Arizona Emergency Information Network
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued a PM2.5 High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for Saturday, December 21 and Sunday, December 22.
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued a PM2.5 High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for Saturday, December 21 and Sunday, December 22.
Take Action
- Eliminate wood burning in fireplaces, stoves, chimeneas, and outdoor fire pits.
- Convert your wood burning fireplace to natural gas or propane. Check if you are eligible to receive up to $2,000 to upgrade your fireplace to natural gas by visiting Maricopa.gov/AQ.
- Drive less, carpool, use public transit, or telework. For information on transportation alternatives, visit ShareTheRide.com.
- Avoid using leaf blowers. Use a rake or broom to keep debris out of the road and away from storm drains, ditches, and streams.
- Use electric lawn and garden equipment. Check if you are eligible to receive up to $200 to replace gasoline powered lawn equipment by visiting Maricopa.gov/AQ.
- Reduce your wait time in long drive-thru lines. Park your vehicle and walk inside at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, curbside pick-ups, and banks.
- Fuel your vehicle after dark or during cooler evening hours.
- Use low-VOC (volatile organic compound) or water-based paints, stains, finishes, and paint strippers.
- Delay large painting projects until HPAs have passed.
- Properly seal household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals, and other solvents to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air.
HPA Restrictions
- Wood burning in residential fireplaces, chimeneas, outdoor fire pits, and similar outdoor fires is prohibited in Maricopa County. This includes individuals and businesses which have burn permits for open burning.
- Employees and contractors of government entities are prohibited from operating leaf blowers. Residents are encouraged to avoid leaf blowing.
- Off-road vehicles are prohibited from being used.
Transportation Coordinators
Due to unhealthy levels of particulate matter, all Transportation Coordinators are requested to email employees and activate your HPA plans. The department encourages the use of alternative modes of transportation, especially when pollution levels are expected to be on the rise.
PM2.5 is fine particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter that result from fuel combustion from motor vehicles, power generation, and industrial facilities, as well as from residential fireplaces and wood stoves.
"High Pollution Advisory" or "HPA" means the highest concentration of pollution may exceed the federal health standard. Active children, adults, and people with lung disease such as asthma should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
Source Maricopa County Air Quality Department Fri, 12/20/2024 - 09:53 Keyword high pollution advisory Air Quality */ /*-->*/Horton Fire Update, SET status in place, Community Meeting tonight in Payson
Community Meeting in Payson today at 6:00 pm.
Highlights: The Horton Fire is currently at 520 acres, 0% containment and 140 personnel.
An in-person community meeting is scheduled for at 6 p.m. today, Friday, Dec. 20, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, located at 546 W Ashby Apple Dr., Payson, AZ 85541. Please note that this meeting will not be live-streamed.
Operations: Fire activity moderated yesterday, resulting in minimal growth.
Today, firefighters will monitor activity and continue prepping along Forest Road 300, conducting hand ignitions as needed above the Western Fork of East Horton Creek. Crews will also begin assessing the area along State Route 260 and the powerline corridor toward Christopher Creek.
Weather: Long term forecasts call for dry conditions through Christmas Day with relative humidity in the low teens, temperature range of 30s to 60s and light winds.
Closures: An emergency closure order for the Horton Fire is in effect from Dec. 18, 2024, to Jan. 31, 2025. The public is asked to avoid the fire area. The purpose of the closure order is to protect public health and safety during the Horton Fire, and to protect assigned firefighting personnel engaging in wildland firefighting operations. Please visit the Alerts and Notices page for more information, https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices.
Safety: The communities of Tonto Creek Estates, Tonto Christian Camp, Tonto Fish Hatchery, and Zane Grey Cabins remain in SET evacuation status. The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Members of the public are asked to avoid the fire area.
Smoke: Smoke from the Horton Fire may be visible in the surrounding areas for many days. Smoke will be heavier in the mornings as it settles into the lower elevations and will lift as temperatures increase. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Learn more about smoke impacts on the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality website at https://www.azdeq.gov/.
Fire details
- Start Date: December 14, 2024
- Location: Payson Ranger District, Arizona
- Size: 520 acres
- Cause: Under Investigation
- Containment: 0%
- Total personnel: 140
- Fuels: Ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, chapparal
Information information:
- Tonto National Forest https://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto
- InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/aztnf-horton-fire-2024
- Fire Email: [email protected]
- Fire Information Line: (602)-551-7327
- Office Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Source Tonto National Forest Fri, 12/20/2024 - 09:55 Keyword Horton Fire wildfire smoke SET status Ready Set Go! community meeting Tonto National Forest emergency closure Arizona Department of Environmental Quality ADEQ */ /*-->*/
Horton Fire grows to 500 acres with 0% Containment; SET evacuations remain in place
Firefighters battle steep, rugged terrain as the Horton Fire swells to 500 acres, prompting SET evacuation alerts and an emergency closure in Tonto National Forest.
Highlights: The Horton Fire is currently at 500 acres, 0% containment and 122 personnel.
On Wednesday, firefighters responded to a 10-acre spot fire across Highline Trail, west of Horton
Springs. Ground and air resources worked to contain the spot fire quickly and successfully. The east
flank of the fire remains very active, burning in steep and rugged terrain in a remote portion of the
Mogollon Rim. Additionally, an Emergency Closure Order is in place on the Tonto National Forest
and the communities of Tonto Creek Estates, Tonto Christian Camp, Tonto Fish Hatchery, and Zane
Grey Cabins remain in SET evacuation status.
Operations: Today, crews will prep along Horton Trail and continue holding existing fireline while
scouting for additional contingency line opportunities. Firefighters are also cold trailing where needed,
which is the process of identifying any remaining hot spots and digging them out to ensure the fire is
completely out. The fire continues to be a full suppression fire where we have the highest likelihood of
success.
