Arizona Emergency Information Network

The Arizona Department of Health Services is sharing this COVID-19 video update from Dr. Cara Christ explaining the latest trends, the state's response, and how Arizonans can help reduce the spread. 

Please also see the report COVID-19 in Arizona, which has a deeper look at the data.

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for course particulate matter (PM-10) effective November 27, 2020 in the Yuma area. PM-10 is made up of small particles found in dust. ADEQ recommends that people limit outdoor activity while the HPA is in effect, especially children and adults with respiratory problems.

Check the Hourly Air Quality Forecast on the Air Arizona Mobile App

Apple iTunes > | Google Play >

Health Impacts

People most vulnerable to the impacts of air pollution include children, older adults, adults exercising outdoors and people with heart or lung disease and those suffering from asthma and bronchitis. Exposure can increase the number and severity of asthma attacks, cause or aggravate bronchitis or other lung disease and reduce the body’s ability to fight infection. Symptoms may include itchy eyes, nose, and throat, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain and upper respiratory issues. Long-term exposure is linked to premature death in people with heart or lung disease, nonfatal heart attacks, irregular heartbeat and decreased lung function.

Please help reduce PM-10 by doing one or more of the following:

Avoid dirt roads.
Avoid the use of leaf blowers.
Ride transit, carpool or telework.
Eliminate all unnecessary driving and/or combine trips.
Use gas or electric instead of burning wood
Limit the lighting of fireworks
If burning wood for heat or food preparation, use dry wood (burning wet wood releases more particulate matter)

BACKGROUND

High Pollution Advisory (HPA) | Notifies the public that the level of an air pollutant is forecast to exceed the federal health standard.

High Pollution Watch (HPW) | Notifies the public that the level of an air pollutant has the potential to exceed the federal health standard

Particulate Matter Fact Sheet | View >

Ozone Fact Sheet | View >

 
FIND THE FORECAST

ADEQ Air Quality Hourly Forecast | View >

Text or Email Alerts | Subscribe > 

Air Arizona Mobile App | Learn More >

Apple iTunes >

Google Play >

On Wednesday, Dec. 2, Palo Verde Generating Station (PVGS), in cooperation with local and State agencies, will test the outdoor warning sirens located within a 10-mile radius of the power plant. In conjunction with the siren test and in the same 10-mile radius, Maricopa County will test Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA).

Testing will involve activating the sirens twice and WEA once, sirens will be activated at 12:00 p.m. and again at 12:30 p.m. for approximately three minutes each time. WEA will be tested at 12:15 p.m. Individuals will be stationed at each of the 70 sirens and they will report siren activations and wireless alert notifications to emergency managers following the test.

The siren system is part of the “Alert and Notification System” required by federal regulations. Testing of the siren system is required by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The versatility of the WEA system allows notification to the entire county or specific areas within the county. On Dec 2 the test area will be limited to the siren test area and only to those phones that have been enabled to receive test alerts.

The message to accompany the WEA will state, “THIS IS A TEST OF MARICOPA COUNTY WIRELESS EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM. NO ACTION IS REQUIRED”.

In the unlikely event of an emergency at Palo Verde requiring public actions, one of three response agencies (Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office or the Arizona Department of Public Safety) will activate the alerting sirens to direct residents to turn on their radios and televisions. Likewise, wireless alerts (activated by Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management) will direct residents to do the same. An Emergency Alert System (EAS) message will then broadcastover radio & television and provide emergency instructions and information.

For more information, contact the Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management at 602-273-1411 or visit ready.maricopa.gov.

###

Prueba de Notificación de Emergencia cerca de la Estación Generadora Palo Verde

El miércoles 2 de diciembre, la Estación Generadora Palo Verde (PVGS), en cooperación con agencias locales y estatales, probará las sirenas de advertencia al aire libre ubicadas dentro de un radio de 10 millas de la planta de energía. Junto con la prueba de sirenas y en el mismo radio de 10 millas, el condado de Maricopa probará las Alertas Inalámbricas de Emergencia (WEA).

