Type 1 Team to transfer command of Museum fire to Coconino National Forest

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FLAGSTAFF – The Museum fire containment is going so well that the Type I management team plans to transfer command back to Coconino National Forest tomorrow by 6 p.m. Containment of the fire, that remains at 1961-acres, is at 82%.

The Southwest Area Type 1 Incident Management Team 2, led by Incident Commander Rich Nieto, plans to transfer command of the Museum Fire back to the Coconino National Forest tomorrow, July 30, 2019, at 6 PM. A local Type 3 organization led by Incident Commander Preston Mercer will continue to fight the fire.

Personnel from the Type 3 organization are on-site shadowing the Type 1 team, and together are producing a plan for a smooth transition. Fire activity has been minimal with no perimeter growth the past two days. Firefighters will continue to closely monitor the fire on the ground and will utilize aerial resources as needed.

Firefighters on the ground worked in conjunction with helicopters to cool hotspots on the north and east flanks today. Heavy fuels will continue to burn and smolder within areas the fire perimeter until significant rains set in.

A robust initial attack crew is staying vigilant as monsoon weather is anticipated to bring thunderstorms to the area tonight and tomorrow, and stand ready to suppress any new starts.

The Coconino National Forest has released a new Forest Order reducing the Museum Fire Public Safety closure area. Detailed information and a map are available on Inciweb at inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/map/6450/0/93533.

Castle Fire progresses at slow and steady pace

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FREDONIA — The Castle Fire remains low to moderately active and fire managers are now utilizing aerial ignitions to help fortify the control lines and keep the fire’s spread in check. As the fire moves across the landscape, it will encounter areas with dense pockets of fuel that could result in increased fire behavior. The aerial ignitions can be used to target heavily fueled areas which will help lessen the fire intensity as the Castle Fire progresses.

Fire managers have identified the 19,632-acre planning area where the Castle Fire can bring positive restorative benefits to the area. Low intensity wildfire can be advantageous by providing an efficient and safe way to remove the dead and decaying plant material that could act as fuel for future forest fires.

Fire managers plan well in advance for opportunities such as this. The success in achieving restoration objectives is largely attributed to timing, current weather conditions and available fuel. The appropriate organization of well-trained professional firefighters to develop the plan and execute the work on the ground is essential.

Area thunderstorms have not materialized over the fire area and have had minimal effects on the Castle Fire. However, the forecast calls for hotter and drier weather into the weekend.

When the lightning-caused Castle Fire was first discovered on July 12th, it was located about 11 miles south of Jacob Lake, 3 miles west of Highway 67, and just east of Forest Road 761 near Oquer Canyon. It Is currently 1,720 acres and is spreading north and south along the eastern perimeter of the planning area.

As an added safety measure for both public and firefighters, a temporary Closure Order is now in effect for the Castle Fire area: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6439/

The Castle Fire poses no danger to structures or other local infrastructure.

Firefighters continue to increase containment of Museum Fire

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FLAGSTAFF – Firefighters made great progress yesterday, increasing containment line on the Museum Fire to 35%. Crews have been able to work closer to the fire’s edge, going direct in some areas, where safe to do so. The new containment came mostly south of Shultz Tank and north of Dry Lake Hills on the north edge of the fire and northeast of Elden Mountain on the east side of the fire in the scar from the Radio Fire.

Initial attack crews assigned to the fire responded to two new starts as well as helped fill sandbags for Coconino EOC yesterday, as concerns over potential flooding remain. The new fires were suppressed quickly and do not currently pose any threats.

Today, firefighters will continue to work to increase containment, going direct where possible, monitoring hot spots along the perimeter and responding to any new fires reported in the area. Crews also are working on suppression repair along Schultz Pass Road.

A drying trend will continue through Monday which could result in an increase in fire behavior. Fire perimeter growth is not anticipated but there still are areas of concern with rugged terrain making access to some portions of the fire difficult.

The Coconino National Forest Closure Order remains in effect. For your safety and of firefighters, the public is not allowed in the fire area. Please visit the fire’s Inciweb page for a map of open trails and recreation areas.

Museum fire update

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NOTE: THIS IS AN OLD ARTICLE THAT COULD NOT BE POSTED BECAUSE OF A PROBLEM IN THE WEB SITE. WE ARE WORKING ON IT.


FLAGSTAFF – According to the evening update of last night, pre-evacuation orders are still in effect for Mt. Elden Lookout Estates, north and west of Hwy 89 and Silver Saddle, Hutcheson Acres, McCann Estates all of Timberline communities including, Black Bill Park, Wupatki Trails and Pine Mountain Estates. All areas, including the upper eastside neighborhoods of Flagstaff, including Cedar Hills, Shadow Mountain, Christmas Tree, Skyline, Swiss Manor and Upper Greenlaw should be in the “Ready” stage or “prepare now.”