Temperatures will remain above average today, ranging from the mid-30s to upper-60s and smoke may
also impact local communities and roadways. Residents and travelers are encouraged to maintain
awareness as warm, dry and smoky conditions persist throughout the week. As a reminder, an in-person community meeting is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 20, at 6 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, located at 546 W Ashby Apple Dr., Payson, AZ 85541. Please note that this meeting will not be live-streamed.
Weather: Long term forecasts call for dry conditions through Christmas Day with relative humidity in
the low teens, temperature range of 30s to 60s and light winds.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low ranging from 25-30 degrees. North/northeast winds at 10mph.
Closures: An emergency closure order for the Horton Fire is in effect from Dec. 18, 2024 to Jan. 31, 2025. The public is asked to avoid the fire area. The purpose of the closure order is to protect public health and safety during the Horton Fire, and to protect assigned firefighting personnel engaging in wildland firefighting operations. Please visit the Alerts and Notices page for more information. https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices.
Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Members of the
public are asked to avoid the fire area.
Smoke: Smoke from the Horton Fire may be visible in the surrounding areas for many days. Smoke will
be heavier in the mornings as it settles into the lower elevations and will lift as temperatures increase.
Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to
take precautionary measures. Learn more about smoke impacts on the Arizona Department of
Environmental Quality website.
Size: 500 acres
Start Date: December 14, 2024
Cause: Under investigation
Completion: 0%
Total personnel: 122
Location: Payson Ranger District, Arizona
Fuels: Ponderosa Pine, Ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, chapparal
Information Links and Contacts:
Tonto National Forest https://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto.
InciWeb https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/aztnf-horton-fire-2024
Fire Email [email protected]
Fire Information Line (602)-551-7327 • Office Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Source Tonto National Forest Thu, 12/19/2024 - 11:26 Keyword Horton Fire wildfire Tonto National Forest 500 acres containment evacuation SET status emergency closure firefighting efforts Mogollon Rim */ /*-->*/Phoenix Air Quality Index reaches Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups today
Alert: PM10 and PM2.5 High Pollution Advisories in effect for Phoenix on Thursday, December 19, 2024
Forecast Discussion
Unfortunately, PM10 and PM2.5 reached the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) AQI category again yesterday. Today, we expect similar weather conditions. As a result, there is potential for both pollutants to reach the USG category again today. Therefore, we are issuing a PM10 and PM2.5 High Pollution Advisory for today.
For Friday and through the weekend, we expect PM10 to drop back down into the Moderate AQI category with less dust-generating work activities. However, PM2.5 is forecast to remain elevated due to a likely increase in fireplace usage. Therefore, we do have a PM2.5 High Pollution Advisory in effect for Friday, and High Pollution Watches for Saturday and Sunday.
A small trough moving through the area on Monday will hopefully be enough to keep PM10 and PM2.5 in the Moderate AQI category. As for ozone, it is forecast to stay in the Good range through the entire forecast period.
Ozone and Your Health
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 to ozone 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, 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
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued a High Pollution Advisory for Thursday and Friday
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued a PM2.5 High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for Thursday, December 19 and Friday, December 20.
Take Action
- Eliminate wood burning in fireplaces, stoves, chimeneas, and outdoor fire pits.
- Convert your wood burning fireplace to natural gas or propane. Check if you are eligible to receive up to $2,000 to upgrade your fireplace to natural gas by visiting Maricopa.gov/AQ.
- Drive less, carpool, use public transit, or telework. For information on transportation alternatives, visit ShareTheRide.com.
- Avoid using leaf blowers. Use a rake or broom to keep debris out of the road and away from storm drains, ditches, and streams.
- Use electric lawn and garden equipment. Check if you are eligible to receive up to $200 to replace gasoline powered lawn equipment by visiting Maricopa.gov/AQ.
- Reduce your wait time in long drive-thru lines. Park your vehicle and walk inside at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, curbside pick-ups, and banks.
- Fuel your vehicle after dark or during cooler evening hours.
- Use low-VOC (volatile organic compound) or water-based paints, stains, finishes, and paint strippers.
- Delay large painting projects until HPAs have passed.
- Properly seal household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals, and other solvents to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air.
HPA Restrictions
- Wood burning in residential fireplaces, chimeneas, outdoor fire pits, and similar outdoor fires is prohibited in Maricopa County. This includes individuals and businesses which have burn permits for open burning.
- Employees and contractors of government entities are prohibited from operating leaf blowers. Residents are encouraged to avoid leaf blowing.
- Off-road vehicles are prohibited from being used.
Transportation Coordinators
Due to unhealthy levels of particulate matter, all Transportation Coordinators are requested to email employees and activate your HPA plans. The department encourages the use of alternative modes of transportation, especially when pollution levels are expected to be on the rise.
PM2.5 is fine particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter that result from fuel combustion from motor vehicles, power generation, and industrial facilities, as well as from residential fireplaces and wood stoves.
"High Pollution Advisory" or "HPA" means the highest concentration of pollution may exceed the federal health standard. Active children, adults, and people with lung disease such as asthma should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
Source Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Thu, 12/19/2024 - 09:07 Keyword pollution high pollution advisory HPA Arizona Department of Environmental Quality ADEQ transportation alternatives */ /*-->*/No Burn Day in Maricopa County on December 18
The Maricopa County Air Quality Department has declared a No Burn Day for Wednesday, December 18 due to elevated levels of PM2.5 (smoke).
Take Action
- Eliminate wood burning in fireplaces, stoves, chimeneas, and outdoor fire pits.
- Convert your wood burning fireplace to natural gas or propane. Check if you are eligible to receive up to $2,000 to upgrade your fireplace to natural gas by visiting Maricopa.gov/AQ.
- Avoid using leaf blowers. Use a rake or broom to keep debris out of the road and away from storm drains, ditches, and streams.
- Use electric lawn and garden equipment. Check if you are eligible to receive up to $200 to replace gasoline powered lawn equipment by visiting Maricopa.gov/AQ.
- Reduce your wait time in long drive-thru lines. Park your vehicle and walk inside at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, curbside pick-up, and banks.
- Fuel your vehicle after dark or during cooler evening hours.