Las pruebas implicarán activar las sirenas dos veces y WEA una vez, las sirenas se activarán a las 12:00 p.m. y nuevamente a las 12:30 p.m. durante aproximadamente tres minutos cada vez.  WEA se probará a las 12:15 p.m.   Personas estarán ubicadas en cada una de las 70 sirenas e informarán las activaciones de las sirenas y las notificaciones de alerta inalámbrica a los administradores de emergencias después de la prueba.

El sistema de sirena es parte del "Sistema de Alerta y Notificación" requerido por las regulaciones federales. La Comisión Reguladora Nuclear (NRC) y la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA) requieren la prueba del sistema de sirena.

La versatilidad del sistema WEA permite la notificación a todo el condado o áreas específicas dentro del condado. El 2 de diciembre, el área de prueba se limitará al área de  sirenas y solo a aquellos teléfonos que hayan sido habilitados para recibir alertas de prueba.

El mensaje que acompañará a la WEA dirá: “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA DEL SISTEMA INALÁMBRICO DE ALERTA DE EMERGENCIA DEL CONDADO DE MARICOPA. NO SE REQUIERE ACCIÓN ”.

En el improbable caso de una emergencia en Palo Verde que requiera acciones públicas, una de las tres agencias de respuesta (Departamento de Manejo de Emergencias del Condado de Maricopa, Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Maricopa o el Departamento de Seguridad Pública de Arizona) activará las sirenas de alerta para indicar a los residentes que prendan sus radios y televisores.  Asimismo, las alertas inalámbricas (activadas por el Departamento de Manejo de Emergencias del Condado de Maricopa) indicarán a los residentes que hagan lo mismo. A continuación, se transmitirá un mensaje del Sistema de Alerta de Emergencia (EAS) por radio y televisión y proporcionará instrucciones e información de emergencia.

Para obtener más información, comuníquese con el Departamento de Manejo de Emergencias del Condado de Maricopa al 602-273-1411 o visite ready.maricopa.gov.

Today only, the COVID-19 testing site at Fort Tuthill County Park in Flagstaff will be
by appointment only due to the overwhelming response for COVID-19 testing, ASU staffing shortages and laboratory capacity.

Those seeking a COVID-19 test must have an appointment to be tested. To register for an appointment, visit the Arizona Department of Health Services website. There are a limited number of appointments available and the site is unable to exceed this number due to lab processing capacity.

If all appointments at the site are booked, individuals should consider contacting their primary care
physician, a local urgent care or a local pharmacy to determine their ability to administer a test. The Fort Tuthill County Park COVID-19 testing site will be closed from Thursday, November 26 through
Sunday, November 29. Regular testing site operations for Fort Tuthill will resume on Monday, November 30, with hours as follows: Monday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

 Tonto National Forest officials have modified the Bush Fire public safety area closure order to allow more access. The modified closure order will be in effect Thursday, Nov. 25, 8 a.m.

The closure area is being modified in response to cooler temperatures and reduced fire danger. Moderate rainfall still has the potential to produce debris flows that could cause significant injury or death. Recreational users are encouraged to check weather conditions before venturing out into the forest. This order shall remain in effect until March 15, 2021, or until rescinded, whichever occurs first.

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited within the “Restricted Area” on the roads and trails described in the Order:
 
1. Going into or being upon the Restricted Area. 36 C.F.R. § 261.53(e).
2. Being upon the trail. 36 C.F.R. § 261.55(a).
3. Being on the road. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).
 
“We cautiously modified the closure order to allow more access to the public, but public safety remains a priority and the process of reopening these severely burned areas takes time,” said Acting Forest Supervisor Tom Torres. “We wish our visitors and the communities that surround the forest a very happy Thanksgiving holiday.”
 
This expanded access includes the popular Rolls OHV area. While the area is reopening to the public, there are areas in the Rolls that were affected by the Bush Fire. Visitors are advised to stay on established routes and to exercise caution around burnt vegetation. The area will also have increased flash flood potential for the foreseeable future.
 
The Rolls OHV area is an 4x4/OHV area with routes of varied difficulty through Sonoran Desert ecosystem.  Many miles of roads are available to explore, but most require a high-clearance 4x4 or OHV (ATV/UTV). Access will be available from the Fours Peaks turn off on State Road 87 and the Pobrecito Recreation site.  Butcher Jones Beach and Recreation area will also be open for use. Access to Cottonwood Wash and the Four Peaks Wilderness area to include NFSR 143 to Tonto Basin and NFSR 401 are still closed due to flooding hazards from the Bush Fire.
 
