Arizona Emergency Information Network

The Forest Service is reviewing several Coconino County proposals designed to reduce post-fire flood impact in the Flagstaff area.

The proposals seek to minimize private land damage and protect watershed resources and will target areas within or directly adjacent to the 2022 Tunnel and Pipeline burn scars.

Some of these areas, adjacent to both private land and City of Flagstaff land, were previously analyzed and approved for post-fire flood structures after the 2010 Schultz Fire.

However, additional damage caused by the Pipeline and Tunnel fires have severely exacerbated flood risk in downstream areas.

Proposals include armoring soils and building watershed structures out of logs and boulders to limit erosion. These proactive measures will stabilize burned drainages and ideally manage storm flows away from neighborhoods.

The Coconino National Forest is planning to authorize several dozen features on forest lands located in fire-affected watersheds.

These specific project areas are located northeast of the City of Flagstaff, both west and east of Highway 89, and on the north side of Flagstaff in the Schultz Creek drainage.

The Coconino NF is reviewing these proposals through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) planning process.

Specific details on the proposed post-fire flood mitigation efforts can be found on the Coconino NF’s website:

• Post-fire erosion and flood control activities, east of Highway 89: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62837
• Post-fire erosion and flood control activities, west of Highway 89: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62920
   

Part of the NEPA review process includes soliciting public input. Parties interested in providing questions, comments or concerns regarding post-fire flood mitigation proposals may contact the Coconino NF prior to October 7.

Via email: [email protected]

Via postal mail: Attn: Mike Dechter, Coconino National Forest, 1824 S. Thompson St. Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Comments received will be considered project public record and will be made available for public inspection.

For information regarding the proposed projects or planning process, please contact Mike Dechter at 928-527-3416.

Fire crews on the North Kaibab Ranger District plan to manage a new natural-caused wildfire discovered on September 11th. The Murray 2 Fire is estimated at 300 acres and is seven miles south of the Jacob Lake Inn along Arizona Route 67.

The fire is burning within the 2006 Warm Fire area. The fire suppression for this incident is to confine and contain it to a predetermined area. Due to hazardous trees and limited access and to provide for firefighter safety, crews will implement varying types and intensities of operational actions to delay and direct fire spread. They will utilize existing roads, trails and natural barriers to help limit fire spread within Forest Roads 224, 220, 3140, and 205/AZ 67. This fire is burning with a creeping, low rate of spread and at low intensity through grasses and dead-and-downed Ponderosa pine and aspen.

The current and forecast weather conditions are favorable to low fire behavior and high vegetation fuel moisture which will allow crews to manage the Murray 2 Flat fire to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations and restore forest health. The overall strategy will be to contain the fire within a road system and various control features surrounding an area of about 3,200 acres.

Smoke may be visible along AZ 67 south of Jacob Lake and Arizona Route 89A in the House Rock Valley area east of the North Kaibab Ranger District. No smoke impacts are anticipated to reach developed areas in the surrounding communities. A one-mile section of the Arizona Trail has been temporarily re-routed along a section of AZ 67 and will re-open once it is determined safe for use.

The Kaibab National Forest is a fire-adapted ecosystem. It is dependent on fire to play a natural role in maintaining vibrant forest health. Lack of fire in the forest has caused an abundance of fuels to build up, which can make the forest vulnerable and susceptible to more dangerous uncontrollable fire incidents. Managing this wildfire in this the ecosystem is a very effective tool to reduce fuel loads and restore the landscape back to a healthier state that is more aligned with historical conditions.

During operations, fire personnel and vehicles will be visible to the public. Motorists and visitors are asked to avoid active hot areas and are reminded to use caution and drive with heightened awareness when passing through the fire vicinity.

Additional fire information for Kaibab National Forest can be obtained through the following sources:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF

Kaibab Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF

Kaibab website “Recent News”: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Ozone High Pollution Advisory for Thursday, September 1.

