Arizona Emergency Information Network

 The Tonto National Forest Payson Ranger District will resume prescribed fire treatments in targeted areas around the town of Payson due to predicted favorable weather conditions starting Monday, Oct. 18, through Friday, Oct. 22, 2021. 

Firefighters will burn approximately 316 acres of vegetative debris piles in the Colcord Estates area. During the day, smoke will impact the communities of Colcord Estates, Gordon Canyon, 13 Ranch and Ponderosa Estates. Residual smoke in the evening hours will impact these communities as well as Haigler Creek. Smoke may linger in these areas through Monday, Oct. 25.

During the 5-day operation, residents and visitors to these areas can expect to see and smell moderate-to-heavy amounts of smoke at times during these operations. Fire crews will terminate ignitions by 3 p.m. each day to minimize the impact of smoke. Signs will be posted on roads likely to be affected by smoke. Motorists are urged to use caution and slow down while driving through these areas for the safety of the public and firefighters.

Prescribed fire treatments are always dependent on conditions such as wind speed and direction, temperature, relative humidity, fuel moisture content and other variables. Broadcast and pile burn treatments typically continue for several days and are conducted when fuel moisture content of the vegetation and weather conditions are favorable. Low-to-moderate winds are needed to carry flames and to dissipate smoke during and after ignition operations and to achieve beneficial effects on the landscape.

In 2001, the Payson Ranger District began implementation of a far-reaching, long-range, landscape-scale, three-pronged fuels reduction strategy. The achievable goal is to reduce catastrophic wildfire danger in Rim Country, to initiate the restoration of natural ecological systems and to develop and foster sustainable forest conditions, wildlife habitat and watersheds.

See attached map for prescribe fire area of operations. For news and information about the Tonto National Forest follow us on Facebook @TontoNationalForest or Twitter @TontoForest. 

The Lakeside Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests will be burning slash piles from October 18 – October 20, if conditions allow. The ignition area is on Forest Road 45/ County Road 3144 and Forest Road 44. Piles will be burned across roughly 30 acres of forest land.

Ignition is planned for one day only and possible smoke impact is anticipated along Forest Road 45/ County Road 3144, Forest Road 44, and lite impacts to the community of Vernon. In the interest of safety, forest visitors are reminded to obey all traffic signs and use caution when traveling in the vicinity of the prescribed fire burn units as firefighters and fire-related traffic may be in the area.

Prescribed burning provides many benefits and is essential to maintaining healthy forest ecosystems. It provides habitat diversity, recycles plant nutrients into the soil and encourages new growth for a variety of plants used by wildlife and livestock.  Prescribed burning of forest ground fuels also reduces the threat of large-scale wildfire impacts to private lands. Crews will be on scene from ignition until there is no longer a threat of escape from the project boundaries. Prescribed fire operations are subject to cancelation due to unfavorable weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstance.

Questions or concerns contact the Lakeside Ranger District at (928) 368-2100 or visit the ASNFs website at: www.fs.usda.gov/asnf

Fire information for the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests can be found at:

• Twitter: www.twitter.com/A_SNFs 
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs
• Website: www.fs.usda.gov/main/asnf/fire

 Fire managers on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are planning for the 2021 fall and 2022 spring prescribed fire burning season that is expected to begin in October of this year. 

Fire plays a beneficial role in maintaining the ecological stability of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Managers use prescribed fire as a practical means to reduce risks associated with uncharacteristic or catastrophic wildfires.

The Forest Service’s land management strategy is centered on long-term forest health, which includes reducing forest fuels and using prescribed fire on the landscape. A healthy forest is a resilient forest that undergoes fire occurrences on a regular basis. The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests works with partners, collaborators, and communities to clearly identify objectives and address concerns during the planning process for prescribed fires.

Officials recognize that impacts to air quality may be unpleasant at times, however they can significantly reduce the amount and limit the duration of smoke more effectively using prescribed methods than in an uncontrolled wildfire situation. Additionally, fire managers will actively monitor atmospheric conditions daily and use strategies to minimize smoke impacts to rural developed areas.