Further information regarding this order may be obtained by contacting the Mesa Ranger Station at (480) 610-3300 or to view the order visit the Tonto National Forest alerts and notices webpage at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices. This order supersedes any previous orders prohibiting the same acts covered by this order.
 
This year firefighters battled approximately 156 wildfires on the Tonto National Forest that burned over 300,000 acres. Nationally, nearly nine out of ten wildfires are human-caused. With no rain in sight, high fire danger continues on the Tonto National Forest. Information about preventing human-caused wildfires is available on the Smokey Bear website. Visit the Tonto National Forest website for the latest news and alerts: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/tonto/home.  

On June 5, 2020, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors approved a COVID-19 Re-
Entry Plan for County Operations. The plan provides guidance to protect customer and employee health and safety.

Coconino County COVID-19 case numbers have followed an upward trajectory over the past several
weeks. Based on this increase, and in alignment with the County’s Re-Entry Plan, effective Monday,
November 23 Coconino County will return to more restrictive Phase I operations, summarized below.

• County buildings will be closed to the public for in-person business, with the exception of essential services conducted in-person on an appointment basis.
• County employees shall practice outlined COVID-19 prevention practices including proper handwashing and physical distancing.
• County employees and visitors shall wear masks in public areas of all County Buildings, following County issued mask donning and doffing protocol. The masks will be provided when needed.
• Remote work will continue in order to minimize face to face interactions across County departments.
• No more than one third of all County employees will work onsite.
• County hours of operations may be modified to accommodate remote working arrangements and enhanced cleaning operations.

As the Coconino County Re-Entry Plan states, the phases are to be implemented incrementally, pending achieving the identified benchmarks and the reduction of positive COVID-19 cases, as well as the ability to accommodate physical distancing and other mitigation practices. The plan further indicates that when conditions change in such a way that these standards cannot be met, County operations may revert from a less restrictive phase to a more restrictive one.

COVID-19 community transmission levels are determined using metrics defined by the Arizona
Department of Health Services (ADHS) including incidence rate, percent positivity and COVID-like illness (CLI). Based on the three defined community transmission levels, a classification of Minimal, Moderate or Substantial is determined and provides direction on safe business and school operations.

Although Coconino County’s community transmission classification is Moderate based on the ADHS
Benchmarks, the County has an incidence rate of 337.3 per 100,000, three times the threshold established by ADHS, and a percent positivity of 10.2% placing these metrics well within the Substantial transmission category. This is the second consecutive week of both case rate and
percent positivity being in the Substantial categories. The CLI incidence rate is technically within the
Moderate category reporting at 5.0%. However, the CLI metric is underrepresented as the majority of Coconino County hospitals are not participating in the ADHS syndromic surveillance system that collects data for CLI. The County has requested that ADHS establish benchmarks that reflect available data. In the absence of a remedy and in effort to provide swift action to promote public safety, the County has determined moving to Phase I is the best course of action.

“Considering the widespread community transmission of COVID-19, we encourage families to
implement extra holiday precautions. Family gatherings should be limited, and when possible, travel
should be avoided,” said Kim Musselman, Coconino County Health and Human Services Interim
Director. For more information on accessing county services and COVID-19 data, please
visit www.coconino.az.gov.

As part of the continuing effort to provide forest users as much safe access as possible to areas on the North Kaibab Ranger District, the Forest Service has again reduced the Mangum Fire closure near Jacob Lake.  Although Forest Roads 462 and 461 must remain closed for public safety, Forest Roads 22 and 423 have been opened with short-term closures possible if weather conditions warrant. 

Forest Roads 22 and 423 are popular routes. In the winter, when State Route 67 is closed for the season, they become the only means of accessing the western portion of the district. The roads are in a condition that rain or snow could make the roads too hazardous to travel. However, with little precipitation in the forecast conditions currently allows for use.

Road closures would be implemented in advance of an approaching storm. Lifting the closure will be dependent on the precipitation received.

