Emergency Information
Maverick Fire Update
Update as of 5:35 pm on Friday, May 17
Location:
-
Approximately 10 miles southwest of Payson
-
Nearest town is Payson, Arizona
Start Date: Reported Thursday, May 16, 2019
Size: 3 acres
Cause: unknown
Summary: The Maverick Fire, burning on the Tonto National Forest, Payson Ranger District, grew approximately one acre overnight, and is now three acres. The fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain, so it is currently being monitored from the air. It is growing very slowly and is burning within the 2004 Willow Fire. The cause of the Maverick Fire is unknown, however there were multiple lightning strikes in the area on Sunday, May 12, 2019. There is a chance for rain in the area throughout the week, and firefighters will continue to monitor fire behavior.
Smoke may continue to be seen off to the west from Payson and by people driving on State Highway 87. Hikers on the Arizona Trail are reminded to use caution when hiking through this area.
Contact: Carrie Templin
602-225-5290
[email protected]
ADEQ Issues a High Pollution Advisory effective May 19, 2019, in the Yuma area
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for coarse particulate matter (PM-10) effective May 19, 2019 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 | https://azdeq.gov/node/5177
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)
CONTACT
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) | Provides hourly forecasts for air quality in certain areas of the state and issues HPAs or HWs when the appropriate conditions exist.
View Website > https://azdeq.gov/forecasting
Public Information Officer | 602-771-2215 (office) | 602-540-8072 (cell) | Email > [email protected]
Maverick Fire reported near Payson
Location:
- Approximately 10 miles southwest of Payson
- Nearest town is Payson, Arizona
Start Date: Reported Thursday, May 16
Size: 2 acres
Cause: Unknown
Summary: The Maverick Fire is burning near Hells Hole in the Mazatzal Wilderness.
It is creeping along the ground within the Willow Fire Scar.
Smoke may be visible from State Highway 87 (Beeline Highway) and nearby areas.
There are no structures, homes, or other developments in the area, which is in a remote area, limiting access by firefighters on the ground.
The Forest Service is monitoring the fire closely by air.
Hikers on the Arizona Trail are advised to use caution as they travel through the area.
High Pollution Advisory issued for PM-10 effective May 16 in Maricopa County
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for course particulate matter (PM-10) effective May 16, 2019 in Maricopa County. 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.
Check the Hourly Air Quality Forecast | View >
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.
- Employers and Travel Reduction Program Transportation Coordinators should activate their HPA Plans immediately.
High Pollution Advisory (HPA) | Notifies the public that the level of an air pollutant is forecast to exceed the federal health standard.
Health Watch (HW) | Notifies the public that the level of an air pollutant is forecast to approach the federal health standard.
Particulate Matter Fact Sheet | View >
Ozone Fact Sheet | View >
ADEQ Hourly Air Quality Forecast | View >
Text or Email Alerts | Subscribe >
Clean Air, Make More Mobile App
Red Cross Issues Top Memorial Day Safety Steps for Travel, Grilling
This Memorial Day, many people will be traveling, firing up the backyard grill and the American Red Cross offers a series of steps everyone can follow to safely enjoy the holiday weekend. “Everyone looks forward to having fun over Memorial Day and the Red Cross wants to make sure people know how to stay safe while enjoying the holiday,” said Jim Gilloon, Red Cross Regional Communication Manager.
HIGHWAY SAFETY: Millions of people will be on the highways over the Memorial Day weekend. The Red Cross offers these tips everyone should do to stay safe while traveling:
- Buckle seat belts, observe speed limits.
- Do not drink and drive.
- Pay full attention to the road – don’t use a cell phone to call or text.
- Have an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle.
- Clean the vehicle’s lights and windows to help the driver see, especially at night. Turn the headlights on as dusk approaches, or during inclement weather.
FIRE SAFETY: Fire Season typically begins in May.
- Avoid parking or driving through areas with grass that would touch your muffler.
- Dispose cigarettes properly
- Don’t Drag Chains—One Spark Is All It Takes.
GRILLING SAFETY: Every year people are injured while using charcoal or gas grills. Here are several steps to safely cook up treats for the backyard barbecue:
- Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
- Never grill indoors – not in the house, camper, tent, or any enclosed area.
- Make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away from the grill.
- Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.
- Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.