During operations, fire personnel and vehicles working in these vicinities will be visible to the public. Motorists are reminded to slow down and drive with heightened caution when passing through active project areas.

Individual news releases will be forthcoming throughout the season, detailing specific information about each burn.

All prescribed burning on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests is subject to approval by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ).  For additional information about the Smoke Management Division of the ADEQ, if you notice smoke in the air, or to view prescribed burn authorizations, please visit: legacy.azdeq.gov/environ/air/smoke/index.html

Fire information for the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests can be found at:

• Twitter: www.twitter.com/A_SNFs
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs
• Website: www.fs.usda.gov/main/asnf/fire

Fire Managers on the Bradshaw Ranger District plan to burn debris piles near the community of Groom Creek, in and around Iron Springs, Lynx Lake, Walker Road, Goldwater Lake and near White Spar Campground.  Recent moisture and higher humidity provide desired conditions to burn piles created from previous fuels reduction projects.  Ignitions are planned to start as early as Wednesday, October 13,  2021 and will continue through the month of October as long as favorable weather conditions allow.  Fire managers expect smoke impacts to be light in the surrounding areas. Pile burning helps to reduce hazardous fuels in the wildland urban interface and increases ecosystem and community resilience.

In the interest of safety, forest visitors are reminded to obey all traffic signs and use caution when traveling in the vicinity of the prescribed burn as firefighters and fire-related traffic will be in the area.

The purpose of this project is to reduce hazardous fuels following thinning and fuelwood removal activities. Reducing hazardous fuels will help reduce the threat of high severity, high intensity wildfire to the public, adjacent private property and communities. Burning of debris left over from brush-crush and thinning projects requires moisture in the surrounding vegetation and typically produces much lighter smoke than broadcast burning.

All prescribed fire activity is dependent on the availability of personnel and equipment, weather, fuels and conditions that minimize smoke impacts as much as possible, and approval from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (www.azdeq.gov).

Messages will be posted on social media when managed fires are ignited on the Prescott National Forest:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrescottNF/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PrescottNF

For fire information please call (928) 925-1111; or stay up to date on Prescott National Forest news by checking the Prescott NF website and following us on Facebook and Twitter.   

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for coarse particulate matter (PM10) effective Oct. 11, 2021, in the Rillito area. PM10 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, 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)

We would like to get the message out that parents need to talk about fire safety with their children. There is no reason for children to have matches or lighters in their possession, or access to them in their home. Curiosity about fire is normal, so it is all that much more important to teach your children fire is a serious thing, and not a toy.

• Store matches and lighters out of children's reach and sight, up high, preferably in a locked cabinet.
• Never use lighters or matches as a source of amusement for children. They may imitate what you do.
• If your child expresses curiosity about fire, or has been playing with fire, calmly but firmly explain that matches and lighters are tools for adults only.
• Use only lighters designed with child-resistant features. Remember child-resistant does not mean child-proof.
• Teach children to tell an adult if they see matches or lighters.
• Never leave matches or lighters in a bedroom or any place where children may go without supervision.
• If you suspect your child is intentionally setting fires, or unduly fascinated with fire, get help. The Yuma Fire Department, your school, or a community counseling agency can put you in touch with trained experts.
• The Yuma Fire Department participates in the Youth Fire Setters program and provides classes that teach both parents and children about the dangers and consequences of playing with fire.

This is the last of our daily Fire Prevention Week spotlights, but Fire Prevention isn’t for a week, it’s for every day! Do all you can to prevent fires in your home, the consequences of failure are just too great. “Safety is No Accident”. For more information, contact the Yuma Fire Department at 373-4850.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), from 2013 to 2017 there were an estimated 354,400 residential fires per year. Are you and your family ready to react if there is a fire in your home? What would you do? Your children practice fire drills in school every month. They know what to do when the fire alarm goes off at school, but that does not mean they know what to do at home.

