Emergency Information

Moisture received yesterday on the Cat Fire moderated fire behavior and dampened light fuels, delaying planned burnout operations. If favorable conditions exist and it is safe to do so, crews plan to conduct burnout operations, introducing fire inside the control line to consume fuel between the edge of the fire and the control line along Forest Road 2599. This is done to secure the fire’s western edge and stop its growth toward critical infrastructure.

Cat Fire Overview:

The Platypus/Rhino Fire received moisture throughout the day yesterday, and fire behavior greatly diminished. 

With warm dry weather ahead, some potential for fire activity remains, especially near the southern edge of the original Rhino Fire where fingers of vegetation run through steep, rugged canyons.

Significant growth is not anticipated, but firefighters will continue to closely monitor the area.  If activity increases, some smoke would likely be noticeable from the Flagstaff and Sedona areas.

High humidity and chance of showers are forecasted for the region, possibly giving crews an opportunity to conduct burnout operations if winds and weather are conducive to safely doing so.

Cat Fire Overview:

Date reported: August 6, 2018                                  Cause: Lightning

Size: 4,491 acres                                                               Personnel: 35

Containment lines have successfully prevented the Platypus/Rhino Fire from moving forward to the north and east.  Crews will to continue patrolling and mopping up these areas.

Significant growth to the south is not anticipated, but there is still potential for fire to move along the southern edge of the original Rhino Fire through fingers of vegetation in steep, rugged canyons. Firefighters will be closely monitoring the area and may utilize helicopters to assist with suppression efforts should the need arise.     

Effective immediately, fire officials are re-implementing an area closure for the Cat Fire for both public safety and the safety of firefighting personnel working in the area. Once it is determined safe to do so, the order will be rescinded by the Kaibab National Forest Supervisor. 

Area, road and trail closure description are as follows:

*The Coconino National Forest and firefighters on the Platypus Fire were saddened to learn of the ATV accident on the Mogollon Rim this weekend that resulted in the loss of four lives.  Public information regarding the accident and the September Fire, burning on the Tonto and Coconino National Forests, is being handled through the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and the Tonto National Forest.  We extend our deepest condolences to the victims’ families and loved ones, and are holding them in our hearts and prayers.*

With the Stina fire now at more than 90-percent contained local resources have nearly completed the fire suppression repair work, which is the first of the three-phased approach to aiding in the recovery of an area following a wildfire. Meanwhile, due to the limited access and steep terrain, firefighters continue a confine-contain strategy on the Cat Fire.

Favorable weekend weather conditions curtailed fire growth on the Cat Fire.

Crews took advantage of lighter than anticipated winds and higher humidity to focus on reinforcing fireline ahead of the Cat Fire.

Cat Fire Overview:

Date reported: August 6, 2018                                  Cause: Lightning

Size: 4,108 acres                                                               Personnel: 35

This weekend crews made good progress with suppression efforts on the Platypus and Rhino fires located in the Secret Mountain Wilderness north of Sedona.  Crews have been conducting burnout operations along the road systems to strengthen the northern and eastern control lines. 

Location:

• Above Washington Park on the Rim Road (Forest Road 300)
• Nearest town is Payson

Start Date:  September 15, 2018

Size:  10 acres

Cause:  Human caused, under investigation

Located in the Saddle Mountain Wilderness on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest and bolstered by warm dry weather and high winds, the Cat Fire has now grown to 4,108 acres. Most of the growth has taking place on the fire’s southern flank.

Cat Fire Overview:

Date reported: August 6, 2018                                   Cause: Lightning

The Platypus and Rhino fires had increased activity yesterday pushing the fire on the top of the Mogollon Rim below planned firelines in Secret Canyon. The fire is now established on top of the Rim on Dave Joy Point.

The Platypus and Rhino wildfires have experienced an increase in fire activity with the weather drying out and hotter temperatures returning in northern Arizona’s Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness. 

The two fires are burning in hazardous and rugged terrain in the wilderness north of Sedona and are predicted to merge this week.

Fire managers will conduct burnout operations to minimize fire progression to the north and also prevent fire spread to the east into Bear Sign Canyon.

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for ozone in Maricopa County, effective Sept. 14, 2018. This HPA is due to levels expected to exceed the federal health standard for ozone.

The American Red Cross is preparing for a large relief effort across multiple states as Hurricane Florence continues its march toward the East Coast. This is a dangerous storm predicted to grow even stronger and the Red Cross urges people in its path to obey evacuation orders and get ready now.

When it comes to emergency planning, the best offense is a good defense. Earlier this month, Gov. Doug Ducey proclaimed September Arizona Preparedness Month to encourage families and businesses to mitigate against and prepare for emergencies. Arizona Preparedness Month focuses on planning with an overarching theme: “Disasters happen. Prepare now. Learn how.”

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) launched Air Arizona, a free mobile app with real-time air quality monitoring and forecasts, today. Residents, workers and visitors can download the app to stay informed about air quality, plus learn how to protect themselves from the impacts of pollutants.

The Southern Arizona Chapter of the American Red Cross has deployed 3 local volunteers to assist with the fatal bus crash that occurred Thursday afternoon near Gallup, New Mexico. A team of Red Cross volunteers from the New Mexico Chapter and Phoenix Chapter arrived on the scene yesterday. They will join more than 20 Red Cross volunteers who are already deployed to New Mexico.

The 2018-2019 seasonal influenza vaccine is now available at the Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) Clinic in Flagstaff.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccination as the first step in protecting against flu viruses. It is strongly recommended that everyone 6 months old and over get a flu shot each year. 

The Greater Phoenix Chapter of the American Red Cross has deployed more than 20 Arizona volunteers to assist with the fatal bus crash that occurred Thursday afternoon near Gallup, New Mexico. A team of Red Cross volunteers from the New Mexico Chapter and Phoenix Chapter arrived on the scene yesterday. Additional volunteers will be arriving later today.