ADEQ issues a High Pollution Advisory for ozone effective May 14 & 15, 2019, in the Phoenix area
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for ozone effective May 14 & 15, 2019 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 | https://azdeq.gov/node/5065
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, carpool, use public transit or telecommute
- Re-fuel your vehicle in the evening
- Avoid waiting in long drive-thru lines, for example, at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants or banks – park your car and go inside
- 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!
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. | Learn More: https://azdeq.gov/AirAware
CONTACT: ADEQ Public Information Officer | 602-771-2215 (office) | 602-540-8072 (cell) | Email > [email protected]
Saguaro National Park Plans Prescribed Fire in Rincon Mountains
Fire managers at Saguaro National Park plan to conduct a prescribed burn on Mica Mountain in the Saguaro Wilderness of the Rincon Mountain District (Saguaro East) this week when conditions are favorable. Planned ignitions are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, May 14th 2019.
The Mica Bowl Prescribed Burn area is divided into several burn units. Up to 541 acres may be treated with prescribed fire. Ignitions may continue for approximately two - three days. Fire managers will only conduct the prescribed burn when environmental factors such as wind, temperature, and relative humidity are favorable. Additional information, including a map and updates will be posted on https://www.nps.gov/sagu/learn/nature/fire-updates.htm.
The following backcountry trails will be closed during prescribed burn operations: Bonita, Spud Rock, Mica Mountain, Mica Meadow, Fire Loop/Heartbreak Ridge (between the junctions of Mica Mountain (south) and Italian Spring), and the Arizona Trail / Fire Loop (between the junctions of Cowhead Saddle and Italian Spring and Cowhead Saddle to Manning Camp). Arizona Trail hikers should plan for temporary delays, however fire managers will escort Arizona Trail hikers through the Arizona Trail / Fire Loop (between the junctions of Cowhead Saddle and Italian Springs and Cowhead Saddle to Manning Camp) when it is safe to do so. Availability at the backcountry Manning Camp campground will be limited during the prescribed burn.
Due to the location of the burn on the highest peak of the Rincon Mountains, smoke will be visible from Tucson, Redington Pass, Benson, Mescal, and Happy Valley during the prescribed burn. Smoke may temporarily drift downhill overnight in the Redington Pass, Rincon Creek, and San Pedro River Valley drainages. Smoke is expected to be present on backcountry trails within the vicinity of Mica Mountain for at least a week or until significant precipitation occurs. Backcountry campers could experience light to moderate smoke with greater concentration for those camping at Manning Camp and Spud Rock campgrounds especially during the early morning hours for two to five days following the completion of prescribed fire ignitions.
Vegetation in the area is predominately ponderosa pine. Elevation in the area ranges from approximately 7,950 to 8,670 feet. Lightning-ignited fires have historically burned through the high elevation ponderosa pine forests of southeastern Arizona, but past fire suppression has created unnatural conditions with build-ups of downed trees and dense underbrush in many places. Fire managers use low to moderate intensity prescribed fires to maintain healthy forests in the Rincon Mountains and to prevent large intense wildfires.
Contacts: Ali Bickford (520) 539-8065 or Cam Juárez (520) 306-6254
Fire Information Hotline (520) 733-5150 (recorded message)
Fire Managers Plan Prescribed Fire Adjacent to Grand Canyon South Entrance Road
Grand Canyon National Park fire managers anticipate initiating prescribed pile burning this week as weather and fuel moisture conditions allow. As part of the South Rim Piles Project, they will burn 3,500 piles of woody debris east and west of South Entrance Road and south of Highway 64 (Desert View Drive) East. These 5'x5'x5' piles are comprised of slash left after mechanical thinning or cutting of trees within the 150 acre project area, and are being burned as part of a key objective of the project, which is to reduce the fuel load.
Smoke from the South Rim Piles Project will be most visible during ignition operations and will likely gradually diminish after ignitions are completed. Smoke impacts to Highway 64 should be minimal, but drivers are advised to move along the highway slowly with their lights on, avoid stopping in areas where fire personnel are working, and follow directions of signs and personnel. There are no road closures anticipated at this time. Smoke will also be visible from various locations on the North and South rims, including Grand Canyon Village. 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 firefighter and visitor safety and 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 natural and cultural resources. Information about the South Rim Piles Project can be found on Twitter @GrandCanyonNPS, on Inciweb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov, or by calling 928-638-7819 for recorded fire information. Visit https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/management/firemanagement.htm for additional information about wildland fire at Grand Canyon National Park.Public health officials urge precautions against rabies
Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) Officials are urging people to protect themselves against rabies.