Restrictions

• Wood burning in residential fireplaces, chimeneas, outdoor fire pits, and similar outdoor fires is prohibited in Maricopa County. This includes individuals and businesses which have burn permits for open burning.
• Employees and contractors of government entities are prohibited from operating leaf blowers. Residents are encouraged to avoid leaf blowing during HPAs.
• Off-road vehicle use should be avoided.

Take Action

• Drive as little as possible: carpool, use public transit, or telecommute. For information on transportation alternatives, visit Valley Metro: www.ShareTheRide.com 
• Fuel your vehicle after dark or during cooler evening hours.
• Reduce your time waiting in long drive-thru lines. For example, at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, or banks. Park your vehicle and go inside.
• Use low-VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) or water-based paints, stains, finishes and paint strippers.
• Delay big painting projects until HPAs have passed.
• Make sure containers of household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals and other solvents are sealed properly to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air.
• Eliminate wood burning in fireplaces, stoves, chimeneas, and outdoor fire pits.
• Avoid using leaf blowers. Use a rake or broom to keep debris out of the road and away from storm drains, ditches, and streams.
• Conserve electricity.

Transportation Coordinators

Due to unhealthy levels of ozone, Maricopa County Air Quality Department requests all Transportation Coordinators to email employees and activate your HPA plans. The department encourages the use of alternative modes of transportation, especially when pollution levels are expected to be on the rise.

Remind employees that they are encouraged to make more clean air. By taking small, simple steps every day, we can all make a difference. Additional tips on how to reduce air pollution can be found at www.CleanAirMakeMore.com.

Ozone: Ground level ozone is formed by a chemical reaction that needs heat from sunlight, nitrogen oxides and VOCs to form. The months of April through September make up our Valley’s longer-than-normal "ozone season."

"High Pollution Advisory" or "HPA" means the highest concentration of pollution may exceed the federal health standard. Active children, adults and people with lung disease such as asthma should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion. Maricopa County employers enlisted in the Travel Reduction Program are asked to activate their HPA plans on high pollution advisory days.

Drivers with plans for a road trip over Labor Day weekend in Arizona should be prepared for hot weather and busy highways at times. The Arizona Department of Transportation will not be scheduling any full highway closures for construction along state highways during the extended holiday weekend. ADOT recommends drivers check their vehicles for maintenance issues and pack some extra items as a safety precaution: 

• ADOT and its contractors will hold off on any full highway closures from Friday afternoon, Sept. 2, until early Tuesday, Sept. 6. Drivers should still allow extra travel time and be prepared for lane restrictions in some existing work zones.
• Busiest times for state highway travel over the holiday weekend are expected to be Friday afternoon into the early evening hours for “getaway travel” as well as Monday afternoon when many travelers will be returning home. Interstate 17 and State Route 87 are usually among the busiest highways over Labor Day weekend.
• Expect the Unexpected: Be ready for unscheduled highway closures due to disabled vehicles, crashes or other incidents, such as wildfires. Plan for hot and potentially stormy weather in areas, stay alert and bring along essential items in case of a stop in traffic. More ADOT information about summer travel, adverse weather and safety tips can be found here.
• Motorists should pack extra drinking water and other items including blankets, a first aid kit, flashlight, extra batteries, a fully charged cell phone and charger, snacks, baby diapers if necessary and a small tool kit.
• Allow extra time for existing work zones: For example, southbound Interstate 17 is narrowed to one lane in separate areas for an ongoing pavement improvement project along the 30-mile-stretch south of Flagstaff. Expect delays, especially during peak travel times including Monday afternoon when the holiday weekend is ending. The southbound I-17 on-ramp at Munds Park is currently closed for the project. A detour is in place.
• Example of another existing work zone: On SR 89A in Oak Creek Canyon north of Sedona, traffic is alternating one direction at a time in the “Switchbacks” area due to an ongoing highway improvement project. Drivers can expect delays in the area. Please observe all traffic control devices and temporary signals for this work zone.

Since travel delays over the weekend are possible, don’t forget other important items such as prescription medicines. A hat, sunglasses and umbrella - to help in rain or shine - also are good items to remember as the summer travel season transitions into fall. 