- Use low-VOC (volatile organic compound) or water-based paints, stains, finishes, and paint strippers.
- Properly seal household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals, and other solvents to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air.
No Burn Day Restrictions
- Wood burning in residential fireplaces, chimeneas, outdoor fire pits, and similar outdoor fires is prohibited in Maricopa County. This includes individuals and businesses which have burn permits for open burning.
- Employees and contractors of government entities are prohibited from operating leaf blowers. Residents are encouraged to avoid leaf blowing.
- Off-road vehicles are prohibited from being used.
Regulated Businesses
- Businesses conducting dust-generating operations must be vigilant of their dust control measures. Workers may need to cease operating, after stabilizing disturbed areas, if water application and other dust control measures prove ineffective.
- PM10 is coarse particulate matter less than 10 micrometers in diameter that are generally emitted from sources such as vehicles traveling on unpaved roads, materials handling, and crushing and grinding operations, as well as windblown.
- PM2.5 is fine particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter that result from fuel combustion from motor vehicles, power generation, and industrial facilities, as well as from residential fireplaces and wood stoves.
SBA extends deadline in the Havasupai Tribe for disaster loans for property damage due to flooding
Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration, today informs private nonprofit organizations in the Havasupai Tribe of the Jan. 17, 2025, deadline to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for property damage caused by flooding that occurred Aug. 22-23, 2024. Private nonprofits that provide essential services of a governmental nature are eligible for assistance.
According to Sánchez, eligible private nonprofits of any size may apply for SBA federal disaster loans of up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.
“As communities across the Southeast continue to recover and rebuild after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the SBA remains focused on its mission to provide support to small businesses to help stabilize local economies, even in the face of diminished disaster funding,” said Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman. “If your business has sustained physical damage, or you’ve lost inventory, equipment or revenues, the SBA will help you navigate the resources available and work with you at our recovery centers or with our customer service specialists in person and online so you can fully submit your disaster loan application and be ready to receive financial relief as soon as funds are replenished.”
In addition, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help eligible private nonprofits meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the private nonprofit suffered any property damage. Private nonprofits have until July 25, 2025, to apply for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan.
“SBA’s disaster loan program offers an important advantage–the chance to incorporate measures that can reduce the risk of future damage,” Sánchez said. “Work with contractors and mitigation professionals to strengthen your property and take advantage of the opportunity to request additional SBA disaster loan funds for these proactive improvements.”
The interest rate is 3.25 percent with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and based on each applicant’s financial condition.
Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.
On October 15, 2024, it was announced that funds for the Disaster Loan Program have been fully expended. While no new loans can be issued until Congress appropriates additional funding, we remain committed to supporting disaster survivors. Applications will continue to be accepted and processed to ensure individuals and businesses are prepared to receive assistance once funding becomes available.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their loan applications promptly for review in anticipation of future funding.
Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
SBA extends deadline in the Havasupai Tribe for disaster loans for property damage due to flooding
Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration, today informs private nonprofit organizations in the Havasupai Tribe of the Jan. 17, 2025, deadline to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for property damage caused by flooding that occurred Aug. 22-23, 2024. Private nonprofits that provide essential services of a governmental nature are eligible for assistance.
According to Sánchez, eligible private nonprofits of any size may apply for SBA federal disaster loans of up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.
“As communities across the Southeast continue to recover and rebuild after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the SBA remains focused on its mission to provide support to small businesses to help stabilize local economies, even in the face of diminished disaster funding,” said Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman. “If your business has sustained physical damage, or you’ve lost inventory, equipment or revenues, the SBA will help you navigate the resources available and work with you at our recovery centers or with our customer service specialists in person and online so you can fully submit your disaster loan application and be ready to receive financial relief as soon as funds are replenished.”
In addition, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help eligible private nonprofits meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the private nonprofit suffered any property damage. Private nonprofits have until July 25, 2025, to apply for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan.
“SBA’s disaster loan program offers an important advantage–the chance to incorporate measures that can reduce the risk of future damage,” Sánchez said. “Work with contractors and mitigation professionals to strengthen your property and take advantage of the opportunity to request additional SBA disaster loan funds for these proactive improvements.”
The interest rate is 3.25 percent with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and based on each applicant’s financial condition.
Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.
On October 15, 2024, it was announced that funds for the Disaster Loan Program have been fully expended. While no new loans can be issued until Congress appropriates additional funding, we remain committed to supporting disaster survivors. Applications will continue to be accepted and processed to ensure individuals and businesses are prepared to receive assistance once funding becomes available.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their loan applications promptly for review in anticipation of future funding.
Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Source Small Business Adinistration Tue, 12/17/2024 - 08:45 Keyword Small Business Administration SBA federal disaster loan disaster loan program property damage flooding damage Economic Injury Disaster Loans economic injury */ /*-->*/Prescribed burned planned north of Flagstaff next week
The Coconino National Forest plans to begin work on a highly visible prescribed burn project north of Flagstaff next week.
For the latest information at any time of the day, details and updates about all prescribed burn projects can be found on the Coconino NF Prescribed Burn Projects InciWeb page, which is updated any time new information is available
Horseshoe (Kendrick Project Area)
- Dates: Dec. 17-18
- Location: Flagstaff Ranger District. Located northwest of Flagstaff, roughly 13 miles north of Bellemont.
- Size: 715 acres
- Type of Burn: Broadcast maintenance burn. Broadcast burning means firefighters will spread the fire across the landscape using drip torches, effectively 'broadcasting' the fire with low intensity across the landscape. Maintenance burns usually mean wildfire has recently been through the area, which tends to mean less smoke since forest fuels will not be as thick or built up over time.
- Smoke Impacts: Smoke will be highly noticeable from Flagstaff. Smoke impacts to U.S. Route 180 are expected during ignitions and overnight. Electronic signs will be placed on either side of the predicted smoke impact areas to alert motorists. Smoke is expected to rise and travel to the northeast during ignitions, and then to travel southwest overnight. Smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight.