CCPHSD advises individuals to seek immediate medical attention if they are bitten or have had contact with an animal suspected to have rabies. Postexposure prophylaxis, a series of injections, may be recommended to prevent disease. Once symptoms appear, rabies is fatal in humans.
Prior to symptoms appearing, Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals most often transmitted through the bite, scratch or lick of a rabid animal. Most animal rabies cases reported to the CCPHSD each year occur in wild animals like foxes and skunks.
People are urged to take the following precautions to protect from rabies:
- Avoid wildlife, especially those exhibiting unusual wildlife behaviors which can include; showing no fear of humans, aggressive behavior, staggering and/or acting sickly and nocturnal mammals active during daytime.
- Keep all pets current on vaccinations and obey leash laws.
- Always keep pets away from wild animals.
- Never pick up, touch or feed wild or unfamiliar animals, even if they do not appear sick or aggressive.
- Report any wild animal exhibiting erratic or aggressive behavior
Pet owners should seek medical care from their veterinarian and call the appropriate authorities if their pet is bitten by wildlife.
Call Coconino County Public Health Services District Animal Management at 928-679-8756. In an emergency, call 911.
For more information on rabies visit www.azhealth.gov/rabies.
Hoyle Fire crews focus on strengthening containment lines
Discovered: May 2, 2019
Location: Black Mesa Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
- Approximately 3 miles southwest of Heber Overgaard
Size: 503 acres Percent Containment: 60%
Cause: Natural Personnel Assigned: 30
Incident Commander: Joshua Salazar
Vegetation: Ponderosa Pine with a heavy dead and down component left behind by the 2002 Rodeo-Chedeski Fire.
On Saturday Fire Managers were successful in completing firing operations within pre-existing roads and natural features. The fire will continue to consume isolated pockets of unburned fuels within the interior of the fire. Smoke impacts will be reduced as fuels continue to consume and burn themselves out.
Sunday fire crews will focus on strengthening containment lines and monitoring interior pockets as they consume.
Naturally occurring fires like the Hoyle fire that ignite under favorable conditions and burn with lower intensity, are being used by fire managers to help reintroduce fire into the fire-dependent forest ecosystem. When fires burn in intervals appropriate to the ecosystem, they consume forest debris and weak vegetation which can trigger forest regeneration and help maintain native plant species and a healthy and diverse ecosystem. Reducing fine fuels and debris on the forest floor can help prevent the catastrophic losses of wildfires ignited during the hotter, drier periods.
The Hoyle Fire is visible from Arizona State Highway 260 between milepost 296 and 299 as well as Black Canyon Road/Forest Road 86 north of the Old Wilford Townsite. Motorists are asked to be aware of fire crews and drive carefully through the area without stopping within the fire zone.
Light smoke may continue to impact Heber/Overgaard into the coming week. Individuals sensitive to smoke can learn how to help protect their health by visiting the Coconino County Public Health Services District website at: http://bit.ly/SmokeHealthAwareness
Know Before You Go:
- Northeastern Arizona Public Information System: http://311info.net/ or call 311 or 928.333.3412
- Fire Restrictions and Red Flag Alerts: http://wildlandfire.az.gov/
- Wildfires Near Me: http://www.wildfiresnearme.wfmrda.com/
Hoyle Fire southwest of Heber-Overgaard 60 percent contained
Discovered: May 2, 2019 at 7:30 a.m.
Location:
- Black Mesa Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
- Navajo County, Arizona
- Approximately 3 miles southwest of Heber-Overgaard
Size: approximately 400 acres
Percent Containment: 60%
Cause: Natural
Personnel Assigned: 40
Incident Commander: Joshua Salazar
Vegetation: Ponderosa Pine with heavy dead and down component
The lightning ignited Hoyle Fire burning south of Arizona State Highway 260 approximately 3 miles southwest of Heber, Arizona has grown to roughly 400 acres. Fire Managers have utilized preexisting roads and natural features above the rugged Hoyle Canyon as fireline and have taken an active role, introducing fire within the perimeter to consume fuel in a controlled fashion when weather conditions are favorable. The fire is effectively consuming large amounts of dead and down fuel left behind by the 2002 Rodeo-Chedeski Fire and is anticipated to actively burn and reach all perimeter lines by Sunday, May 5, 2019.