• Be prepared for changing weather conditions, including blowing dust. ADOT’s holiday weekend safe driving recommendations include:
• Never drive while impaired. Buckle up and obey speed limits. 
• Arrange for a designated driver or ride service if necessary.
• Check your vehicle, including tire pressure.
• Get some rest before traveling. Fatigue is a serious safety risk.
• Avoid distractions. Don’t text while driving.
• Don’t park in areas with grasses and brush. Hot vehicle components could start a fire.

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov. ADOT also provides highway condition updates via its Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT. 

The Prescott National Forest is getting calls regarding washed out roads, damaged roads, and impassable roads due to continued rain brought about by the monsoons. Weather conditions caused extensive damage and washed out a section of the Senator Hwy, approximately 3 miles south of Senator Hwy and Walker Road making it unsafe and impassable. Forest Service Road 87B in Mayor has receive severe damage, along with several roads on Mingus Mountain and in Camp Wood.  Road maintenance crews are working to repairs roads, however continued monsoons rains are delaying efforts. There is no timeline for completion of the repairs.

Officials urge all visitors to use caution while driving on forest roads during the monsoon season. Roads may be impassable due to rocks and trees blocking the roadway or flowing washes and saturated soil. If water crossings are flowing remember – Turn Around Don’t Drown. Do not attempt to drive through moving flood waters. Be prepared – take extra supplies, let someone know your travel plans, have a plan B if the road you want to travel on has damage, and monitor current weather conditions. 

For more information on road conditions, please contact the Bradshaw/Chino Ranger District at (928) 443-8000.

Stay up to date on Prescott National Forest news by checking the Prescott NF website and following us on Facebook and Twitter. 

Members of the public wishing to learn more about private flood insurance and FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program, as well as other post-wildfire flooding resources, are invited to a free online webinar on Monday, August 22, 2022 at 6:30 p.m.

Representatives from both Coconino County and the City of Flagstaff will be on hand with important information for residents and property owners. Also joining the panel will be a representative from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as well as local consultants to offer advice. Topics will include an explanation of flood maps, an overview of FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program and the Risk Rating 2.0 system, as well as private flood insurance and additional resources.

The webinar will be streamed live via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81184634826
and simulcast on the Coconino County YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/coconinocnty

At approximately 5:56 pm Prescott National Forest received multiple calls of a wildfire burning on Granite Mountain. Firefighters were able to locate the fire last night and monitored it through the evening. Today fire managers plan to continue to monitor the wildfire as it is burning in the Granite Mountain wilderness in very steep and remote location with poor access. The lightning caused wildfire is burning within the old Doce Fire where many snags (standing dead trees) pose hazards to firefighters along with the inclement weather from the monsoonal storms. The Granite fire may be visible from multiple locations around the Tri-City area.

Fire Information

• Granite Fire Information (928) 925-1111
• Location: 3 miles West of Williamson Valley-Bradshaw Ranger District (T15N, R3W, SEC 34), on Granite Mountain.
• Start Date: August 14, 2022
• Size: .1 acres (tenth of an acre)
• Percent Contained: 0%
• Cause: Lightning
• Vegetation: Single tree

The Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) is issuing a High Pollution Advisory for Particulate Matter (PM10) for today. According to the National Weather Service, the dust was blown into the Tucson region from Maricopa and Pinal Counties last night. The PDEQ PM10 air quality monitor in Corona de Tucson is in the “unhealthy” range this morning, and several others are in the "moderate" range. Elevated dust levels are expected to continue throughout the morning but will likely return to the healthy range by the afternoon.

PDEQ encourages older adults and those with heart or lung disease to reduce their level of exertion when outside today. Breathing small particles can irritate the respiratory system and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases.

PDEQ monitors air pollution in our region at 14 air quality monitoring sites. Up-to-the-hour air pollution levels are available online at the PDEQ website.

PDEQ’s Clean Air Program educates Pima County residents about potential health effects associated with elevated levels of air pollution and to promote actions to reduce air pollution levels.

The Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) is issuing a High Pollution Advisory for Particulate Matter (PM10) for today. According to the National Weather Service, the dust was blown into the Tucson region from Maricopa and Pinal Counties last night. The PDEQ PM10 air quality monitor in Corona de Tucson is in the “unhealthy” range this morning, and several others are in the "moderate" range. Elevated dust levels are expected to continue throughout the morning but will likely return to the healthy range by the afternoon.

PDEQ encourages older adults and those with heart or lung disease to reduce their level of exertion when outside today. Breathing small particles can irritate the respiratory system and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases.

PDEQ monitors air pollution in our region at 14 air quality monitoring sites. Up-to-the-hour air pollution levels are available online at the PDEQ website.

PDEQ’s Clean Air Program educates Pima County residents about potential health effects associated with elevated levels of air pollution and to promote actions to reduce air pollution levels.

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Ozone High Pollution Advisory for Monday, August 15 and Tuesday, August 16.

Restrictions

• Wood burning in residential fireplaces, chimeneas, outdoor fire pits, and similar outdoor fires is prohibited in Maricopa County. This includes individuals and businesses which have burn permits for open burning.
• Employees and contractors of government entities are prohibited from operating leaf blowers. Residents are encouraged to avoid leaf blowing during HPAs.
• Off-road vehicle use should be avoided.

Take Action

• Drive as little as possible: carpool, use public transit, or telecommute. For information on transportation alternatives, visit Valley Metro: www.ShareTheRide.com 
• Fuel your vehicle after dark or during cooler evening hours.
• Reduce your time waiting in long drive-thru lines. For example, at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, or banks. Park your vehicle and go inside.
• Use low-VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) or water-based paints, stains, finishes and paint strippers.
• Delay big painting projects until HPAs have passed.
• Make sure containers of household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals and other solvents are sealed properly to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air.
• Eliminate wood burning in fireplaces, stoves, chimeneas, and outdoor fire pits.
• Avoid using leaf blowers. Use a rake or broom to keep debris out of the road and away from storm drains, ditches, and streams.
• Conserve electricity.
   

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its COVID-19 guidance to focus on reducing the risk of severe illness and, in doing so, minimizing strain on the health care system. 

Perhaps the most notable change is eliminating the recommendation that someone isolate if they have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19. The guidance does call for wearing a properly fitting mask for 10 days after exposure and getting tested at least five days after. In addition, the updated guidance doesn’t distinguish between vaccinated and unvaccinated people, though breakthrough cases in those who are up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccination typically are far milder.

The updated guidance asks you to keep four priority areas in mind to protect yourself and your community from COVID-19:

1. Understand Your Risk

Monitoring CDC COVID-19 Community Levels and associated recommendations will help you to understand the COVID-19 impact in your area and take precautions based on your risk for severe illness and that of those you will be around. The CDC maintains a list of conditions that increase your risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

2. Protect Yourself and Others

Vaccination: Being up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect against severe outcomes. In June, Arizonans who were fully vaccinated and boosted were 9.8 times less likely to be hospitalized and 12 times less likely to die than those who weren’t vaccinated. Yet less than half of all fully vaccinated adults and a third of those 65 and older have yet to receive a booster dose. You lower your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, long COVID, and worse by taking full advantage of vaccination, so please find a provider at azhealth.gov/FindVaccine and get boosted.

If You Are at Increased Risk: According to the CDC, taking the prescription drug Evusheld before COVID-19 infection can help protect people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised from getting severely ill. If you are at higher risk for severe illness, find out now where you can get treatment or prevention medication.

Mitigate: Improving ventilation in homes and in public spaces can reduce the chances that virus particles will spread. If masks are recommended in your area, wear one in public indoor spaces and make sure it fits well and is worn over the nose and mouth. Learn more at azhealth.gov/Masks.

3. Take Action If You Are Exposed

Protect Others: Take precautions and watch for symptoms. The updated guidance calls for wearing a mask indoors in public for 10 days and testing five days or more after your last exposure to someone who has COVID-19.

