Tag Archives: Flagstaff

Coconino County Returns to Face Mask Requirement in County Buildings

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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

Coconino and Kaibab NFs revoking fire restrictions today

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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.

Coconino NF to reopen to public 6 a.m. July 6

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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:
  1. 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).
  2. 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).
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

GO Evacuations Ordered for South Garland Prairie

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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.

Arrest made in the death of a man in Forest Lakes

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-CCSO booking photo

FOREST LAKES – On June 19, 2021, Chad Lapointe of Winslow, AZ was arrested for 2nd Degree Homicide in the death of a man following an altercation while camping in Forest Lakes, AZ.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and the Arizona Department of Public Safety responded to a report of an altercation in a camping area in Forest Lakes near the Mogollon Rim Visitor
Center. Upon arrival, the deputy was flagged down by a man and woman in a white truck near the entrance to the camping area. The man and woman were later identified as Chad Lapointe, 27, and
Simone Franklin, 25. They stated they had been camping with another male subject, identified as Simone’s brother, Brandon Franklin, 27.

As a result of the investigation, it was determined an altercation had occurred at the camp site. Through the investigation it was determined Chad and Simone had an altercation with Brandon at the camp site, during which Chad fought with Brandon. Brandon died on scene from injuries
sustained during the altercation.

As a result of the investigation, Chad was taken into custody and transported to the Coconino County Jail in Flagstaff where he was booked on the charge of 2nd Degree Homicide.

We would like to thank the Department of Public Safety for assisting deputies with the initial response. Further investigation into this case in ongoing by the Sheriff’s Office
and Medical Examiner’s Office.

County Enacts Stage 3 Fire Restrictions Beginning Wednesday at 8 a.m.

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County will be entering Stage 3 Fire Restrictions at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, June 23, in coordination with the Kaibab and Coconino National Forest closures. This ordinance applies on County public lands, as well as private lands in the unincorporated areas of the County.

“In coordination with our regional partners and to mitigate the catastrophic damage of wildfire, Coconino County is enacting Stage 3 Fire Restrictions,” said Chairman of the Board Matt Ryan. “With this very active wildfire season, this move is the right decision. We need everyone to abide by these restrictions and appreciate everyone’s cooperation.”

A Stage 3 exemption allows for combustion, open fire, and campfire only when:

• Persons with a written permit or variance.
• For personal use of cigarette or other tobacco smoking medium when used inside an enclosed vehicle only.
• 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.
• By any federal, state, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting entity in the performance of an official duty.

Unless allowed by an exception above, there are no outdoor activities that allow for open fire, campfire, fireworks, and combustion events.

While activities that involve mechanical operations, such as lawn care, home construction, and community clean-ups are not specifically prohibited, residents and visitors should use their best judgment when considering whether to engage in any activity that could spark a fire. Anyone engaging in these activities could be held legally responsible.

Interested persons can view all current fire restrictions in Coconino County at coconino.az.gov/firerestrictions.

Full closure of Coconino NF begins Wednesday

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FLAGSTAFF — Due to fire danger, dry conditions, and persistent wildfire activity during a time when firefighting resources are sparse, the entirety of Coconino National Forest will close for public safety, beginning Wednesday, June 23 at 8 a.m.

A full forest closure means that the public is prohibited from entering any part of Coconino National Forest at any time. Only those with private inholdings will be allowed access to their property, as well as personnel providing utility support where necessary, and firefighters performing their duties.

Forest Service personnel will attempt to reach as many people as possible to begin vacating campsites and informing individuals who are camping in the forest currently. Campers and visitors to the national forest should vacate their campsites before the closure begins, and the public should cancel any plans for visiting the Coconino National Forest for the next several weeks.

Though parts of the national forest may receive rain from sporadic storms over the next couple of weeks, this closure will not be rescinded until sufficient precipitation is received to adequately reduce the risk of wildfire, and hot, dry weather conditions are no longer forecast to continue. In short, this closure will continue until conditions are such that the closure can be lifted.

Work on thinning and other forest and watershed restoration projects will cease. Partner agencies, organizations, concessionaires, outfitters, permit holders, and contractors, are all prohibited from entering the national forest.

Violating closures and fire restrictions is a violation that carries a mandatory appearance in federal court, punishable as a Class B misdemeanor with a fine of up to $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or up to six months in prison, or both.

Sheriff’s Office Evacuating Dispersed Camping Due to Rafael Fire

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is evacuating dispersed camping south of Forest Road 535 from the junction of Forest Road 231 road. The Sheriff’s Office is also evacuating dispersed camping in the Sycamore Canyon area.