The Hoyle Fire is visible from Arizona State Highway 260 between milepost 296 and 299 as well as Black Canyon Road/Forest Road 86 north of the Old Wilford Townsite. Motorists are asked to drive carefully through the area and avoid stopping within the fire zone.
Although the fire is not a threat to private property smoke may be heavy at times within the community of Heber/Overgaard and along Highway 260 between Milepost 296 and 302. Motorists are advised to drive with extreme caution within the fire area. Individuals sensitive to smoke can learn how to help protect their health by visiting the Coconino County Public Health Services District website at: http://bit.ly/SmokeHealthAwareness
Know Before You Go:
- Northeastern Arizona Public Information System: http://311info.net/ or call 311 or 928.333.3412
- Fire Restrictions and Red Flag Alerts: http://wildlandfire.az.gov/
- Wildfires Near Me: http://www.wildfiresnearme.wfmrda.com/
Health Watch issued for ozone effective May 4 in the Phoenix area
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a Health Watch (HW) for ozone effective May 4 in the Phoenix area. ADEQ recommends that people limit outdoor activity while the HW is in effect, especially children and adults with respiratory problems.
Ground level ozone forms when two types of pollutants—volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) and nitrous 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 | View >
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, carpool, use public transit or telecommute
- Re-fuel your vehicle in the evening
- Avoid waiting in long drive-thru lines, for example, at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants or banks – park your car and go inside
- 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
ADEQ issues Health Watch for ozone effective May 3, 2019, in the Phoenix area
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a Health Watch (HW) for ozone effective May 3, 2019 in the Phoenix area. ADEQ recommends that people limit outdoor activity while the HW is in effect, especially children and adults with respiratory problems.
Ground level ozone forms when two types of pollutants—volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) and nitrous 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 | View >
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, carpool, use public transit or telecommute
- Re-fuel your vehicle in the evening
- Avoid waiting in long drive-thru lines, for example, at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants or banks – park your car and go inside
- 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
Contact:
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) | Provides hourly forecasts for air quality in certain areas of the state and issues HPAs or HWs when the appropriate conditions exist.
Public Information Officer | 602-771-2215 (office) | 602-540-8072 (cell) | Email >
Public health agencies warn residents of potential exposure to measles in Arizona
The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and the Pima County Public Health Department announced today that an out-of-state visitor with measles traveled to Tucson between April 17 through 29 and may have exposed the public to the disease. The person was potentially contagious and may have exposed the public at the following locations during the listed times:
- Monday, April 29, 2019:
- Tucson International Airport, 7250 S Tucson Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85756, from 6:00 a.m. to 10:40 a.m.
“Measles is a serious and highly contagious disease that can spread quickly, so if you or your child are not vaccinated against the disease and you were at the Tucson International Airport, there is a risk of getting measles,” said Dr. Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services. “If you develop signs of measles, including high fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, or a rash, stay home and call your healthcare provider so you can schedule a time to be seen. They will let you know when to visit their office so as not to expose others in the waiting area. If you do not have a health care provider, you may need to be seen at your local hospital emergency room or urgent care center. Please call before going to let them know you may have measles.”
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Measles symptoms appear seven to 12 days after exposure but may take up to 21 days to appear. It begins with fever (101 F or higher), red, watery eyes, cough and runny nose and is followed by a rash that is red, raised, and blotchy. The rash begins on the face at the hairline and moves down the body and may last five to six days.
“We are working closely with local, state and out-of-state public health partners to make sure we quickly identify any possible exposures that may have occurred while this person was visiting Pima County,” said Marcy Flanagan, director of the Pima County Health Department. “As we see more cities and counties in the United States experience cases of vaccine preventable diseases like measles, it is of the upmost importance that we continue our work to prevent that from happening in Pima County.”
Measles can be prevented with the MMR vaccine. The vaccine protects against three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella. The CDC recommends children get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age. Teens and adults should also be up to date on their MMR vaccination. The MMR vaccine is very safe and effective.