Test: Get tested at least five days after exposure to someone who has COVID-19. Options are point-of-care sites and at-home testing.

4. Take Action If You Get COVID-19

Isolation: Isolate promptly if you have symptoms. Remain in isolation for at least five days and wear a high-quality mask such as an N95 or KN95 around others during that time. Isolation can end when you are without fever for at least 24 hours without the use of medication and all other symptoms have improved. Continue masking around others through day 10.

A Note on Masking: You can use an antigen test to determine whether it is appropriate to discontinue wearing a mask before day 10. Wait until you’ve been without fever without the aid of medication for at least 24 hours and have seen improvement in other symptoms. Note that two antigen tests at least 48 hours apart will provide more reliable information. 

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Ozone High Pollution Advisory for Thursday, August 11 and Friday, August 12. 

Restrictions

Wood burning in residential fireplaces, chimeneas, outdoor fire pits, and similar outdoor fires is prohibited in Maricopa County. This includes individuals and businesses which have burn permits for open burning.

Employees and contractors of government entities are prohibited from operating leaf blowers. Residents are encouraged to avoid leaf blowing during HPAs.

Off-road vehicle use should be avoided.

Take Action

Drive as little as possible: carpool, use public transit, or telecommute. For information on transportation alternatives, visit Valley Metro: www.ShareTheRide.com 

Fuel your vehicle after dark or during cooler evening hours.

Reduce your time waiting in long drive-thru lines. For example, at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, or banks. Park your vehicle and go inside.

Use low-VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) or water-based paints, stains, finishes and paint strippers.

Delay big painting projects until HPAs have passed.

Make sure containers of household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals and other solvents are sealed properly to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air.

Eliminate wood burning in fireplaces, stoves, chimeneas, and outdoor fire pits.

Avoid using leaf blowers. Use a rake or broom to keep debris out of the road and away from storm drains, ditches, and streams.

Conserve electricity.

This week, during routine seasonal mosquito surveillance, the Pinal County Public Health Services District (PCPHSD) detected West Nile Virus (WNV) positive mosquitoes in the county. It is especially important for everyone to be vigilant in preventing mosquito breeding and mosquito bites now that we have had some significant monsoon rains.

Not all mosquitoes transmit WNV. Pinal County Environmental Health’s vector control program staff do regular surveillance throughout the county looking for the specific mosquitoes associated with human disease. This mosquito surveillance data is then used to guide PCPHSD’s disease prevention efforts and help reduce the risk of mosquito borne disease to Pinal County residents and visitors.

Chris Reimus, who manages the County’s Environmental Health program said, “Last year we had a significant West Nile Virus season in Pinal County and statewide. This year, things have progressed more slowly, but it is still important to be vigilant to protect our community. Our program focuses on surveillance and source reduction of mosquito breeding areas. If everyone does their share to reduce mosquito breeding in the community, it can go a long way to protect our citizens and their families from disease.” 

Not everyone who gets mosquito borne diseases has symptoms, but for those who do, some may experience lasting or permanent effects and in the worst cases, the diseases can be fatal. 

Help Prevent West Nile Virus!

The PCPHSD would like to remind everyone that there is quite a bit that can be done to help prevent mosquito borne disease such as WNV:

• If you have a swimming pool, keep it operational. If you must keep it out of use, make sure you remove the standing water, keep it chlorinated, or run the filter daily.
• Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can lay their eggs. Check for items outside the home that collect water, such as cans, bottles, jars, buckets, old tires, drums and other containers and get rid of them. Change water in flower vases, bird baths, planters, troughs, and animal watering pans at least twice a week. 
• Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets, and move air conditioner drain hoses frequently to prevent standing water.
• Take extra care to use insect repellent and protective clothing. Even a short time being outdoors can be long enough to get a mosquito bite. When outdoors, use an EPA-registered and CDC approved insect repellent. 
• Keep mosquitoes outside by having well-fitting screens on both windows and doors.