- Why: This prescribed burn will reduce hazardous fuels in the area. By reducing hazardous fuels, such as pine litter and dried needlecast, during times of cooler weather and lower winds, fire managers can create a buffer zone to help safeguard nearby communities and infrastructure from the risk of catastrophic wildfire during peak wildfire season.
- Notes: No formal closure orders will be issued, but members of the public are asked to avoid the fire area.
SMOKE IMPACTS
Fire managers take air quality concerns seriously and seek to minimize smoke impacts to the greatest extent possible. Despite the benefits of prescribed burns, we are aware that members of the community can be sensitive to the smoke produced. We coordinate closely with partners to keep communities informed about projects and potential smoke, as well as try to mitigate impacts to communities as much as possible. One tool to use to track air quality and smoke impacts is fire.airnow.gov.
A new Smoke Complaint Hotline has been established for the public at 928-226-4608 for the public to leave their name and number if they would like to speak to fire leadership regarding smoke impacts and prescribed burn concerns.
Source Coconino National Forest Fri, 12/13/2024 - 16:21 Keyword Coconino National Forest horseshoe kendrick project area */ /*-->*/Prescribed burn planned north of Flagstaff next week
The Coconino National Forest plans to begin work on a highly visible prescribed burn project north of Flagstaff next week.
For the latest information at any time of the day, details and updates about all prescribed burn projects can be found on the Coconino NF Prescribed Burn Projects InciWeb page, which is updated any time new information is available.
Horseshoe (Kendrick Project Area)
Dates: Dec. 17-18
Location: Flagstaff Ranger District. Located northwest of Flagstaff, roughly 13 miles north of Bellemont.
Size: 715 acres
Type of Burn: Broadcast maintenance burn. Broadcast burning means firefighters will spread the fire across the landscape using drip torches, effectively 'broadcasting' the fire with low intensity across the landscape. Maintenance burns usually mean wildfire has recently been through the area, which tends to mean less smoke since forest fuels will not be as thick or built up over time.
Smoke Impacts: Smoke will be highly noticeable from Flagstaff. Smoke impacts to U.S. Route 180 are expected during ignitions and overnight. Electronic signs will be placed on either side of the predicted smoke impact areas to alert motorists. Smoke is expected to rise and travel to the northeast during ignitions, and then to travel southwest overnight. Smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight.
Why: This prescribed burn will reduce hazardous fuels in the area. By reducing hazardous fuels, such as pine litter and dried needlecast, during times of cooler weather and lower winds, fire managers can create a buffer zone to help safeguard nearby communities and infrastructure from the risk of catastrophic wildfire during peak wildfire season.
Notes: No formal closure orders will be issued, but members of the public are asked to avoid the fire area.
SMOKE IMPACTS
Fire managers take air quality concerns seriously and seek to minimize smoke impacts to the greatest extent possible. Despite the benefits of prescribed burns, we are aware that members of the community can be sensitive to the smoke produced. We coordinate closely with partners to keep communities informed about projects and potential smoke, as well as try to mitigate impacts to communities as much as possible. One tool to use to track air quality and smoke impacts is fire.airnow.gov.
A new Smoke Complaint Hotline has been established for the public at 928-226-4608 for the public to leave their name and number if they would like to speak to fire leadership regarding smoke impacts and prescribed burn concerns.
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued a PM2.5 High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for Saturday
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued a PM2.5 High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for Saturday, December 14.
Take Action
- Eliminate wood burning in fireplaces, stoves, chimeneas, and outdoor fire pits.
- Convert your wood burning fireplace to natural gas or propane. Check if you are eligible to receive up to $2,000 to upgrade your fireplace to natural gas by visiting Maricopa.gov/AQ.
- Drive less, carpool, use public transit, or telework. For information on transportation alternatives, visit ShareTheRide.com.
- Avoid using leaf blowers. Use a rake or broom to keep debris out of the road and away from storm drains, ditches, and streams.
- Use electric lawn and garden equipment. Check if you are eligible to receive up to $200 to replace gasoline powered lawn equipment by visiting Maricopa.gov/AQ.
- Reduce your wait time in long drive-thru lines. Park your vehicle and walk inside at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, curbside pick-ups, and banks.
- Fuel your vehicle after dark or during cooler evening hours.
- Use low-VOC (volatile organic compound) or water-based paints, stains, finishes, and paint strippers.
- Delay large painting projects until HPAs have passed.
- Properly seal household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals, and other solvents to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air.
HPA Restrictions
- Wood burning in residential fireplaces, chimeneas, outdoor fire pits, and similar outdoor fires is prohibited in Maricopa County. This includes individuals and businesses which have burn permits for open burning.
- Employees and contractors of government entities are prohibited from operating leaf blowers. Residents are encouraged to avoid leaf blowing.
- Off-road vehicles are prohibited from being used.
Transportation Coordinators
Due to unhealthy levels of particulate matter, all Transportation Coordinators are requested to email employees and activate your HPA plans. The department encourages the use of alternative modes of transportation, especially when pollution levels are expected to be on the rise.
PM2.5 is fine particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter that result from fuel combustion from motor vehicles, power generation, and industrial facilities, as well as from residential fireplaces and wood stoves.
"High Pollution Advisory" or "HPA" means the highest concentration of pollution may exceed the federal health standard. Active children, adults, and people with lung disease such as asthma should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
Source Maricopa County Air Quality Department Fri, 12/13/2024 - 08:40 Keyword Air Quality Maricopa County Air Quality HPA HPA */ /*-->*/The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued a PM2.5 High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for Saturday, December 14
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued a PM2.5 High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for Saturday, December 14.
Take Action
- Eliminate wood burning in fireplaces, stoves, chimeneas, and outdoor fire pits.
- Convert your wood burning fireplace to natural gas or propane. Check if you are eligible to receive up to $2,000 to upgrade your fireplace to natural gas by visiting Maricopa.gov/AQ.
- Drive less, carpool, use public transit, or telework. For information on transportation alternatives, visit ShareTheRide.com.