You are immune to measles if you have received two doses of the MMR vaccines or were born before 1957 and have received one MMR vaccine. Health care providers are required to report suspected cases of measles to their local health department.
For information about measles, visit the Arizona Department of Health Services’ website at azhealth.gov/measles.
Coconino National Forest Plans Prescribed Burns This Week
- When: Anytime between April 29 to May 4 (Monday to Thursday).
- Where: Two miles east of Pine Canyon golf course and 1 mile south of the east Flagstaff Country Club subdivision. GPS: 35.1585333°, -111.5795833°
- Size: 257 acres.
- Duration: This is a one-day operation.
- Smoke Impacts: Ventilation is predicted to move smoke toward the northeast and may impact Interstate 40 east of Flagstaff. Cooling temperatures in the evenings may cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas surrounding the burn and Walnut Canyon Monument.
- Closures/Restrictions: This operation will force the rerouting of the Flagstaff Loop Trail to keep users safe. Signs will be in place to direct trail users.
- When: Anytime between April 29 to May 3 (Monday to Friday).
- Where: Approximately 10 miles north of Flagstaff. GPS: 35.5019340°, -111.8114010°
- Size: 1,190 acres.
- Duration: One-day operation.
- Smoke Impacts: Ventilation is predicted to move smoke toward the northeast. Cooling temperatures in the evenings may cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas surrounding the burn. This prescribed burn will be next to U.S. Highway 180, and motorists will see smoke, flames and encounter wildland firefighting vehicles along the roadway, so please be cautious.
- Closures/Restrictions: None.
- When: Anytime between May 1 to May 3 (Wednesday to Friday).
- Where: Eleven miles northeast of Flagstaff, near the Lava River Cave. GPS: 35.3427167°, -111.8292167° .
- Size: 1,303 acres.
- Duration: One-day operation.
- Smoke Impacts: Ventilation is predicted to move smoke toward the northeast. Cooling temperatures in the evenings may cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas surrounding the burn.
- Closures/Restrictions: For forest visitor’s safety the Lava River Cave trailhead on Forest Road 171B will be closed during the day of the prescribed burn. Smoke may impact U.S. Highway 180 and Interstate 40.
- When: May 1 to May 3 (Wednesday to Friday).
- Where: Ten miles northwest of Flagstaff and 4 miles north of Bellemont. GPS: 35.2945333°, -111.8222167°.
- Size: 1,313 acres.
- Duration: One-day operation.
- Smoke Impacts: Ventilation is predicted to move smoke toward the northeast. Cooling temperatures in the evenings may cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas surrounding the burn and the I-40 corridor near Bellemont. Smoke may impact U.S. Highway 180 and Interstate 40.
- Closures/Restrictions: None.
- When: April 30 to May 3 (Tuesday to Friday).
- Where: Twelve miles northwest of Flagstaff and 4 miles north of Bellemont. GPS: 35.2949500°, -111.8482167°.
- Size: 1,595 acres.
- Duration: One-day operation.
- Smoke Impacts: Ventilation is predicted to move smoke toward the northeast. Cooling temperatures in the evenings may cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas surrounding the burn and the I-40 corridor near Bellemont. Smoke may impact U.S. Highway 180 and Interstate 40.
- Closures/Restrictions: None.
- Coconino NF’s Twitter account
- Coconino NF public website
- Coconino NF’s Facebook page
- Sign up to receive news releases
Health Watch (HW) for ozone effective April 25 and 26 in the Tucson area
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) and Pima County of Environmental Quality are issuing a Health Watch (HW) for ozone effective April 25 and 26 in the Tucson area. ADEQ recommends that people limit outdoor activity while the HW is in effect, especially children and adults with respiratory problems.
Check the Hourly Air Quality Forecast | View >
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, carpool, use public transit or telecommute
- Re-fuel your vehicle in the evening
- Avoid waiting in long drive-thru lines, for example, at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants or banks – park your car and go inside
- 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!
- 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. | Learn More >
BACKGROUND
- High Pollution Advisory (HPA) | Notifies the public that the level of an air pollutant is forecast to exceed the federal health standard.