We would like to introduce you to E.D.I.T.H. (Exit-Drills-In-The-Home). E.D.I.T.H. can help you be prepared to react in a fire emergency in your home. Here are three easy steps to being better prepared:

1. Survey your home. Look for alternate ways out of every room, and where you would go if one of those ways was blocked.

2. Make a plan based on what you have found. You can even draw a floor plan of your house showing where all your emergency exits are. Be sure to identify a place where everyone will meet once they get out. This way, you will be able to tell firefighters that everyone is safe, or if someone is missing.

3. Practice your plan with all those who live in the home. This helps children to know what to do. A fire is a frightening experience, and too often children will hide under beds or in closets if they don’t know what else to do. That response is very dangerous.

Smoke Alarms save lives. Batteries should be replaced at least once a year and alarms tested monthly. Combine these tests with doing home fire drills and your children will be more likely to recognize the sound of the alarm and take the proper action in a real emergency.

2021’s Fire Prevention Week theme is “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety”, encouraging people to become familiar with the sounds of their smoke alarms and what to do once you hear them. For more information, contact the Yuma Fire Department Public Information Office at 373-4855.

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) effective Oct. 6, 2021, in Yuma. PM2.5 is made up of small particles (soot) found in smoke. 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, 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 PM2.5 by doing one or more of the following:

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

The 2021’s Fire Prevention Week theme is “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety”, encouraging people to become familiar with the sounds of their smoke alarms and what to do once you hear them.

The Yuma Fire Department regularly responds to residential smoke alarms sounding, where there are no fires, and residents needing assistance with them. Usually this is just a case of the batteries needing to be replaced, and an alarm the resident is not familiar with. Often this is a late night disturbance for the resident (why does that always seem to happen at 2:00am?) that could have been avoided by regularly changing the batteries.

Every year, in the United States, from 2000 to 3000 people die in fires. In more than half of those fatal fires a smoke alarm was either not present or not working. Most homes these days are equipped with smoke alarms, but due to poor maintenance (often batteries are found to be dead or disconnected) many fail to work properly when a fire occurs. Batteries should be replaced at least once a year and alarms tested monthly. Alarms over 10 years old need to be replaced!

Fires grow quickly, doubling in size every minute. The gases resulting from the burning of household materials are poisonous and along with the intense heat, quickly make for deadly conditions in a fire. You must make good use of the warning smoke alarms give you to safely get out and once out, to stay out of a burning building.

Smoke alarms do save lives, and they are some of the cheapest insurance you can buy, but they will do no good if they are not working properly. The City of Yuma Fire Department received a Fire Prevention and Safety grant to purchase additional smoke alarms and continue our assistance to those in need. For more information about smoke alarms, or the smoke alarm assistance program, contact the Yuma Fire Department at 373-4850.
 

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Cooking equipment is the leading cause of home* fires and fire injuries, causing 48% of home fires that resulted in 21% of the home fire deaths and 45% of the injuries.

• Two of every five home fires started in the kitchen.
• Unattended cooking was the most frequent cause (31%).
• Two-thirds of home cooking fires started with ignition of food or other cooking materials.
• Microwave ovens are one of the leading home products associated with scald burn injuries not related to fires.
• More than half of all civilians injured in cooking fires were hurt attempting to fight the fire themselves.
• Children under five face a higher risk of non-fire burns associated with cooking and hot food and drinks than being burned in a cooking fire.
• So, never leave things cooking on the stove unattended (“Watch What You Heat”),
• Keep clutter away from cooking surfaces,
• In a fire, safely evacuate everyone and call 9-1-1 (“Get Out, Stay Out”),
• Have a “Kid Free Zone” of at least 3 feet from cooking surfaces and always turn pot   handles toward the back of the stove to prevent children from grabbing handles and spilling hot stuff onto themselves.
• "Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety”, recognize the sounds of smoke alarms and what to do once you hear them, because “Smoke alarms save lives”.