"It's important to us that our visitors have access to the forest. We know the closures are frustrating. But we will swing the gates before significant weather is upon us and we might not be able to reopen the moment skies are clear," says Randall Walker, North Kaibab District Ranger. "We won't take chances with someone's safety and we appreciate everyone's patience and support in our efforts to do right by our communities and visitors."

Although the Forest Service has been able to lift the majority of the Mangum Fire closures, the public is urged to be vigilant and use good judgement while in any area affected by fire.  Know Before You Go: pay attention to weather forecasts and contact the North Kaibab Ranger District office for current road status.  Local road signs will also be posted in the event Forest Roads 22 and 423 closed.

The Forest Order identifying the roads that remain closed can be found on the Kaibab NF Alerts and Notices webpage: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/kaibab/alerts-notices

To protect the health of our school communities, the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) has issued an emergency measure requiring district and charter schools to immediately mandate that masks are worn on school campuses, on school buses, and during school-associated activities by all students, faculty, staff, contractors, and visitors.  

“Keeping kids and teachers safe is one of our top priorities,” said Governor Doug Ducey. “This emergency measure issued by ADHS addresses the serious threat COVID-19 poses to our communities. It requires schools to implement the simple step of mask-wearing to reduce transmission and keep our kids safe.” 

In July, Governor Ducey issued Executive Order 2020-51, which required all school districts and charter schools to develop and implement a policy to require masks for all staff and students. It also required ADHS and the Arizona Department of Education to work collaboratively to develop the Guidance for Safely Returning to Schools, based on the Roadmap for Reopening Schools.

As part of this guidance, schools must implement COVID-19 mitigation strategies, based on the school benchmarks, to keep students and staff safe on campuses. These mitigation strategies include mask-wearing, physical distancing, increased cleaning and disinfecting protocols, limiting the size of groups, and increased hand hygiene.

“Based on recently released data, we now know masks provide more protection than previously thought,” said Dr. Cara Christ, director of ADHS. “The new studies show that wearing a mask also protects the mask wearer, not just those around them. I encourage everyone to wear a mask whenever they are around people they don’t live with.” 

Public health works closely with schools to provide technical assistance to schools on implementing mitigation measures, such as masks. To ensure everyone who needs a mask has access to one, ADHS has partnered with Hanes to provide five free masks to students and their families. Families and schools can go to azhealth.gov/ordermasks to have free masks shipped to them.

For more information, please visit azhealth.gov/COVID19.

Tonto National Forest officials will lift the Griffin Fire public safety closure order at 8 a.m., Friday, Nov. 20, 2020.

The closure order was implemented to protect public health and safety. Following the fire, Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) teams conducted assessments to identify impacts on the landscape from both fires and recommended actions for mitigation and management of the burned areas to protect the health and safety of forest visitors and to prevent additional resource damage. The BAER team final report recommended emergency response actions that include the installation of warning signs and repair of fire impacted infrastructure.

 “The forest made this decision after BAER team mitigation measures were implemented and the period of intense thunderstorms has since passed,” said Acting Forest Supervisor Tom Torres of the Tonto National Forest. “Over 300,000 acres of the Tonto burned this past year and we are trying to lift these fire safety closure orders as quickly as we can without compromising safety.”

The Forest Service BAER program provides guidance in the aftermath of a catastrophic wildfire with the goal of safeguarding forest visitors and employees, and protecting Federal property, water quality, and critical natural or cultural resources from further damage after the fire has been extinguished.

The Griffin Fire started on August 17 and grew to almost 62,000 acres, burning on the Tonto National Forest and the San Carlos Indian Reservation approximately 16 miles north of Globe, Arizona.

This year firefighters battled approximately 156 wildfires on the Tonto National Forest that burned over 300,000 acres. Nationally, nearly nine out of ten wildfires are human-caused. With no rain in sight, high fire danger continues on the Tonto National Forest. Information about preventing human-caused wildfires is available on the Smokey Bear website.

Visit the Tonto National Forest website for the latest news and alerts: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/tonto/home. 

Your menu may be the same this year, but other aspects of Thanksgiving may need to be different to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19.  

That’s why the Arizona Department of Health Services has developed a menu of precautions to take during holiday gatherings. Doing one makes your family and your guests safer. Doing more is even better. 