- Health Watch (HW) | Notifies the public that the level of an air pollutant is forecast to approach 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 >
ADEQ issues High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for ozone effective April 26, 2019, in Maricopa County
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for ozone effective April 26, 2019 in Maricopa County. 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 chemicals (VOCs) and nitrous 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 | View >
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, carpool, use public transit or telecommute
- Re-fuel your vehicle in the evening
- Avoid waiting in long drive-thru lines, for example, at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants or banks – park your car and go inside
- 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
CONTACT: ADEQ Public Information Officer | 602-771-2215 (office) | 602-540-8072 (cell) | Email >
High Pollution Advisory issued for ozone effective April 25 in Maricopa County
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for ozone effective April 25 in Maricopa County. 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 chemicals (VOCs) and nitrous 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 | View >
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, carpool, use public transit or telecommute
- Re-fuel your vehicle in the evening
- Avoid waiting in long drive-thru lines, for example, at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants or banks – park your car and go inside
- 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!
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. | Learn More >
BACKGROUND
High Pollution Advisory (HPA) | Notifies the public that the level of an air pollutant is forecast to exceed the federal health standard.
Health Watch (HW) | Notifies the public that the level of an air pollutant is forecast to approach the federal health standard.
Prescribed burn planned Wednesday south of Stoneman Lake
Coconino National Forest firefighters plan to begin a 2,000-acre prescribed burn beginning tomorrow morning several miles south of Stoneman Lake.
This burn, located approximately 3 miles south of Stoneman Lake, is part of a strategy to allow fire across the landscape in order to restore forests to healthier conditions. Frequent, low-intensity fire removes accumulated smaller fuels and recycles nutrients in the soils to promote healthy vegetation and wildlife habitat. A healthier forest is a safer forest for firefighters and residents when wildfires inevitably occur.
- Project: Upper Beaver Creek: Apache Maid
- When: April 24 and 25 (Wednesday and Thursday) beginning at approximately 9 a.m.
- Where: About 3 miles south of Stoneman Lake and 7 miles east of Interstate 17. GPS: 34.731625, -111.534452
- Size: Approximately 2,000 acres.
- Smoke Impacts: Ventilation is predicted to move smoke toward the northeast. Cooling temperatures in the evenings may cause light smoke to settle in low-lying areas such as Wet Beaver Creek, Rarick Canyon, Rattlesnake Canyon, and possible impacts to communities near Rimrock.
Prescribed burns are always dependent upon weather and wind conditions, as well as approval from Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). The public can view approved prescribed burns on ADEQ’s website at smoke.azdeq.gov. Coconino National Forest burns begin with the designation “COF.”
Notifications of upcoming prescribed burns are provided regularly by news releases throughout the season and the following online resources:
- Coconino NF’s Inciweb page
- Coconino NF’s Twitter account
- Coconino NF public website
- Coconino NF’s Facebook page
- Sign up to receive news releases
For more information about prescribed burns and the benefits of these fires across the landscape, please visit our Prescribed Burns and Smoke webpage.
ADEQ issues a Health Watch (HPA) for ozone effective April 24, 2019, in Maricopa County
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a Health Watch (HW) for ozone effective April 24, 2019, in Maricopa County. ADEQ recommends that people limit outdoor activity while the HW is in effect, especially children and adults with respiratory problems.
Ground level ozone forms when two types of pollutants—volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) and nitrous 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 | View >
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, carpool, use public transit or telecommute
- Re-fuel your vehicle in the evening
- Avoid waiting in long drive-thru lines, for example, at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants or banks – park your car and go inside
- 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
BACKGROUND
- High Pollution Advisory (HPA) | Notifies the public that the level of an air pollutant is forecast to exceed the federal health standard.
- Health Watch (HW) | Notifies the public that the level of an air pollutant is forecast to approach the federal health standard.
- Particulate Matter Fact Sheet | View >
- Ozone Fact Sheet | View >
CONTACTS
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) | Provides hourly forecasts for air quality in certain areas of the state and issues HPAs or HWs when the appropriate conditions exist.
Public Information Officer | 602-771-2215 (office) | 602-540-8072 (cell) | Email >
Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) | Regulatory agency for air quality in Maricopa County.
Bob Huhn, Public Information Officer | 602-506-6713 (office) | 602-526-7307 (cell) | Email >
Valley Metro | Eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County.
Susan Tierney, Communications Manager | 602-523-6004 (office) | Email >