Fire managers on the Kaibab National Forest are planning for the 2021 fall and 2022 spring prescribed fire burning season that is expected to begin in October of this year. 

A final decision on which units will be ignited will be made based on environmental conditions, resource availability, fuel moisture levels, air quality and forecast weather as outlined in the prescribed fire plan.

The following project areas are planned for treatments on the Tusayan and Williams Ranger Districts: 

• Three Sisters Rx Project:  Just north of the City Williams, approx. 4000 acres
• Marteen Rx Project: 5 miles northwest of Spring Valley, approx. 4700 acres
• Round Rx Project: 10 miles south of Williams east of Vista Point, approx. 5000 acres
• Reed Rx Project: South and northeast of Tusayan, approx. 6600 acres.
• Russell Rx Project: Southeast of Tusayan, approx. 1000 acres.
• Blue Stem Rx Project: Southeast corner of Tusayan District, approx. 7700 acres.

On the North Kaibab Ranger District and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, the Forest Service and National Park Service operate as a single, interagency fire program referred to as the “North Zone” that is responsible for all fires on National Forest and National Park lands.  The following projects areas are planned for treatments on the North Kaibab Ranger District (NKRD) and the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park (GRCA):

• Big Ridge East Rx Project (NKRD):  2 miles east of Jacob Lake, 472 acres.
• Buffalo Hill Rx Project (NKRD):  1 mile SE of Jacob Lake, 4519 acres.
• Road Hollow North Rx Project (NKRD):  9 miles S of Big Springs, 1739 acres.
• Road Hollow South Rx Project (NKRD):  9 miles S of Big Springs, 2281 acres.
• Big Saddle Rx Project (NKRD):  1/2 mile north of Crazy Jug, 957 acres.
• Dry Park Tower Rx Project (NKRD): 3 miles west of DeMotte, 1400 acres.
• Dry Park Blowdown Rx Project (NKRD): 3 miles west of DeMotte, 1400 acres.
• Dry Park Lakes Rx Project (NKRD): 3 miles west of DeMotte, 4067 acres.
• North Ridge Heavies Rx Project (GRCA): along Kaibab NF boundary, 50+ acres.
• Slopes Rx Project (GRCA): west of North Entrance Station, 500+ acres.
• Harvey Meadow Rx Project (GRCA): north of Grand Canyon Lodge, 43 acres

 Fire plays a beneficial role in maintaining the ecological stability of many landscapes including the Kaibab National Forest. Managers use prescribed fire as a practical means to reduce risks associated with uncharacteristic wildfires that can pose significant threats to public health and safety.

The Forest Service’s land management strategy is centered on long-term forest health, which includes reducing forest fuels and using prescribed fire on the landscape. A healthy forest is a resilient forest that undergoes fire occurrences on a regular basis. The Kaibab National Forest works with partners, collaborators, and communities to clearly identify objectives and address concerns during the planning process for prescribed fires.

Officials recognize that impacts to air quality may be unpleasant at times, however they can significantly reduce the amount and limit the duration of smoke more effectively using prescribed methods than in an uncontrolled wildfire situation. Additionally, fire managers will actively monitor atmospheric conditions daily and use strategies to minimize smoke impacts to rural developed areas.

During operations, fire personnel and vehicles working in these vicinities will be visible to the public. Motorists are reminded to slow down and drive with heightened caution when passing through active project areas.

Individual news releases will be forthcoming throughout the season, detailing specific information about each burn.

All prescribed burning on the Kaibab National Forest is subject to approval by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.  For additional information about the Smoke Management Division of the ADEQ and to view prescribed burn authorizations, please visit: legacy.azdeq.gov/environ/air/smoke/index.html

Fire information for Kaibab National Forest can be obtained from the following sources:

Fire Information Recorded Hotline: 928-635-8311
Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF
Kaibab Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF
Kaibab website “Recent News”: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
Kaibab South Zone Rx Fire: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5922/

The Pima County Health Department is now offering third-dose (booster) Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccinations to eligible individuals at its health clinics, vaccination PODs and mobile clinics.