- Avoid using leaf blowers. Use a rake or broom to keep debris out of the road and away from storm drains, ditches, and streams.
- Use electric lawn and garden equipment. Check if you are eligible to receive up to $200 to replace gasoline powered lawn equipment by visiting Maricopa.gov/AQ.
- Reduce your wait time in long drive-thru lines. Park your vehicle and walk inside at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, curbside pick-ups, and banks.
- Fuel your vehicle after dark or during cooler evening hours.
- Use low-VOC (volatile organic compound) or water-based paints, stains, finishes, and paint strippers.
- Delay large painting projects until HPAs have passed.
- Properly seal household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals, and other solvents to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air.
HPA Restrictions
- Wood burning in residential fireplaces, chimeneas, outdoor fire pits, and similar outdoor fires is prohibited in Maricopa County. This includes individuals and businesses which have burn permits for open burning.
- Employees and contractors of government entities are prohibited from operating leaf blowers. Residents are encouraged to avoid leaf blowing.
- Off-road vehicles are prohibited from being used.
Transportation Coordinators
Due to unhealthy levels of particulate matter, all Transportation Coordinators are requested to email employees and activate your HPA plans. The department encourages the use of alternative modes of transportation, especially when pollution levels are expected to be on the rise.
PM2.5 is fine particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter that result from fuel combustion from motor vehicles, power generation, and industrial facilities, as well as from residential fireplaces and wood stoves.
"High Pollution Advisory" or "HPA" means the highest concentration of pollution may exceed the federal health standard. Active children, adults, and people with lung disease such as asthma should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
Continuing Prescribed Fire Activity Planned on the Lakeside Ranger District, Bear Burn Unit
Fire managers plan to continue prescribed fire operations on the Lakeside Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests beginning December 16 through December 20, 2024, as weather and vegetation conditions allow for successful operations.
- The Bear burn unit is 973 acres and is 3 miles southwest of Linden, Arizona. The project unit is within Forest Road 300, Forest Road 131, Forest Road 131A, Forest Road 9809L, Forest Road 9809R, Forest Road 143.
This landscape treatment is a cooperative effort with Arizona Game and Fish Department, Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, and Pinedale/Clay Springs Fire Department.
The objective of this prescribed fire project is to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations, minimize the risk of high-severity wildfires, and return the landscape to a more fire-resistant condition, aligning with the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy. The Forest Service's 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy aims to reduce wildfire risk to people, communities, and natural resources while sustaining and restoring healthy, resilient fire-adapted forests.
Smoke may be visible from the City of Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, Communities of Pinedale, Clay Springs, and Linden, and along Highways 60, 77 and 260. Smoke could last for several days after initial ignitions take place, but should be significantly less each day afterwards. We recognize that smoke can impact residents, visitors, and our fire personnel. We will continue to coordinate closely with our partners and communities to minimize smoke impacts as much as possible. The department’s Air Quality Division: Smoke Management webpage provides details about its air quality program. When smoke impacts are present, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality recommends that smoke sensitive individuals should reduce physical activity and stay indoors with windows and doors closed. For those who are unable to avoid smoke exposure, use of a particulate-filtering respirator mask can help. Real-time mapping of smoke and other air quality impacts is available at fire.airnow.gov.
Visit the A-S National Forests website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf and follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs.
Continuing Prescribed Fire Activity Planned on the Lakeside Ranger District, Bear Burn Unit
Fire managers plan to continue prescribed fire operations on the Lakeside Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests beginning December 16 through December 20, 2024, as weather and vegetation conditions allow for successful operations.
- The Bear burn unit is 973 acres and is 3 miles southwest of Linden, Arizona. The project unit is within Forest Road 300, Forest Road 131, Forest Road 131A, Forest Road 9809L, Forest Road 9809R, Forest Road 143.
This landscape treatment is a cooperative effort with Arizona Game and Fish Department, Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, and Pinedale/Clay Springs Fire Department.
The objective of this prescribed fire project is to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations, minimize the risk of high-severity wildfires, and return the landscape to a more fire-resistant condition, aligning with the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy. The Forest Service's 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy aims to reduce wildfire risk to people, communities, and natural resources while sustaining and restoring healthy, resilient fire-adapted forests.
Smoke may be visible from the City of Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, Communities of Pinedale, Clay Springs, and Linden, and along Highways 60, 77 and 260. Smoke could last for several days after initial ignitions take place, but should be significantly less each day afterwards. We recognize that smoke can impact residents, visitors, and our fire personnel. We will continue to coordinate closely with our partners and communities to minimize smoke impacts as much as possible. The department’s Air Quality Division: Smoke Management webpage provides details about its air quality program. When smoke impacts are present, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality recommends that smoke sensitive individuals should reduce physical activity and stay indoors with windows and doors closed. For those who are unable to avoid smoke exposure, use of a particulate-filtering respirator mask can help. Real-time mapping of smoke and other air quality impacts is available at fire.airnow.gov.
Visit the A-S National Forests website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf and follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs.
Source Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Thu, 12/12/2024 - 11:00 Keyword Prescribed Fire smoke Lakeside Ranger District Bear burn unit Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Arizona Game and Fish Department AZDFG Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management DFFM Arizona Department of Environmental Quality ADEQ */ /*-->*/The Maricopa County Air Quality Department has declared a No Burn Day for Thursday, December 12 due to elevated levels of PM10 (dust).
The Maricopa County Air Quality Department has declared a No Burn Day for Thursday, December 12 due to elevated levels of PM10 (dust)
Take Action
- Eliminate wood burning in fireplaces, stoves, chimeneas, and outdoor fire pits.
- Convert your wood burning fireplace to natural gas or propane. Check if you are eligible to receive up to $2,000 to upgrade your fireplace to natural gas by visiting Maricopa.gov/AQ.
- Avoid using leaf blowers. Use a rake or broom to keep debris out of the road and away from storm drains, ditches, and streams.
