protect us, then we must be allowed to defend ourselves. If the courts will not imprison criminals, especially repeat criminals, then the citizens of this country will have to take the law into their own hands. When small Oriental women defend themselves with a firearm from racist muggers, the muggings will stop.
Until then, the chaos will continue.
Coconino County Returns to Face Mask Requirement in County Buildings
FLAGSTAFF – Based on current data and updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) recommends residents wear masks in indoor public places. In line with this recommendation, Coconino County will reinstate mask requirements in all county buildings effective Wednesday, August 4, at 8 a.m.
On July 27th, the CDC updated its COVID-19 guidance for fully vaccinated people, recommending everyone wear a mask in indoor public settings in geographic areas with substantial and high transmission, regardless of vaccination status. Coconino County COVID-19 case numbers have followed an upward trajectory over the past several weeks and the county is currently in “high” COVID-19 transmission.
“Vaccination is the path out of this pandemic, and is the best way to protect you, your family, and your community. We are in a race against time to increase vaccination coverage and stop other variants from developing. Unvaccinated individuals should get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible. And while we are in substantial or high transmission, both the vaccinated and unvaccinated should wear a mask in public indoor settings to help prevent the spread of Delta and protect others,” said CCHHS Director Kim Musselman.
The CDC masking decision was made considering data demonstrating that the Delta variant of COVID-19 infection is nearly twice as infectious as previous variants. While virtually all hospitalizations and deaths continue to be among the unvaccinated, some vaccinated people can get Delta in breakthrough infection and may be contagious.
The masking recommendation was updated to ensure the vaccinated public would not unknowingly transmit the virus to others, including those not yet eligible for vaccine, such as young children, or immunocompromised loved ones. Data demonstrate that the vaccines are preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death and are effective against the Delta variant.
In alignment with the CDC guidance, the County is requiring face masks be worn by employees and the public while in county buildings to protect customer and employee health and safety.
Effective Wednesday, August 4, county employees and visitors shall wear masks in public and common areas of all county buildings. Masks will be provided when needed as supplies allow.
County employees shall practice COVID-19 prevention practices including proper hand washing and physical distancing
Temporary road closures in Mangum Fire area
Fredonia — Monsoon rains last night in the Mangum Fire area caused flash flooding, resulting in three forest roads being washed out. Power had also been out at Big Springs but has been restored. Roads affected and associated closures are in effect for:
- Forest Road 22 washed out and impassable at Oak Canyon – closed approximately 9 miles south of US Route 89A.
- Forest Road 422A is washed out and impassable at Jacob Canyon.
- Forest Road 461 is impassable just up canyon from the 22 junction – closed at east gate on FR 461 and south gate on FR 462.
Impacts to the area are being assessed today. Additional damage may occur in the Mangum Fire area with forecasted rain tonight.
Areas heavily affected by fire, especially in and near steep terrain, are susceptible to flooding and washing out during intense rainfall. The loss of trees and other vegetation in burned areas leads to an increased chance of flooding and debris flows which can pose a significant risk to human life. Visitors should exercise extreme caution while traveling in the burn area.
Floods on fire-scarred areas can contain soil, vegetation and woody debris, and rock that rush down canyon sides, naturally funneling into stream channels, capturing additional material in their paths, and form thick, fan-shaped deposits at canyon mouths and open areas.
Those planning to visit open areas of the forest should check the weather forecast frequently, as conditions can change in a very short timeframe. Be aware that short intense bursts of rain may be particularly dangerous. If you observe movement of soil, debris, or flooding, move to higher ground immediately. If you hear sounds such as trees cracking, or boulders knocking together, move to higher ground immediately. Be especially alert while driving. Embankments along roadsides are susceptible to landslides.
Current conditions can be obtained by contacting the North Kaibab Ranger District at 928-660-3913 or checking the Kaibab National Forest website, www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab. Additional forest information is also available through Twitter www.twitter.com/KaibabNF, Facebook www.facebook.com/KaibabNF, and Flickr bit.ly/KaibabNFPhotos.
Coconino and Kaibab NFs revoking fire restrictions today
FLAGSTAFF — Due to monsoonal activity and heavy rainfall across most of the forests, the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests will rescind all fire restrictions as of 6 a.m. Friday, July 16. The Kaibab NF will also lift the Bill Williams Mountain closure.
Fire danger remains high across both forests. Visitors are still asked to remain vigilant and avoid activities that could accidentally cause wildfires – refrain from campfires on dry and windy days and remember that it is always illegal to leave a campfire unattended. In addition, fireworks are never allowed on any National Forest land.
Closures unrelated to fire and smoking restrictions remain in effect including the Raphael Fire around Sycamore Canyon, Mangum Fire on the North Kaibab Ranger District, and areas of the Slate Fire and Backbone Fire.
A full list of what each fire restriction stage means can be found on the Coconino National Forest’s website. Statewide fire restriction information can be found at www.wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions.
Kaibab National Forest reopens to public entry
WILLIAMS — As of today the Kaibab National Forest has rescinded the full forest closure. Although most of the forest is now open to public entry, Stage II Fire Restrictions and the Bill Williams Mountain closure will remain in place. In addition, an area closure is in place for the Raphael Fire.