In addition, all vaccine types, including the Pfizer booster, will be available beginning Oct. 4 on the first floor of the Abrams Public Health Center, 3950 S. Country Club Road. To accommodate the increased demand for boosters, Abrams’ last day of COVID-19 testing will be Saturday, Oct. 2.

Third shots are only available to individuals who have received the Pfizer vaccination series. Boosters for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccinations are still awaiting authorization from the Food and Drug Administration. Anyone who received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine should not receive the Pfizer booster.

“While breakthrough cases of COVID-19 remain rare among vaccinated individuals, they happen, so we’re pleased to be able to offer this added layer of protection to those most at-risk,” Dr. Theresa Cullen, Pima County Health Department director, said. “On any given day, residents of Pima County can find literally dozens of sites in which they can get their first, second or third dose of this life-saving vaccine.”

Most pharmacies also have ample booster shots available. Check on locations and vaccine type available on the Arizona Department of Health Services webpage.

Eligibility to receive a third Pfizer shot is based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and is as follows:

• All eligible individuals must have received their second shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at least six months ago
  • Eligible individuals must also meet the following criteria:
    • Age 65 + or resident in long-term care setting
    • Age 50 - 64 with underlying medical condition
    • People aged 18 - 49 years with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot based on their individual benefits and risks
    • People aged 18 - 64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 transmission and exposure because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster shot based on their individual benefits and risks.

Those who meet the above requirements should bring their vaccination cards to the POD or mobile clinic site for their third shot. People who have lost their vaccination cards should look up the date of their second shot using the MyIR Mobile online immunization records tool prior to their visit for the third dose.

Those who have lost their cards and need a new one should download the state’s Immunization Record Request Form, fill out the requested information, and return it by email, fax, or postal mail according to the instructions on the form.

Warning for Granite Basin Lake and Horsethief Basin Lake located on the Bradshaw Ranger District and Mingus Lake located on the Verde Ranger District: An increase in vegetation growth has occurred on Granite Basin Lake this summer. As the vegetation dies and decomposes there is greater biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). The consequence of high BOD causes low dissolved oxygen that stresses aquatic organisms. This has ultimately resulted in fish kill at Granite Basin Lake. This is a natural phenomenon that is normal for small bodies of water susceptible to higher water temperatures and high levels of vegetation growth.

Wading and full body contact is highly discouraged at Granite Basin Lake, Horsethief Basin Lake and Mingus Lake as well any other Forest Lakes exhibiting similar fish die off.  The situation is being further investigated.  Thank you for your patience and understanding.

For more information, please call the Bradshaw Ranger District at 928-443-8000 or Verde Ranger District at 928-567-4121.

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

On Thursday, September 23, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) approved a single booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (Comirnaty) in certain populations who received the first two doses of Pfizer vaccine. Late the same evening, the CDC Director endorsed the ACIP decision and added an additional group to the COVID-19 booster eligibility.

The following groups are approved to receive a single booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (Comirnaty) if they received the first two doses of Pfizer vaccine:

• people 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series;
• people aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series;
• people aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks, and;
• people aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.

Those seeking a Pfizer booster dose are asked to bring their COVID-19 vaccination card with them. The booster dose offers additional protection for those at increased risk of severe COVID-19 disease and is currently authorized only for those who received the Pfizer vaccine in their initial vaccine series.

Coconino County Health and Human Services will not be offering Pfizer boosters to individuals who received a different brand of vaccine in their initial dose series.

Moderna has submitted data to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the evaluation of a booster shot of its COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. Johnson & Johnson is also expected to offer a booster dose if approved. The authorization of COVID-19 booster doses includes several steps involving the FDA and CDC.