The American Red Cross has set-up a shelter at Sinagua Middle School, 3950 E Butler Ave in Flagstaff.The fire, fueled by Ponderosa pines and mixed conifer, grew to about 1000 acres last night. It is reported the winds carrying embers have caused more fires to start up. The complexity of this fire has caused the forest service to call in the Southwest Area Incident Management Team #2 (IMT), led by Incident Commander Rich Nieto—a Type 1 Incident Management Team—that should take over management of the fire at approximately 6 p.m.

According to the latest press release by Coconino Forest service:

Wildland firefighters are using every available aerial platform in the southwest region on a wildfire in the Dry Lake Hills area north of Flagstaff today.

The Museum Fire, currently about 1,000 acres, was very active overnight. Crews were not able to conduct burnout operations due to the activity and the fire spotting ahead of itself, but took indirect suppression tactics where they could.

The fire was flanked with retardant and water from more than a dozen aircraft Sunday in an effort to keep it in the Schultz Pass area and limit its spread north and south. Spotting was noted toward the east, and hand crews are working to create a fire line to work on containment that ties in with aerial suppression.

Fire managers will be using direct and indirect tactics to suppress the fire today. A heavy air component is expected as the objectives are to keep the fire east and south of Forest Road 420 (Schultz Pass Road), west of U.S. Highway 89, and north of the Pipeline Road and those communities.

Heavy smoke will be visible from Flagstaff and other local communities. The public should use extreme caution when driving on U.S. Highways 180 and 89 north of Flagstaff and stay out of the fire area.

The Emergency Operation Center in Flagstaff remains open and a call center has been set up at 928-213-2990 for questions. They ask that you use this number for questions about evacuations and shelter related items only. They do not field information about power and phone outages and missing persons. If you are concerned about the safety of someone, contact the Flagstaff Police Department at 928-774-1414 or Coconino County Sheriff at 928-774-4523. For power outages you can check the APS web site.

Sheriff’s Office Rescues injured female from Lava Caves

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FLAGSTAFF – On July 13th, 2019 at approximately 11:55 am, Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue responded to the Lava River Caves located off Forest Service Road 171 and conducted a technical Rescue of a 43 year old female who sustained a possible hip injury from a fall.

Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, with the assistance of Guardian Medical and Ponderosa Fire Department, responded to the Lava Caves located off of Forest Service Road 171 after receiving a call of a 43 year old woman out of Phoenix who had fallen and sustained a possible left hip fracture. The patient slipped and fell because of rocky and slippery conditions inside the cave and was unable to walk out.

Rescue units arrive on scene and removed the patient by technical rescue and a basket carry out at 2:00 pm. The female was then transported to Flagstaff Medical Center for her injury.

The Sheriff’s Office reminds all visitors to wear proper footwear, warm clothing and lighting when traveling in the Lava Caves.

EOC Activated for Museum Fire

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FLAGSTAFF – The Flagstaff Emergency Operation Center (EOC) has bee activated in support of the 200-acre Museum Fire in the Dry Hills area northwest o Mount Elden. Over 180 firefighters and over a dozen aircraft are fighting the fire. The cause of the fire, that started at 5+ acres, is still under investigation.

Currently there are evacuation orders for Forest Road 420 to Highway 89 and Shultz Pass Road south of the private lands. The Red Cross has set up a shelter at Sinagua Middle School in Flagstaff located at 3950 E Butler Avenue.

16th Annual High Country Hummingbird Festival at Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area

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PINETOP – The Arizona Game and Fish Department is hosting its 16th annual High Country Hummingbird Festival on Saturday, July 27 at Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area near Springerville/Eagar. The free, family-friendly festival will include:

  • Hummingbird banding by Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory
    Plant displays to attract hummingbirds
  • Live wildlife from the department’s Wildlife Center
  • Take a photo with a live bird at the critter photo booth
  • Activities designed for children
  • Informational talks about hummingbirds and bird calls of the White Mountains
  • A class on photographing hummingbirds by AZGFD wildlife photographer George Andrejko
  • Booths from local, outdoor oriented organizations

The event starts at 8 a.m. and ends at noon.

The Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area is located southeast of Eagar and Springerville. From Eagar, take Highway 191 toward Alpine for about two miles to the signed turnoff at the top of the first hill. Drive south five miles to the Sipe property on a gravel road suitable for passenger cars.

Come prepared to spend most of the morning outdoors with the potential of some summer rain. Parking will be extremely limited if the area receives rain. Attendees are encouraged to check the weather forecast for the day of the event.