- Use electric lawn and garden equipment. Check if you are eligible to receive up to $200 to replace gasoline powered lawn equipment by visiting Maricopa.gov/AQ.
- Reduce your wait time in long drive-thru lines. Park your vehicle and walk inside at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, curbside pick-up, and banks.
- Fuel your vehicle after dark or during cooler evening hours.
- Use low-VOC (volatile organic compound) or water-based paints, stains, finishes, and paint strippers.
- Properly seal household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals, and other solvents to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air.
No Burn Day Restrictions
- Wood burning in residential fireplaces, chimeneas, outdoor fire pits, and similar outdoor fires is prohibited in Maricopa County. This includes individuals and businesses which have burn permits for open burning.
- Employees and contractors of government entities are prohibited from operating leaf blowers. Residents are encouraged to avoid leaf blowing.
- Off-road vehicles are prohibited from being used.
Regulated Businesses
Businesses conducting dust-generating operations must be vigilant of their dust control measures. Workers may need to cease operating, after stabilizing disturbed areas, if water application and other dust control measures prove ineffective.
PM10 is coarse particulate matter less than 10 micrometers in diameter that are generally emitted from sources such as vehicles traveling on unpaved roads, materials handling, and crushing and grinding operations, as well as windblown.
PM2.5 is fine particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter that result from fuel combustion from motor vehicles, power generation, and industrial facilities, as well as from residential fireplaces and wood stoves.
The Maricopa County Air Quality Department has declared a No Burn Day for Thursday, December 12 due to elevated levels of PM10 (dust)
The Maricopa County Air Quality Department has declared a No Burn Day for Thursday, December 12 due to elevated levels of PM10 (dust)
Take Action
- Eliminate wood burning in fireplaces, stoves, chimeneas, and outdoor fire pits.
- Convert your wood burning fireplace to natural gas or propane. Check if you are eligible to receive up to $2,000 to upgrade your fireplace to natural gas by visiting Maricopa.gov/AQ.
- Avoid using leaf blowers. Use a rake or broom to keep debris out of the road and away from storm drains, ditches, and streams.
- Use electric lawn and garden equipment. Check if you are eligible to receive up to $200 to replace gasoline powered lawn equipment by visiting Maricopa.gov/AQ.
- Reduce your wait time in long drive-thru lines. Park your vehicle and walk inside at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, curbside pick-up, and banks.
- Fuel your vehicle after dark or during cooler evening hours.
- Use low-VOC (volatile organic compound) or water-based paints, stains, finishes, and paint strippers.
- Properly seal household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals, and other solvents to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air.
No Burn Day Restrictions
- Wood burning in residential fireplaces, chimeneas, outdoor fire pits, and similar outdoor fires is prohibited in Maricopa County. This includes individuals and businesses which have burn permits for open burning.
- Employees and contractors of government entities are prohibited from operating leaf blowers. Residents are encouraged to avoid leaf blowing.
- Off-road vehicles are prohibited from being used.
Regulated Businesses
Businesses conducting dust-generating operations must be vigilant of their dust control measures. Workers may need to cease operating, after stabilizing disturbed areas, if water application and other dust control measures prove ineffective.
PM10 is coarse particulate matter less than 10 micrometers in diameter that are generally emitted from sources such as vehicles traveling on unpaved roads, materials handling, and crushing and grinding operations, as well as windblown.
PM2.5 is fine particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter that result from fuel combustion from motor vehicles, power generation, and industrial facilities, as well as from residential fireplaces and wood stoves.
Source Maricopa County Air Quality Department Thu, 12/12/2024 - 08:00 Keyword No Burn Day elevated levels of PM10 Maricopa County Maricopa County Air Quality Department dust control dust control measures */ /*-->*/Animals Identified with Avian Flu in Maricopa County
Spread from animals to humans is unlikely; overall risk to community members remains low
Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) is working closely with state and federal partners to respond to detection of avian influenza in a small number of animals that are part of a zoo collection in Litchfield Park. Overall risk to the public and zoo visitors remains low.
The Wildlife World Zoo identified ill animals and brought them into the Arizona Department of Agriculture to conduct testing. Test results indicated that these animals were likely ill from H5N1 avian flu, which was first seen in wild birds in the United States in 2015. MCDPH is working with the zoo to identify and contact staff and volunteers who are considered to be at higher risk from close, prolonged contact with the infected animals.
“People who have job-related exposures to infected animals, especially close prolonged exposure, are at higher risk of infection,” said Dr. Nick Staab, assistant medical director at MCDPH. “Public health’s recommendations are intended to reduce the risk to those who have had direct contact with infected animals and to prevent further exposure,” added Dr. Staab.
In addition to MCDPH providing monitoring and post-exposure prophylaxis (i.e., steps to prevent illness once exposed) to staff and volunteers with close contact to sick animals, Wildlife World Zoo has also put guest activities with direct animal contact on hold temporarily. The zoo is implementing other increased health and safety precautions to protect animals, staff and guests, until animal health improves. Upon detection of the virus, the zoo started implementing the following measures:
- Isolation and Quarantine
- Immediate isolation of infected or exposed animals to prevent further spread.
- Quarantine of potentially-exposed animals, especially other avian species.
- Enhanced Biosecurity
- Restricting access to affected areas, allowing only essential personnel in protective gear (e.g., masks, gloves, coveralls, and boot covers).
- Disinfecting enclosures, tools, and equipment used in affected areas.
- Implementing footbaths or mats with disinfectant at entry points to enclosures.
- Monitoring and Testing
- Conducting health checks on all birds and other susceptible species.
- Testing birds for signs of illness or viral presence, both within and beyond the affected enclosure.
- Monitoring zookeepers and staff who have had close contact with infected animals for symptoms.
"While we are deeply saddened to report the loss of a few cherished animals, we are grateful that the impact was limited thanks to our swift response, robust biosecurity protocols, and the invaluable support of Maricopa County Department of Public Health and state and federal agencies,” said Kristy Hayden, president of Wildlife World Zoo. “Our team worked diligently to contain the situation, and we remain committed to the health and safety of our animals, staff, and visitors."