The COVID-19 vaccines continue to be remarkably effective in reducing risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death, including against the Delta variant. The vaccine provides highly effective protection against hospitalizations and severe outcomes for people who are fully vaccinated.

Individuals who are moderately to severely immunocompromised continue to be eligible for a third dose of either mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna). To learn more about eligibility for a third dose, visit
https://www.coconino.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/46487/CDC Recommends-Additional-COVID-dose-915202

As information changes and additional approvals are granted, the Coconino County COVID-19 website will be updated. Visit coconino.az.gov/covid19 for the latest information.

Federal officials are recommending that Arizonans 65 and older, residents of long-term care facilities, and those ages 50 to 64 with underlying medical conditions get a booster dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine if they are at least six months past their second shot. 

In addition, Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance says those ages 18 to 64 in high-risk professional and institutional settings and those ages 18 to 49 with underlying medical conditions may get a booster dose of Pfizer at least six months after their second shot, based on their individual benefits and risks. 

“Rest assured there is plenty of Pfizer vaccine in Arizona to accommodate not just those needing booster doses but those who need their first doses,” said Don Herrington, interim director of the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). “Our primary focus remains helping unvaccinated Arizonans make the lifesaving choice to take advantage of safe, free, and highly effective COVID-19 vaccines.” 

Today’s recommendation involves only those who were vaccinated with the Pfizer/COMIRNATY vaccine. Decisions are pending whether boosters will be recommended for those who received the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccines. 

For those needing guidance on whether they should get a booster dose at this time, ADHS recommends consulting your healthcare provider. 

For most people in these groups, getting a booster dose will be as simple as visiting their healthcare provider or visiting one of the hundreds of pharmacies and other providers around Arizona that offer the Pfizer vaccine, now offered under the brand name COMIRNATY. ADHS has an interactive map listing providers and the types of vaccine they offer at azdhs.gov/FindVaccine.

The ADHS COVID-19 hotline – 844.542.8201 (select Option 8) – provides assistance in English and Spanish from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week, except for major holidays. Information on boosters also is posted at azdhs.gov/Boosters. 

As a part of Arizona's COVID-19 vaccine strategy, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) members who cannot provide or arrange their own transportation can contact their health plans to coordinate transportation to a vaccine provider or call 1-855-345-6432 to reach the transportation line. Transportation assistance is also available through some county health departments.

Those in long-term care settings should check whether their facility plans to offer transportation to vaccination providers or offer on-site vaccinations. ADHS and county partners are helping connect facilities with vaccination providers. Meanwhile, those needing to be vaccinated at home can contact their home health provider or seek information through their county health department.

Those seeking Pfizer boosters and first doses of any COVID-19 vaccine should consider getting their flu vaccine at the same time. Having as many people as possible vaccinated against seasonal flu will help reduce the potential for severe illness and reduce strain on Arizona’s healthcare system. 

For more information on COVID-19 vaccines, boosters and provider locations, please visit azdhs.gov/COVID19Vaccines or call 844-542-8201 and select Option 8. To learn more about ways to protect yourself from COVID-19, please visit azdhs.gov/COVID-19.

Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved a single booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (Comirnaty) in certain populations who received the first two doses of Pfizer vaccine.

The Pfizer vaccine booster dose is approved to be administered at least six months after completion of the primary series of Pfizer (Comirnaty) vaccine in:

• persons age 65+ and long-term care facility residents;
• persons aged 50-64 years with underlying medical conditions;
• persons based on individual benefit and risk who are aged 18-49 years with underlying medical conditions.

The booster dose offers additional protection for those at increased risk of severe COVID-19 disease and is currently authorized only for those who received the Pfizer vaccine in their initial vaccine series. Moderna has submitted data to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the evaluation of a booster shot of its COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. The authorization of COVID-19 booster doses included several steps involving the FDA and CDC.

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) noted that the primary COVID19 vaccine series for both Moderna and Pfizer is highly effective.