“It’s an unfortunate reality that household gatherings are contributing to the current rise in COVID-19 cases, percent positivity, and stress on our healthcare system,” said Dr. Cara Christ, director of ADHS, the Arizona Department of Health Services. “The holidays can bring together more households and more generations, including older individuals who are more vulnerable to COVID-19 and young adults and children who are more likely to be asymptomatic carriers. Following these simple guidelines can help keep everyone safe during the holidays.”

Recommendations for safer holiday gatherings:

Fresh air: Celebrating in the open air of your yard or a park reduces the chances of transmitting COVID-19, though taking additional precautions is always a good idea. If moving outside isn’t an option, open windows and patio doors to increase ventilation, maintain physical distance, and wear masks when not actively eating or drinking. 

Make it smaller: Reducing the number of individuals and households gathering reduces the risk that someone who is infected will attend. Virtual meeting programs are a great way to connect friends and family, including vulnerable older family members, without the risk of exposing each other to COVID-19. 

Don’t let down your guard: It’s easy to feel safe around relatives and friends you know and trust. In the interest of everyone’s health, wear masks and physically distance around those who aren’t members of your household, including those returning from college, and only hug and touch members of your household. Stay home and join virtually if you feel ill or think you may have been exposed to COVID-19. 

Serve smart: Avoid self-serve setups, buffets, and sharing serving utensils. If sharing food, have one person serve and use single-use options, like plastic utensils. 

Keep hands clean: Wash your hands before and after preparing, serving, and eating food. Consider giving each of your guests a travel-size sanitizer so they can practice good hand hygiene throughout the gathering.  

Here’s a bonus tip for after Thanksgiving dinner: Consider doing your Black Friday shopping online to avoid the crowds.  

ADHS has more tips and guidance for the holidays at azhealth.gov/WinterHolidays. 

This week, National Park Service (NPS) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) fire managers, working together as the North Zone Interagency Fire Management Program, plan to begin conducting pile burns north of the Grand Canyon.  Hand piles composed of woody debris are located near the NPS developed zone at the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park as well as around Big Saddle, Demotte, and Jacob Lake on USFS administered lands. Fire managers anticipate conducting prescribed burns through mid-December, as conditions allow, to reduce hazardous fuels and enhance site protection at these high-priority locations.

Prescribed fire smoke will be most visible during ignition operations and will likely gradually diminish after ignitions are completed. Smoke may be noticeable from Jacob Lake, Fredonia, Highways 89A and 67, and from various locations on the North Rim and South Rim. Smoke is expected in the canyon one to three days after each ignition. Fire managers are working with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Smoke Management Division to reduce and mitigate potential smoke impacts.

Prescribed fires play an important role in decreasing risks to life, resources, and property. Fire managers carefully plan prescribed fires, initiating them only under environmental conditions that are favorable to assuring firefighter and visitor safety and to achieving the desired objectives. Prescribed fire objectives include reducing accumulations of hazard fuels, maintaining the natural role of fire in a fire-adapted ecosystem, and protection of sensitive cultural and natural resources.

Plans for each burn unit contain a set of parameters which define the desired weather and fuel conditions under which a prescribed fire can be initiated. Prior to implementing the burns, fire managers will evaluate current conditions and will only begin ignition if the prescribed fire conditions are within allowable environmental parameters.

For additional information, visit the Kaibab National Forest fire management webpage and Grand Canyon National Park fire management webpage. 

COVID-19 cases and hospital visits are increasing at an alarming rate in Pima County. Over the last three weeks, cases have been on the rise with just over 2000 cases reported from the first week of November. The number of hospital admissions for COVID-19 has also spiked, with 75 hospitalizations reported for last week. This is the highest one week total since the large spike in cases over the summer. The first week of November saw the same level of cases during the beginning weeks of June 2020.

“We are very concerned, especially with holidays like Thanksgiving upon us,” said Dr. Theresa Cullen, Health Department Director. “This is starting to look like the beginning of the huge spike that we saw over the summer.”

The rate of hospitalizations locally, paired with the increase of cases both locally and nationwide,  increases the potential for hospitals to become overwhelmed just as  residents begin the holiday season with  travel and gatherings. “We anticipated that we would see an increase after Halloween and the political events leading up to the elections. We cannot relax on taking steps as a community. We all have a role to play in preventing the spread of the disease before we see more increases in transmission,” said Cullen.