The majority of the Kaibab has received enough rain in the last month to increase live fuel moisture levels that, combined with the recent cooler temperatures, the risk of severe fire behavior has been reduced.
However, the persistent drought means fire danger is still very high, and the forecast calls for warm and dry weather with isolated thunderstorms bringing dry lightning. The public is reminded to remain vigilant while visiting the National Forest – abide by the restrictions and closures and refrain from any behavior that may accidentally start a wildfire. Drivers should avoid dragging chains and driving vehicles over dry vegetation. Stay informed of forest conditions before and during your visit.
Stage II Fire Restrictions
Under Stage II restrictions, fires (including charcoal and briquettes) are prohibited on all National Forest lands. Smoking is also prohibited forest-wide except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material.
The following acts are prohibited from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.: Operating a generator, chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine; using an explosive; blasting, welding, or operating any acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
Stoves or grills that are solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or pressurized liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels are allowable. Generators with approved spark arresting devices are also permitted in areas that are barren or cleared of any flammable material at least 3 feet around the generator.
Bill Williams Mountain Closure Area
The Bill Williams Mountain Closure consists of all National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the area bordered by County Road (CR) 73, Old Route 66, Forest Road (FR) 122, FR 108 and, Interstate 40, as depicted in Exhibit A of Order Number 03-07-21-13. This includes the following trails: Bill Williams Trail, Clover Spring Trail, City of Williams Link Trail, Bixler Saddle Trail, Benham Trail, and Devil Dog Mountain Bike Loop.
Raphael Fire Closure
For public safety, an area closure is in effect for the Raphael Fire in and around Sycamore Canyon. On the Kaibab National Forest, the closure area is generally bordered by Forest Roads 125, 105, 12, 109, and 13 as depicted in Order Number 03-09-00-21-281. Included in the closure area are the following popular locations: JD Dam, Yew Thicket Trailhead (TH), Deadman TH, Pomeroy Tanks TH, Sycamore Falls TH, Sycamore Rim TH’s, Canyon Overlook Trail (#70), Sycamore Rim Trail (#45), portions of the Overland Road Historic Trail (#133), and roads to Sycamore Point. Roads bordering the closure area are open. White Horse Lake and Campground are also open. The public should refer to the Coconino and Prescott National Forests for their Raphael Fire closures.
All Kaibab National Forest Orders can be found online at www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/kaibab/alerts-notices. Additional information about the Kaibab National Forest is available through the Fire Information Hotline, 928-635-8311, or by following @KaibabNF on Twitter and Facebook.
Coconino NF to reopen to public 6 a.m. July 6
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest will reopen to the public beginning 6 a.m. July 6.
Recreation technicians ask for patience as they work to remove gates, locks and barriers throughout the coming days.
The decision to reopen the forest was made based on the amount of recent rainfall that occurred across all three districts of the forest. Stage 2 fire restrictions will be in effect upon reopening.
Stage 2 restrictions prohibit the following:
- Igniting fires, campfires, charcoal, coal, smudge pots and wood stoves (except using a stove or grill that is solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or pressurized liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels).
- Smoking (except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material).
- During the hours of 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., operating a chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine for felling, bucking, skidding, processing, road building and woodcutting during industrial operations or firewood gathering capable of igniting a fire.
- During the hours of 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., using a blasting, welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
- Using explosives and fireworks is always prohibited on all National Forest land.
While the forest-wide closure will be lifted, specific closures around active wildfires – such as the Rafael Fire, Backbone Fire, Slate Fire and Snake Fire – may still be in effect. A full list of forest orders detailing specific closure areas is available on the Coconino NF’s website.
Fire danger remains extreme across all forest districts, and forest visitors are asked to remain vigilant and refrain from any behavior that may accidentally start a wildfire. Drivers should avoid dragging chains and driving vehicles over dry vegetation that may ignite.
Violation of the restrictions on national forests is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment up to six months, or both.
Tragic train accident in Williams
We are not sure of the circumstances of the accident.
We are not sure of the condition of the injured person. Mayor John Moore was on scene, according to witnesses, trying to comfort a friend of the victim and was later directing traffic away from the accident.
Girl struck by BNSF Railroad train.
GO Evacuations Ordered for South Garland Prairie
COCONINO COUNTY – Due to the Rafael Fire and Forest Service mitigation efforts, the community of South Garland Prairie has been upgraded to a GO status. THIS IS AN EVACUATION ORDER. This includes the residences off of Boy Scout Camp Road, Arbor Lane, Thomas Loop Rd., Leisure Drive, Bluebird meadow Road, Dog Haven Place, Tanner Ranch Road, and other roads in that area. Finish gathering necessary items and leave the area immediately.
There is a shelter set up at Sinagua Middle School in Flagstaff. The address is 3950 E. Butler.
Rafael Fire operations will be conducting a backburn of the area north of Sycamore Canyon. This is done so fire crews can remove fuel in this area to create a buffer zone between the active fire and homes in the area. This area is in extreme draught conditions and fire can be unpredictable.
If you need assistance in evacuating, contact the Coconino County Emergency Operations Center at 928-679-8647.
Monitor CCSO and Coconino County social media and official news releases for additional information regarding the evacuation and re-entry.