Individuals who are moderately to severely immunocompromised continue to be eligible for a third dose of either mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna). To learn more about eligibility for a third dose, visit https://www.coconino.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/46487/CDCRecommends-Additional-COVID-dose-9152021

For more information and to find a COVID-19 vaccine location near you, visit
coconino.az.gov/covid19. 

On Thursday September 23, 2021, just before 11:00 am, a “crane” was reported to be on fire in the 2100 block of west 5th Place. Yuma Fire Department personnel arrived to find a tree trimmer’s “bucket truck” on fire in the alley south of 5th Place. Firefighters were able to quickly knock down the fire and keep it from spreading to any nearby residences or other structures.

Fire investigators determined the boom section of the bucket truck contacted live power lines. The person operating the rig saw flames start to come from the boom and jumped a few feet from the bucket to the ground. There were no injuries. The area surrounding the fire scene lost power, to include at least one school in the area. The roadway in the 2100 block of 5th Place and the 500 block of 21st Avenue were closed down while emergency vehicles were still in the area.

Whenever working in proximity to overhead power lines, extreme caution must be use to avoid coming in connect with those lines. Situational awareness can save your life.

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for ozone effective Sept. 15 & 16, 2021, in the Phoenix area. ADEQ recommends that people limit outdoor activity while the HPA is in effect, especially children and adults with respiratory problems.

Ground-level ozone forms when two types of pollutants — volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) — react in sunlight. These pollutants come primarily from automobiles, but also from other sources, including industries, power plants and products, such as solvents and paints. Generally, the highest levels of ozone occur in the afternoon.

Check the Hourly Air Quality Forecast on the Air Arizona Mobile App
Apple iTunes >
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/air-arizona/id1400658164

Google Play >
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov.adeq.arizonaair&hl=en_US

Health Impacts

People most vulnerable to the impacts of air pollution include children, older adults, adults exercising outdoors, 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.

Please help reduce ozone by doing one or more of the following:

• Drive as little as possible
• Re-fuel your vehicle in the evening
• Avoid waiting in long drive-thru lines, if possible
• Use low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) or water-based paints, stains, finishes and paint strippers – delay big painting projects
• Make sure containers of household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals and other solvents are sealed properly to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air

Be Air Aware!
http://azdeq.gov/AirAware

Stay informed and be a part of the ADEQ air quality challenge. 
Together we can make a difference to improve air quality for everyone in Arizona by following three simple steps.
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Coconino County announced today that updated, digital flood hazard maps for the Coconino County, Yavapai County, and City of Sedona sections of Oak Creek are available for public review and comment. These maps, known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), show the extent to which areas recently re-mapped in Oak Creek and its tributaries are at risk for flooding. This covers the area from Sterling Canyon in Coconino County, through the City of Sedona down to Cornville. Used to help determine flood insurance and building requirements, the new flood maps replace maps that were based on studies more than 30 years old.

Residents and business owners can use the maps to obtain reliable information about their current flood risk on a property-by-property basis. The maps also provide flood zone and elevation data to help community planners, engineers, builders, and others decide where and how new structures, developments, and remodeling projects should be built. Information about the mapping project and how to view the preliminary maps can be found at www.YavapaiAZ.gov/OakCreekMaps. Separate virtual online Flood Risk Open House meetings are also being held for residents and business owners in the Coconino County and Yavapai County areas of Oak Creek to learn more about the project and how to view the maps.

“Flooding is an increasingly frequent and costly problem throughout this part of Arizona, and not just in high-risk areas,” said Lucinda Andreani, Deputy County Manager and Coconino County Flood Control District Administrator. “Having more accurate and easily accessible maps is an important step in understanding the risk, so residents can take steps to mitigate the risk and insure against it. That said, all property owners in Coconino County should strongly consider purchasing flood insurance given that major monsoonal rainfall events like experienced throughout the County this year can occur at
any time and can cause serious flooding impacts. Flood insurance is the only source of securing reimbursement for addressing flooding impacts.”