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), in association with the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), is issuing a fish consumption advisory for Flathead Catfish caught from Patagonia Lake in Santa Cruz County. This advisory is based on recent analyses of fish tissue data that indicate elevated levels of mercury.

ADEQ recommends that adults limit consumption of Flathead Catfish from Patagonia Lake to 2.5 ounces (uncooked weight) per week and children 12 years of age and younger limit consumption to 2 ounces (uncooked weight) per month.

Fishing, bird watching and other recreational activities at the lake are not affected by this advisory and are encouraged for enjoying the great outdoors. Generally, contaminant levels found in water are significantly lower than those found in fish tissue.

Patagonia Lake offers southern Arizona anglers a chance to experience fishing for beautiful, delicious fish included in the AZGFD/ADEQ Green Light Fisheries Program.

‘Green Light’ fish are species that ADEQ has tested and may be consumed without limits per standard dietary guidelines.

Patagonia Lake’s two Green Light fish are the Redear Sunfish and Bluegill.

Fish are an excellent source of protein and can be an important part of a healthy, diverse diet as they are low in saturated fat. The American Heart Association recommends people eat at least two fish or seafood meals every week. The public health recommendations in this advisory are based on frequent and long-term consumption of fish, not infrequent or occasional fish meals.

Background

Fish Consumption Advisory: Recommends either limited or no consumption of fish when ADEQ determines contaminant levels in fish tissues taken from an Arizona waterway exceed state health standards; advisories do not apply to commercial fish sold in markets.

Pollutant of Concern: Mercury in the environment can come from various sources and cause numerous health problems such as damage to the central nervous system, depending on the exposure; infants and pregnant or nursing mothers are considered most at risk to possible health effects; fish can accumulate elevated levels of mercury when larger fish consume smaller fish and insects | More Information >

Resources

Patagonia Lake Green Light Fishery

Interactive e-Map for Green Light Fisheries and Fish Consumption Advisories 

AZGFD Fish Consumption Advisories

EPA-FDA Advice about Eating Fish and Shellfish 

USDA Dietary Guidelines 

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Ozone High Pollution Advisory for Tuesday, August 09 and Wednesday, August 10.

Restrictions

Wood burning in residential fireplaces, chimeneas, outdoor fire pits, and similar outdoor fires is prohibited in Maricopa County. This includes individuals and businesses which have burn permits for open burning.

Employees and contractors of government entities are prohibited from operating leaf blowers. Residents are encouraged to avoid leaf blowing during HPAs.

Off-road vehicle use should be avoided.

Take Action

Drive as little as possible: carpool, use public transit, or telecommute. For information on transportation alternatives, visit Valley Metro: www.ShareTheRide.com 

Fuel your vehicle after dark or during cooler evening hours.

Reduce your time waiting in long drive-thru lines. For example, at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, or banks. Park your vehicle and go inside.

Use low-VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) or water-based paints, stains, finishes and paint strippers.

Delay big painting projects until HPAs have passed.

Make sure containers of household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals and other solvents are sealed properly to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air.

Eliminate wood burning in fireplaces, stoves, chimeneas, and outdoor fire pits.

Avoid using leaf blowers. Use a rake or broom to keep debris out of the road and away from storm drains, ditches, and streams.

Conserve electricity.

Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS), in partnership with state and federal partners, is responding to the recent increase in monkeypox illness in the United States. Although no cases have been identified in Coconino County, 102 monkeypox cases have been reported in Arizona as of August 5, 2022, and more than 7,000 cases have been identified in 49 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC).

Last week, the Biden administration declared the ongoing spread of monkeypox virus in the United States a Public Health Emergency (PHE) and last month, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern.

Monkeypox infections are typically not severe; symptoms are usually similar to the flu with a rash and resolve within 2-4 weeks. The illness can produce a rash that can look like pimples or blisters on the face, the inside of the mouth, hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus. Infection typically starts with a fever and can be accompanied by chills, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue. 