In today’s updated progress report, categories for “Cases Per Week,” “Percent Positivity,” and “COVID-19 Hospital Bed Capacity” all moved backwards from their previously improving states.

“We need people to take the extra steps that we know can help slow the spread of the virus,” said Cullen. “We will continue to struggle to keep people healthy and out of the hospital if we can’t get these numbers down.”

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, everyone is reminded to:

• Wear a mask anytime you are around people who you don’t live with
• Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer
• Maintain at least 6 feet of space from others
• Protect those at most risk of complications from the virus by limiting visits and other physical contact with family members who are elderly or have other health conditions

For more information about planning for the holidays safely visit www.pima.gov/healthyholidays and visit www.pima.gov/covid19 for information about COVID-19 data, testing, and other prevention tips.

The Tonto National Forest in coordination with federal, state, and local partners will terminate the current Stage 1 Fire Restrictions and recreational shooting restriction effective Nov. 11, 2020 at 8 a.m. due to recent moisture, cooler temperatures and reduced fire activity.

The restrictions were implemented to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires during periods of high fire danger and elevated fire weather conditions. 

“This year, the Tonto National Forest experienced an unprecedented wildfire season that challenged everyone from firefighters to the communities surrounding the forest,” said Acting Forest Supervisor Tom Torres. “The public is very passionate about the Tonto and we thank everyone for cooperating with these restrictions across the forest. Even though the fire danger has been reduced, there’s still the potential for a wildfire if people are not careful when building and extinguishing a campfire.”

Campfire tips:

• Keep your fire small;
• Always keep water and a shovel nearby and know how to use them to put out your campfire;
• Be sure an adult is always watching the fire;
• Keep an eye on the weather! Sudden wind gusts can blow sparks into vegetation outside your cleared area, causing unexpected fires;
• Make sure your campfire is dead out!

Campfires, and charcoal BBQs must be completely extinguished after use. Abandoned campfires continue to be a major cause of wildfires. Always keep enough water on hand, and a tool to drown and stir fires. If it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave. More campfire safety and prevention tips can be found at Smokeybear.com.

Vehicles continue to be a significant cause of fires in the area. Please take the time to inspect vehicles and trailers for proper maintenance especially in relation to tire condition, brakes and wheel bearings. The Arizona climate is tough on tires and wheel bearings; tire blowouts or worn bearings can be very dangerous but can also cause wildfires. Take time to adjust trailer chains to avoid them dragging and sparking fires. Many tire shops and mechanics are available in the area to provide professional assistance in inspecting vehicles and often inspection is free.

Violators of regulations that prohibit abandoning a campfire are subject to a fine and/or imprisonment. If an abandoned campfire causes a wildfire, violators can also be held responsible for fire suppression costs.  For more information on Tonto National Forest restrictions visit our alerts and notices webpage or call the following district ranger stations for more information:  Cave Creek Ranger District (480) 595-3300; Globe Ranger District (928) 402-6200; Mesa Ranger District (480) 610-3300; Payson Ranger District (928) 474-7900; and Tonto Basin Ranger District (602) 225-5395.
 

All Coconino County offices will be closed Wednesday, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day, a celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. The COVID-19 testing site located at Fort Tuthill County Park will also be closed in recognition of the holiday. Testing will resume on Thursday, November 12. Testing site hours are Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

“Each year, Coconino County honors those who have sacrificed to serve the country. We express special gratitude to the National Guard. Coconino County has benefited from a National Guard Team, who has supported our COVID-19 response. This group of dedicated individuals has been away from their family and friends during an especially challenging time to assist us with testing operations to help stop the spread of COVID-19. This year and every year, thank you to those who serve,” said County Manager, James Jayne.

While the administrative offices at the Sheriff’s Office will be closed, Dispatch, Patrol and Detention will conduct business as usual. Records will be open from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Please dial 9-1-1 for emergencies. For non-emergencies, dial 928-774-4523 to connect with the non-emergency Dispatch number or to leave a message for one of the administrative offices. In the event of a snowstorm or other impactful weather during the holiday, County Public Works crews will be deployed to keep County roadways open and passable.