The maps were developed by the Yavapai County Flood Control District along with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and in partnership with Coconino County Flood Control District and the City of Sedona. The process included an extensive, multi-year review of the changes brought about by environmental, land use and other forces, use of state-of-the-art aerial mapping and risk modeling techniques, as well as new scientific data and a comprehensive pre-release review.

In reviewing the maps, some property owners in Oak Creek will find that their risk is higher or lower than they thought. If the risk level for a property changes, then flood insurance and building standards requirements can change as well. FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program has cost-saving rating options to help reduce the cost of flood insurance for property owners whose properties flood risk has changed.

An online virtual flood risk open house has been scheduled so that residents in the Coconino County section of Oak Creek can learn how to view the new maps, understand how their properties may be affected, review options that they have and learn more about financial and material steps that they may need to take to protect their investment:

Coconino County Virtual Flood Risk Open House – Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021,
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

GoToWebinar

Link: https://bit.ly/OakCreekSept15
Phone: +1 (631) 992-3221
Access Code: 846-224-538

More information about the open house is available at the project website: www.YavapaiAZ.gov/OakCreekMaps. For those unable to attend, a livestream recording will be made and posted on this website.

The updated FIRMs are still preliminary and have not yet been officially adopted nor become effective. In addition to the virtual public meeting, there will be a Public Comment Period, which is targeted to run September 29 – December 28, 2021, where property owners can comment submit appeals, if they can show that the maps are technically or scientifically in error. Once all appeals and comments are received and addressed, the maps are expected to become effective in 2022. At that time, the new flood insurance requirements will take effect.

Coconino County residents can learn more about the remapping project, view the new preliminary flood maps and find the schedule and link to the upcoming meeting at www.YavapaiAZ.gov/OakCreekMaps. Individuals with general questions about the local map update efforts can also call the Coconino Flood Control District at 928-679-8300 during business hours or email [email protected]. For information about flood insurance, contact your local insurance agent or visit www.FloodSmart.gov.
 

As monsoon season comes to an end and the Forest Service has conducted clean-up operations, some roads affected by flash flooding are reopening in the Mangum Fire area. The following roads are now fully open but remain subject to closure for public safety during periods of inclement weather:

• Forest Road 22 – open from US Route 89A to State Route 67
• Forest Road 461 – open from Forest Road 22 to Jacob Lake area
• Forest Road 462 – open from Forest Road 461 to Demotte area

 The following roads in the Mangum Fire area remain closed due to flash flood damage:

• Forest Road 422A is washed out and impassable at Jacob Canyon
• Forest Road 423 at Forest Road 22

 Forest engineers are considering options to repair and reopen these roads safely for the public.

Areas heavily affected by fire, especially in and near steep terrain, are susceptible to flooding and washing out during intense rainfall. The loss of trees and other vegetation in burned areas leads to an increased chance of flooding and debris flows which can pose a significant risk to human life. Visitors should exercise extreme caution while traveling in the burn area.

Floods on fire-scarred areas can contain soil, vegetation and woody debris, and rock that rush down canyon sides, naturally funneling into stream channels, capturing additional material in their paths, and form thick, fan-shaped deposits at canyon mouths and open areas.

Those planning to visit open areas of the forest should check the weather forecast frequently, as conditions can change in a very short timeframe.  Be aware that short intense bursts of rain may be particularly dangerous. If you observe movement of soil, debris, or flooding, move to higher ground immediately. If you hear sounds such as trees cracking, or boulders knocking together, move to higher ground immediately. Be especially alert while driving. Embankments along roadsides are susceptible to landslides.

Current conditions can be obtained by contacting the North Kaibab Ranger District at 928-660-3913 or checking the Kaibab National Forest website, www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab.  Additional forest information is also available through Twitter www.twitter.com/KaibabNF, Facebook www.facebook.com/KaibabNF, and Flickr bit.ly/KaibabNFPhotos.