Avian influenza H5 is a novel influenza A virus that primarily affects birds. It has previously been detected in Arizona, including a commercial poultry farm in Pinal County and a backyard flock in Maricopa County.
Although human infections with H5 are rare, most human infections have occurred after unprotected exposure to sick or dead infected animals or their environment. H5 infection in people can range from mild (upper respiratory symptoms, conjunctivitis/pink eye) to severe (pneumonia, multi-organ failure, and death). There is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission of H5, and the overall risk to the general public remains low.
To reduce the risk of infection, people should not consume unpasteurized (raw) dairy products and should avoid unprotected contact with sick or dead animals and their droppings or bedding. Anyone who suspects poultry to have bird flu should call the USDA’s sick bird hotline at 866-536-7593.
MCDPH recommends general precautions to prevent the spread of flu and other respiratory viruses that commonly spread at this time of year. People can reduce their risk of illness with basic steps:
- Practice good hand hygiene, which includes hand washing and using hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
- Get your seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
- Seasonal flu vaccination will not prevent infection with bird flu viruses but can reduce the risk of getting sick with human influenza viruses and thus the risk for seasonal and bird flu co-infection.
- Seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at reducing severity of symptoms, and they also reduce the likelihood of getting infected with flu or COVID-19.
- Talk with your healthcare provider about other vaccines that are recommended for certain groups, such as the RSV vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine.
- Stay home and away from others if you are sick.
- If symptoms worsen or you are at higher risk of severe illness, contact your medical provider. Consider wearing a mask if you seek healthcare for your symptoms.
“We are in the middle of flu season, with other viruses like COVID-19 circulating as well, so people should stay watchful, especially with the holidays upon us,” added Dr. Staab. It takes about two weeks for your body to build immunity from a flu shot, so now is a good time to get one ahead of holiday and other social gatherings.
Source Maricopa County Department of Public Health Wed, 12/11/2024 - 14:33 Keyword avian flu H5 avian flu Avian Influenza bird flu Maricopa County Department of Public Maricopa County Arizona Department of Agriculture AZDA */ /*-->*/Animals Identified with Avian Flu in Maricopa County
Spread from animals to humans is unlikely; overall risk to community members remains low
Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) is working closely with state and federal partners to respond to detection of avian influenza in a small number of animals that are part of a zoo collection in Litchfield Park. Overall risk to the public and zoo visitors remains low.
The Wildlife World Zoo identified ill animals and brought them into the Arizona Department of Agriculture to conduct testing. Test results indicated that these animals were likely ill from H5N1 avian flu, which was first seen in wild birds in the United States in 2015. MCDPH is working with the zoo to identify and contact staff and volunteers who are considered to be at higher risk from close, prolonged contact with the infected animals.
“People who have job-related exposures to infected animals, especially close prolonged exposure, are at higher risk of infection,” said Dr. Nick Staab, assistant medical director at MCDPH. “Public health’s recommendations are intended to reduce the risk to those who have had direct contact with infected animals and to prevent further exposure,” added Dr. Staab.
In addition to MCDPH providing monitoring and post-exposure prophylaxis (i.e., steps to prevent illness once exposed) to staff and volunteers with close contact to sick animals, Wildlife World Zoo has also put guest activities with direct animal contact on hold temporarily. The zoo is implementing other increased health and safety precautions to protect animals, staff and guests, until animal health improves. Upon detection of the virus, the zoo started implementing the following measures:
- Isolation and Quarantine
- Immediate isolation of infected or exposed animals to prevent further spread.
- Quarantine of potentially-exposed animals, especially other avian species.
- Enhanced Biosecurity
- Restricting access to affected areas, allowing only essential personnel in protective gear (e.g., masks, gloves, coveralls, and boot covers).
- Disinfecting enclosures, tools, and equipment used in affected areas.
- Implementing footbaths or mats with disinfectant at entry points to enclosures.
- Monitoring and Testing
- Conducting health checks on all birds and other susceptible species.
- Testing birds for signs of illness or viral presence, both within and beyond the affected enclosure.
- Monitoring zookeepers and staff who have had close contact with infected animals for symptoms.
"While we are deeply saddened to report the loss of a few cherished animals, we are grateful that the impact was limited thanks to our swift response, robust biosecurity protocols, and the invaluable support of Maricopa County Department of Public Health and state and federal agencies,” said Kristy Hayden, president of Wildlife World Zoo. “Our team worked diligently to contain the situation, and we remain committed to the health and safety of our animals, staff, and visitors."
Avian influenza H5 is a novel influenza A virus that primarily affects birds. It has previously been detected in Arizona, including a commercial poultry farm in Pinal County and a backyard flock in Maricopa County.
Although human infections with H5 are rare, most human infections have occurred after unprotected exposure to sick or dead infected animals or their environment. H5 infection in people can range from mild (upper respiratory symptoms, conjunctivitis/pink eye) to severe (pneumonia, multi-organ failure, and death). There is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission of H5, and the overall risk to the general public remains low.
To reduce the risk of infection, people should not consume unpasteurized (raw) dairy products and should avoid unprotected contact with sick or dead animals and their droppings or bedding. Anyone who suspects poultry to have bird flu should call the USDA’s sick bird hotline at 866-536-7593.
MCDPH recommends general precautions to prevent the spread of flu and other respiratory viruses that commonly spread at this time of year. People can reduce their risk of illness with basic steps:
- Practice good hand hygiene, which includes hand washing and using hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
- Get your seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
- Seasonal flu vaccination will not prevent infection with bird flu viruses but can reduce the risk of getting sick with human influenza viruses and thus the risk for seasonal and bird flu co-infection.
- Seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at reducing severity of symptoms, and they also reduce the likelihood of getting infected with flu or COVID-19.
- Get your seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
- Talk with your healthcare provider about other vaccines that are recommended for certain groups, such as the RSV vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine.
- Stay home and away from others if you are sick.