The Round Valley Chamber of Commerce will provide breakfast items and lunch concessions for purchase.

Pets must be kept on leash and are not allowed near live wildlife.

For more information, visit azgfd.com/wildlife/viewing/events/hummingbird-festival/ or call the Game and Fish office in Pinetop at (928) 532-3680. The most current information and event schedule can be found on the AZGFD Pinetop Regional Facebook page at facebook.com/AZGFDPinetop/

AZGFD to participate in multi-agency OUI checkpoint on Colorado River

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KINGMAN — The Arizona Game and Fish Department will participate in a multi-agency enforcement patrol this weekend, pursuing people operating their vessels under the influence (OUI) of alcohol or drugs on the Colorado River.

AZGFD, together with the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, will be on the lookout for watercraft operators violating the law and who are found to be above Arizona’s OUI legal limit of a .08 blood-alcohol content.

Throughout the weekend, boaters may be required to pass through a checkpoint and be subject to a systematic safety inspection. Operators will be checked for any sign of impairment from alcohol or drugs and to ensure the required safety equipment, such as proper life jackets and working fire extinguishers, are aboard.

“A large number of boating accidents involve alcohol,” said Brandon Carley, law enforcement supervisor for the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Kingman office. “Removing impaired boaters from the waterways is a critical element in creating a safe, enjoyable recreational environment for the public.”

Before heading out boaters should review all laws and regulations prior to launching. Boaters and watercraft users should make sure to have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejacket for every individual onboard and that everyone 12 years and younger are wearing a life jacket.

Boats must also have a working fire extinguisher and a type IV throwable personal floatation device (PFD) onboard.

Additional multi-agency OUI checkpoints will occur on the Colorado River and its reservoirs throughout the boating season.

For more information on boating in Arizona or to sign up for a free safety course, visit www.azgfd.gov/boating.

Aerial ignitions successful on Newman Fire

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FLAGSTAFF – Weather conditions allowed for successful aerial ignitions on the Newman Fire yesterday, and burnout operations secured control lines along the south/southwest shoreline of Lake Mary.

Fire managers will continue to monitor fire behavior and weather conditions today. Proactive burnout operations will continue if conditions remain favorable to secure the perimeter and increase the strength of control lines. Crews will be actively patrolling the fire’s edge to ensure all fire remains within the predetermined planning area.Heavy smoke impacts are still anticipated through the weekend. Smoke settled on Lake Mary Road last night, impairing visibility along the driving corridor. Similar conditions can be expected this evening.

Smoke will be visible from the communities of Elk Park Meadows, Lake Mary Meadows, Flagstaff, Kachina, Mountainaire, Munds Park and major transportation corridors nearby.

The public should use extreme caution when recreating or driving along Lake Mary corridor and any roads adjacent to the fire area. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area. If any public manned or unmanned aircraft are identified within the TFR, air operations will be suspended, which poses significant risk to fire personnel and interferes with the safety of operations.

Fire crews work to secure control lines for Castle Fire’s continued growth

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FREDONIA — Wildland fire crews assigned to the Castle Fire on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest continued efforts yesterday to improve established control lines in advance of the wildfire’s gradual growth.

The lightning-caused wildfire that started July 12, is being allowed to fulfill its natural role in a fire-dependent ecosystem. It remains at about 200 acres within a predetermined planning area of 19,368 acres. It is located about 11 miles south of Jacob Lake, 3 miles west of Highway 67, and just east of Forest Road 761 near Oquer Canyon.

Fire managers anticipate that the Castle Fire will continue burning at a low-to-moderate intensity over at least the next several weeks as it moves naturally through mixed conifer stands that will benefit greatly from the reintroduction of fire. Over time, the stands have become overly dense and weakened by insects and disease, resulting in a significant amount of dead and downed trees.

Allowing fire to naturally move across the landscape will not only consume dense fuels on the forest floor but will also replenish nutrients in the soil. This will reduce the risk of future high-severity wildfires and make the remaining trees more resilient.

While the Castle Fire did not grow significantly yesterday, it did slowly back down nearby ridgelines and smolder through heavy fuels. Fire managers expect increased fire behavior over the next few days, as weather conditions in the area are predicted to remain warm and dry.

Tomorrow, wildland fire crews plan to continue improving roads and other designated perimeters within which the fire can move. They are currently focusing efforts along both the northeastern and southeastern boundaries of the planning area.

The Castle Fire poses no danger to structures or other local infrastructure. Smoke impacts have been minimal to date. However, visitors to the North Kaibab Ranger District may notice some localized smoke as they travel near the fire area. Smoke may become more visible over the coming days as fire activity increases.