Coconino County Health and Human Service (CCHHS) Animal Management will have an officer available from 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 11, 2020. Contact the CCHHS Animal Management office at 928-679-8756 to leave a message and an officer will return the call.

Coconino County’s parks and natural areas will remain open during the holiday, but administrative offices at Fort Tuthill will be closed and limited staff or services will be available. The Fort Tuthill Bike Park and The Disc Golf Course are open.

Stage 1 fire restrictions are currently lifted across Coconino NF, as key components and measurements that fire managers use to determine the implementation of fire restrictions have dropped, which has also decreased fire danger.

However, visitors should be aware of certain areas that have fire restrictions year-round, which can be found on the Coconino NF Forest Orders web page.

Coconino NF briefly came out of fire restrictions when monsoon arrived in July, but then reentered Stage 1 fire restrictions on August 14 and has been in restrictions up until today.

Coconino County has lifted all fire restrictions on private lands in the unincorporated areas of the County in coordination with similar actions by Coconino National Forest and Kaibab National Forest, as well as other agencies in the area.

The lifting of the fire restrictions is effective November 10 at 8:00 AM. The County action to lift fire restrictions ends the County’s campfire ban and Stage 1 fire restrictions enacted earlier in the year. The end of the fire restrictions comes with cooler temperatures, improved relative humidity and recent snowfall that have helped to retard fire potential in the forests.

Due to recent moisture, cooler temperatures, and shorter days, as well as a reduction in fire activity and resource commitment nationwide, the Prescott National Forest will lift all fire and recreational shooting restrictions on Wednesday, November 11th at 8:00 AM.  While all fire restrictions will be lifted, forest visitors are reminded that the potential for wildfires still exists and to please use caution with campfires and other potential ignition sources. 

Now that campfires are again allowed on the Prescott National Forest, fire managers remind the public that abandoned campfires are still the leading cause of human-caused wildfires. Forest visitors are urged to follow campfire safety procedures.  It is every camper’s responsibility to properly maintain and extinguish a campfire to prevent wildfires.

Campfire guidelines:

• Never cut whole trees or branches, dead or alive. Live materials will not burn and dead standing trees, snags, are often homes for birds and other wildlife.
• Do not burn aerosol cans, pressurized containers, glass or aluminum cans. They could explode, shatter and/or create harmful fumes.
• Keep the fire to a manageable size.
• Never leave your campfire unattended.

Ensure campfire is fully extinguished:

• Allow wood to burn completely to ash, if possible.
• Pour water on the fire. Drown all embers, not just the red ones. Pour until hissing sound stops.
• If water is not available, stir dirt or sand into the embers with a shovel to bury the fire.
• Scrape any remaining sticks and logs with a shovel to remove any embers.
• Continue adding water, dirt, or sand and stir with a shovel until all material is cool.
• If it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave.

Violators of regulations that prohibit abandoning a campfire are subject to a fine and/or imprisonment.  If an abandoned campfire causes a wildfire, violators can also be held responsible for fire suppression costs. 

Visitors can obtain additional information by visiting the Prescott National Forest Website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/prescott/ or by following us on Facebook or Twitter. 

Coconino County Public Works, in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service
(USFS), has ignited the annual green waste burn at the Willard Springs Transfer Station located
17 miles south of Flagstaff at Exit 326 on the west side of I-17. This is USFS’s first burn since the COVID-19 pandemic began last winter.

The Willard Springs green waste burn is expected to produce smoke during its ignition period
that will last for approximately three weeks. Based on wind and weather conditions, this smoke
may be heavy at times and visible to motorists on I-17. The Coconino National Forest plans to
post signage on I-17 as necessary to notify motorists about smoke from the burn and to drive
with caution.

The burn is necessary to reduce the existing stockpile of pine needles, tree trimmings and other
green waste at Willard Springs before the start of the 2021 fire season. Since the transfer
station opened for free green waste-only disposal last April, a record 30,000 cubic yards of
green and woody waste have been deposited by residents and collected through specialty
events like the Bear Jaw Community Cleanup and the County’s annual Community Cleanup
Days. This is almost triple the amount the station normally receives in a year. Willard Springs
will remain open for the free deposit of green waste until 5 p.m. this Saturday, November 14.