- If symptoms worsen or you are at higher risk of severe illness, contact your medical provider. Consider wearing a mask if you seek healthcare for your symptoms.
“We are in the middle of flu season, with other viruses like COVID-19 circulating as well, so people should stay watchful, especially with the holidays upon us,” added Dr. Staab. It takes about two weeks for your body to build immunity from a flu shot, so now is a good time to get one ahead of holiday and other social gatherings.
H5 Avian Influenza Detected in Wastewater in Coconino County
Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) has confirmed that H5 avian influenza has been detected in wastewater sampling. The specimens were collected at the Rio De Flag Water Reclamation Plant and the Wildcat Hill Water Reclamation Plant. The source of the virus is suspected to be from chickens and wild birds, however other sources cannot be ruled out. There are no reports of human or animal H5 cases in Coconino County.
Wastewater (sewage) can be tested to detect traces of infectious diseases circulating in a community, including H5, and provides an indicator for further investigation and an opportunity to reinforce prevention measures. Wastewater sampling is routinely performed by Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) as part of ongoing statewide surveillance. Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) also detected H5 in Flagstaff wastewater and identified the presence of chicken and wild bird DNA, indicating that chickens and birds may be a source of H5 presence in the wastewater. Since there are confirmed cases of H5 infection in the state, this is expected.
There is no evidence that human-to-human transmission of H5 avian flu is occurring to date. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk to the general public from H5 remains low.
H5 is a novel influenza A virus that primarily affects birds. Although human infections with H5 are rare, exposure to animals infected with H5 or environments in which infected animals have been present increase the risk of individuals becoming infected.
Two human cases have been reported elsewhere in Arizona among those working closely with infected animals. Human infections with H5 can happen when the virus gets in a person’s eyes, nose, mouth, or is inhaled from close or prolonged exposure to sick animals or their environments.
H5 infection in people can range from mild (upper respiratory symptoms, conjunctivitis) to severe (pneumonia, multi-organ failure, and death). Individuals who develop any of these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider and mention recent exposure to birds.
H5 avian flu has been detected in birds in Arizona, including a commercial poultry farm in Pinal County and a backyard flock in Maricopa County. When looking for signs of H5 in chickens, watch for symptoms of lethargy, reduced appetite, purple discoloration or swelling of the comb, wattles, and legs, nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, reduced egg production, and soft-shelled or misshapen eggs, and sudden death with no prior signs.
CCHHS encourages residents to follow these best practices when around animals or when consuming animal products:
- People should avoid unprotected contact with sick or dead animals and their droppings or bedding.
- Residents are encouraged to report sick pets to their veterinarian. If you see signs of illness in your poultry consistent with the H5 symptoms listed above, report them immediately to USDA at the Sick Bird Hotline at 1-866-536-7593.
- Do not touch or consume raw milk or raw milk products, especially from animals with confirmed or suspected H5 infection. Pasteurized dairy products are safe to consume.
- Cook poultry, eggs, and beef to a safe internal temperature as recommended by the FDA at link to kill bacteria and viruses.
Visit coconino.az.gov/H5AvianFlu for more information.
Source Coconino County Wed, 12/11/2024 - 12:45 Keyword Avian Influenza avian flu bird flu H5 avian flu Coconino County Health and Human Services CCHHS Coconino County Poultry poultry farm Arizona Department of Health Services ADHS */ /*-->*/H5 Avian Influenza Detected in Wastewater in Coconino County
Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) has confirmed that H5 avian influenza has been detected in wastewater sampling. The specimens were collected at the Rio De Flag Water Reclamation Plant and the Wildcat Hill Water Reclamation Plant. The source of the virus is suspected to be from chickens and wild birds, however other sources cannot be ruled out. There are no reports of human or animal H5 cases in Coconino County.
Wastewater (sewage) can be tested to detect traces of infectious diseases circulating in a community, including H5, and provides an indicator for further investigation and an opportunity to reinforce prevention measures. Wastewater sampling is routinely performed by Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) as part of ongoing statewide surveillance. Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) also detected H5 in Flagstaff wastewater and identified the presence of chicken and wild bird DNA, indicating that chickens and birds may be a source of H5 presence in the wastewater. Since there are confirmed cases of H5 infection in the state, this is expected.
There is no evidence that human-to-human transmission of H5 avian flu is occurring to date. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk to the general public from H5 remains low.
H5 is a novel influenza A virus that primarily affects birds. Although human infections with H5 are rare, exposure to animals infected with H5 or environments in which infected animals have been present increase the risk of individuals becoming infected.
Two human cases have been reported elsewhere in Arizona among those working closely with infected animals. Human infections with H5 can happen when the virus gets in a person’s eyes, nose, mouth, or is inhaled from close or prolonged exposure to sick animals or their environments.
H5 infection in people can range from mild (upper respiratory symptoms, conjunctivitis) to severe (pneumonia, multi-organ failure, and death). Individuals who develop any of these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider and mention recent exposure to birds.
H5 avian flu has been detected in birds in Arizona, including a commercial poultry farm in Pinal County and a backyard flock in Maricopa County. When looking for signs of H5 in chickens, watch for symptoms of lethargy, reduced appetite, purple discoloration or swelling of the comb, wattles, and legs, nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, reduced egg production, and soft-shelled or misshapen eggs, and sudden death with no prior signs.
CCHHS encourages residents to follow these best practices when around animals or when consuming animal products:
- People should avoid unprotected contact with sick or dead animals and their droppings or bedding.
- Residents are encouraged to report sick pets to their veterinarian. If you see signs of illness in your poultry consistent with the H5 symptoms listed above, report them immediately to USDA at the Sick Bird Hotline at 1-866-536-7593.
- Do not touch or consume raw milk or raw milk products, especially from animals with confirmed or suspected H5 infection. Pasteurized dairy products are safe to consume.
- Cook poultry, eggs, and beef to a safe internal temperature as recommended by the FDA at link to kill bacteria and viruses.
Visit coconino.az.gov/H5AvianFlu for more information.