Garland Prairie is reminded to be in READY. READY means Prepare Now. Make a family evacuation and communication plan that includes phone numbers, out-of-town contacts and family meeting locations. Build an emergency go kit with enough food, water, and necessary supplies for at least 72 hours.

Check with your neighbors, family, friends, and elders to ensure they are READY too. Register with the Coconino County Emergency Notification system at coconino.az.gov/ready

Backbone Fire at 6,000 acres; evacuation orders issued

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CAMP VERDE, Ariz., June 18, 2021 — Evacuation orders have been issued in communities surrounding the 6,000-acre Backbone Fire, which originated approximately 12 miles west of Pine and Strawberry, and 15 miles southeast of Camp Verde. The fire has moved across Fossil Creek with 0 percent containment.
Hot, dry and windy weather conditions have led to extreme fire behavior.
Evacuation orders are in place for residents and visitors of nearby areas such as Strawberry and Pine. Residents and visitors should contact their county or subscribe to emergency alerts for information regarding evacuation status.
State Route 260 is closed between Camp Verde and State Route 87. Motorists can contact the Arizona Department of Transportation or visit AZ511 for updates on road closures and traffic.
While there is electrical infrastructure in the area of the fire, APS does not anticipate a loss of service. However, APS may take lines out of service if needed to protect firefighters working on the fire. Nearby residents can visit the APS website or contact APS for outage information.
Rough and rocky terrain coupled with limited area access and extreme heat are creating challenges for the roughly 100 personnel assigned to the fire, which includes one Hotshot crew, one hand crew, one fuels module, three helicopters and miscellaneous overhead. The fire is currently 0 percent contained and more resources have been requested.
The Fossil Creek recreation area will be closed due to wildfire danger, which includes Waterfall Trail, Irving/Flume, Tonto Bench, Fossil Creek Bridge, Homestead, Sally May, Purple Mountain, and Mazatzal. Closures and other changes to recreation site status will be made available on the recreation page of the Coconino National Forest’s website.
The lightning-caused fire was first reported 11:30 p.m. June 16.

Highway 180 reopens as 11,000-acre Slate Fire moves east

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FLAGSTAFF — Highway 180 has reopened following a week-long closure caused by the Slate Fire, which is located 23 miles northwest of Flagstaff and is now at 11,012 acres and at 16 percent containment.
While Highway 180 has reopened, motorists are asked to reduce their speeds and keep an eye out for crews still working in the area. Additional portions of the Coconino National Forest are closed to the public for safety reasons.
Adverse wind shifts Monday contributed to the spread of the fire, and crews spent the day using engines, hand crews, dozers, and helicopter water bucket drops to tend to spot fires on the south side of the fire.
Crews also took advantage of adverse winds by running a line of retardant on the west side of Missouri Bill Hill, followed by dozer and crew work Monday night in an effort to protect firefighter safety.
Crews plan to spend Tuesday continuing to secure Cedar Ranch with two engines while putting water on hot spots in the area. Additionally, resources will likely be relocated from the west side of Highway 180 to the southeast side of the fire. Work is still being done to survey archaeological sites in the area.
Several recreation sites in the area remain closed, including the Red Mountain and Slate Mountain trailheads, Kendrick Cabin and a portion of the Arizona Trail from Kelly Tank (mile 603.3) to Cedar Ranch (mile 616.2). A Forest Order was also issued over the weekend to close nearby parts of the Coconino National Forest.
About 190 personnel are currently assigned to the fire, including three Hotshot crews, two hand crews, nine engines, three water tenders, two dozers, two helicopters and miscellaneous overhead.
The fire was called in by a Coconino County Sheriff’s Officer at 3 a.m., and the cause is still under investigation.
SLATE FIRE OVERVIEW:
  • Current size: 11,012 acres
  • Containment: 16 percent
  • Reported: 3 a.m. June 7, 2021.
  • Cause: Under investigation.
  • Origin location: Roughly 23 miles northwest of Flagstaff. (35.492, -111.847)
  • Fuel types: Pine, pinyon, juniper, brush.
  • Current resources: Three Hotshot crews, two hand crews, nine engines, three water tenders, two dozers, two helicopters and misc. overhead. Total personnel: Approximately 190.
  • Predicted smoke impacts: Winds will continue to move in a northeast direction Monday and into Tuesday.
  • Current closures: A portion of the Arizona Trail from mile 603.3 to 616.2, Slate Mountain and Red Mountain trailheads and Kendrick Cabin. A Forest Order was issued Saturday closing parts of the forest located near the fire for safety reasons.
  • Recent and current operations: Crews are tending to spot fires, conducting bucket work with helicopters and securing lines. A line of retardant was dropped and crews continue to secure Cedar Ranch.