“People are typically infected by close skin-to-skin contact or direct contact with body fluids,” CCHHS Director Kim Musselman said. “Those with symptoms such as a rash, fever, or swollen lymph nodes are urged to consult their healthcare provider or call the CCHHS Information Line at 928-679-7300.”  

Healthcare providers are encouraged to be on alert for patients experiencing rashes and other symptoms that could indicate monkeypox. CCHHS is reaching out to healthcare providers to provide current testing protocols and guidance.

The monkeypox vaccine is available in very limited supply in Coconino County. The CCHHS Clinic, in accordance with the Arizona Department of Health Services criteria for post exposure vaccination, is prioritizing the limited vaccine quantities for people who have known or suspected exposure and are within the post-exposure timeframe where that protection can still be effective.

As vaccine supply increases, vaccinations will be available for those at highest risk of being exposed. No timeframe has been identified for expanding vaccine eligibility.

To help prevent the spread of monkeypox and other viruses, wash your hands frequently and stay home if you feel ill.  

For more information on prevention, vaccination, and treatment, please visit www.coconino.az.gov/monkeypox.  

Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) is issuing an advisory for ground-level ozone air pollution for the Tucson metropolitan area today. Individuals who are especially sensitive to air pollution may experience shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation, wheezing, and breathing discomfort. 

If you are especially sensitive to ozone, you may want to limit your level of exertion outside between noon and 6 p.m. when elevated levels of ozone pollution are more likely to occur. Intense physical outdoor activity causes faster and deeper breathing, which allows ozone to penetrate into the parts of the lungs that are more likely to be injured.

Those who are most likely to be sensitive to ozone include children, adults who are active outdoors, people with respiratory diseases, and certain individuals who have an unusual sensitivity to this particular pollutant. Those people who are feeling symptoms should seek medical attention, if necessary.

There are many types of emissions that contribute to the creation of ground-level ozone. Motor vehicle exhaust, industrial and power plant emissions, gasoline vapors, chemical solvents, as well as natural sources, emit oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds that form ozone in the presence of intense sunlight and heat. 

Actions to reduce the production of ground level ozone:

Reduce driving - combine errands into one trip.

Ride the bus, walk, bike, or share a ride with friends and family.

Avoid idling your vehicle’s engine. It wastes gas and causes air pollution.

During the summer, re-fuel your car after 6 p.m. when vapors are less likely to form ozone.

While re-fueling, always stop at the click.

Make sure your gas cap is tightly sealed after re-fueling.

Avoid using gas powered lawn and gardening equipment.

Check your tire pressure monthly to reduce gasoline use and associated pollution.

Conserve electricity to reduce emissions from power plants.

PDEQ’s Clean Air Program works to educate Pima County residents about potential health effects associated with elevated levels of air pollution and to promote actions to reduce air pollution levels.

Air pollution information is available online at the PDEQ website. To receive air pollution advisories, sign up here.

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Ozone High Pollution Advisory for Friday, August 5 through Sunday, August 7. 

Restrictions

Wood burning in residential fireplaces, chimeneas, outdoor fire pits, and similar outdoor fires is prohibited in Maricopa County. This includes individuals and businesses which have burn permits for open burning.

Employees and contractors of government entities are prohibited from operating leaf blowers. Residents are encouraged to avoid leaf blowing during HPAs.

Off-road vehicle use should be avoided.

Take Action

Drive as little as possible: carpool, use public transit, or telecommute. For information on transportation alternatives, visit Valley Metro: www.ShareTheRide.com 

Fuel your vehicle after dark or during cooler evening hours.

Reduce your time waiting in long drive-thru lines. For example, at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, or banks. Park your vehicle and go inside.

Use low-VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) or water-based paints, stains, finishes and paint strippers.

Delay big painting projects until HPAs have passed.

Make sure containers of household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals and other solvents are sealed properly to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air.

Eliminate wood burning in fireplaces, stoves, chimeneas, and outdoor fire pits.

Avoid using leaf blowers. Use a rake or broom to keep debris out of the road and away from storm drains, ditches, and streams.

Conserve electricity.

Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) has received limited, additional doses of monkeypox vaccine from the federal government. MCDPH is prioritizing vaccinating those who are at highest risk of exposure to slow the spread of disease in accordance with federal requirements.

“In this outbreak we know that some people are at higher risk of getting monkeypox than others, just like some groups are hit harder by diseases like cardiovascular disease or asthma,” said Dr. Nick Staab, medical epidemiologist at MCDPH. “At this stage in the outbreak, for most people, the overall risk of being exposed to monkeypox remains very low. For household and social contacts of people who have gotten monkeypox and others at increased risk, we want to make sure they get the protection they need so we can slow the spread at this early stage.”

With vaccines coming in varying quantities at irregular intervals, MCDPH is asking people who are interested in getting vaccinated to let MCDPH know so that they can be notified as vaccine doses become available. People can check eligibility at Maricopa.gov/monkeypox, where they will also find a form to get notified about upcoming vaccine opportunities.

Monkeypox is most commonly spread through prolonged skin-to-skin contact with someone who is infected with monkeypox. Prevention measures for monkeypox are similar to those that reduce the spread of other viruses that spread in a similar way:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face, and after using the restroom and after touching other people.
• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a new rash
• Stay home if you’re sick with symptoms of monkeypox or other illnesses

Symptoms often start with a fever, which may be accompanied by:

• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Backache

• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills
• Exhaustion

One to three days after fever starts, a rash begins, often starting on the face before spreading to other parts of the body. The rash may begin as small, flat, round discolorations that become raised and fluid-filled (clear or pus) before scabbing. These spots and the fluid in them carry virus that can infect others. Once scabs fall off, the area is no longer infectious.  These spots or lesions can appear anywhere on the skin, genitals, or inside the mouth. MCDPH is encouraging healthcare providers to offer testing for patients who present with monkeypox symptoms and a new, suspicious rash. Most patients with monkeypox fully recover from the virus without treatment.

“We have the tools we need to contain spread,” added Dr. Staab. “Vaccines are available to those who are at higher risk of exposure, testing is available through commercial labs, and treatment is available for people who are infected and at higher risk of severe illness.” With a federal emergency now declared, there may be more vaccine doses and other resources that will be available in the coming weeks and months.

For local information, visit Maricopa.gov/monkeypox; for national information, visit CDC.gov/monkeypox. Residents needing assistance with the website or interest form can contact MCDPH at (602) 506-6767 for assistance.

Vaccine images and B-roll are available upon request.

Today Governor Doug Ducey declared a State of Emergency in Coconino County in response to monsoon storms that began July 23 and triggered flooding. The flood conditions were compounded by ongoing rainfall and saturated grounds of several recent and historical burn scars.

“We are ready to support Coconino County through the response and recovery process,” said Maj. Gen. Kerry Muehlenbeck, Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs Director. “Meeting the needs of impacted communities requires an agency-wide effort from our citizen soldiers, airmen and civilian staff.”

The severity of wildland fire burn scars in the area and ongoing potential for thunderstorms has increased the likelihood of additional flooding. The flooding event that began July 23 follows the Governor’s previously declared emergency in Coconino County for the July 12 to 15 storms that caused flooding, debris flows and temporary road closures.

These actions build upon the governor’s rapid deployment of the Arizona National Guard to assist with flood mitigation measures such as filling sandbags. The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry’s Wildland Fire and Arizona Healthy Forest crews also provided assistance.

Coconino County residents are urged to be prepared for evacuation or shelter-in-place by assembling an emergency go-kit that contains clothes, medicines, and important documents for each family member. Residents are encouraged to register for emergency notifications at coconino.az.gov/ready to ensure they receive relevant information for their community.

Governor Ducey is authorized under A.R.S. § 26-303(D) to declare a state of emergency, which can be used to reimburse eligible emergency response and recovery costs. The funds cannot be used to reimburse home or business for flood damages.

Coconino County residents can register for emergency alerts, find sandbag locations, and access flood preparedness information at https://coconino.az.gov.