The green waste burn is expected to smolder until late winter depending on weather
conditions. It will be monitored by the Mormon Lake Ranger Station, Pinewood Fire
Department and the Coconino County Public Works Solid Waste Division. Public Works Solid
Waste Division also will be regularly stirring the green waste piles throughout the process to
promote a homogenous, even burn that will help to minimize smoke.
When smoke levels are high, the appropriate protective measures should be followed:

• Avoid breathing smoke if you can help it. Reduce or avoid outdoor activities.
• Make sure air conditioning/heating units have a clean filter in the air intakes. Devices with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters can reduce indoor pollution.
• Use the recycle or re-circulate mode on the air conditioner/heater in your home or car.
• Avoid activities which can increase indoor pollutants such as cooking and vacuuming.

People with pre-existing conditions should avoid exposure to the smoke as much as possible
and consult their physician if they have any questions or experience health issues. More
information regarding the health effect of smoke from prescribed burns and wildfires is
available at https://az-coconinocounty2.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/995. For more information, please contact Ron Hollamon, Coconino County Public Works Solid Waste Manager, at (928) 679-8300.

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for course particulate matter (PM-10) effective November 7, 2020 in the Yuma area. PM-10 is made up of small particles found in dust. ADEQ recommends that people limit outdoor activity while the HPA is in effect, especially children and adults with respiratory problems.

Health Impacts

People most vulnerable to the impacts of air pollution include children, older adults, adults exercising outdoors and people with heart or lung disease and those suffering from asthma and bronchitis. Exposure can increase the number and severity of asthma attacks, cause or aggravate bronchitis or other lung disease and reduce the body’s ability to fight infection. Symptoms may include itchy eyes, nose, and throat, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain and upper respiratory issues. Long-term exposure is linked to premature death in people with heart or lung disease, nonfatal heart attacks, irregular heartbeat and decreased lung function.

Please help reduce PM-10 by doing one or more of the following:

• Avoid dirt roads.
• Avoid the use of leaf blowers.
• Ride transit, carpool or telework.
• Eliminate all unnecessary driving and/or combine trips.
• Use gas or electric instead of burning wood
• Limit the lighting of fireworks
• If burning wood for heat or food preparation, use dry wood (burning wet wood releases more particulate matter)

Background

A High Pollution Advisory (HPA) notifies the public that the level of an air pollutant is forecast to exceed the federal health standard.

A High Pollution Watch (HPW)  notifies the public that the level of an air pollutant has the potential to exceed the federal health standard

Particulate Matter Fact Sheet

Ozone Fact Sheet 

With an increased chance of moisture and cooler temperatures arriving this weekend, two large pile burns are planned on the Mogollon Rim and Flagstaff ranger districts Monday and Tuesday (Nov. 9-10).

Fire managers on the Mogollon Rim Ranger District are planning on conducting a green waste burn at Bly Pit, while a pile burn is also planned on the Flagstaff Ranger District at Willard Springs Pit during the same timeframe.

Pile burns are dependent upon weather conditions and typically conducted during times when rain or snow has fallen in the area so these green waste piles can burn hot, quickly, and efficiently. The Bly Pit and Willard Pit burns will allow residents in the area to have a place to take new debris prior to spring cleanup.

Pile burns have been very limited this year due to COVID-19 impacts, and this has resulted in a large amount of green waste material in the pits that requires burning and will likely produce visible smoke for several weeks after ignition. The pits will likely be closed during the burns until the piles have been consumed.

Smoke will generally be heaviest the first day of ignitions due to the amount of green waste at the sites and is predicted to move toward the northeast. Cooler temperatures at night may impact the local area with smoke that settles in low-lying areas. The Willard Pit burn may produce smoke impacts in the immediate area along Interstate 17, as well as the communities of Munds Park, Kachina, and Mountainaire.

Quick updates of notable fire activity and smoke impacts will also be provided via Coconino National Forest’s social media sites, to include the Forest's Twitter and Facebook sites.

When ignition begins on any prescribed burn, the forest social media accounts are updated so the public can know why smoke is in the air and where it is coming from.
Coconino National Forest works closely with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to monitor smoke impacts.

Individuals sensitive to smoke can learn how to protect their health by visiting the Coconino County Public Health Service District website.