Emergency Information
Excessive Heat Warning extended to nine Arizona counties
National Weather Service has extended an Excessive Heat Warning for:
- Coconino, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, Maricopa, Pima, Pinal, Yavapai, and Yuma from 7/15/19 at 10:00 AM to 7/16/19 at 8:00 PM.
- Daytime highs are expected to be in the 108-115 degrees Fahrenheit range. Residents are advised to stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay informed.
Precautions to prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke:
- Stay in air-conditioned buildings.
- Limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day (mid-day).
- Check on at-risk friends, family, and neighbors at least twice a day.
- Drink water before, during, and after working or exercising outside.
Click here to learn more about today's heat risk map.
For additional information, please visit our Heat Safety Site which details ways to stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay informed.
Health Watch for ozone issued in the Phoenix area, effective Jul. 15, 2019
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a Health Watch (HW) for ozone effective July 15, 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 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 | 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.
Wildfire being used for restoration near Upper Lake Mary
- Discovery date: July 11, 2019.
- Cause: Lightning.
- Origin location: Approximately 15 miles southeast of Flagstaff (Latitude/Longitude:35° 1.342N, 111° 31.502W).
- Current size: 13 acres.
- Current resources: Two engines, a crew, a dozer and overhead personnel. Total personnel: approximately 30.
- Predicted smoke impacts: Expect smoke production to increase over the next few days. Significant smoke may impact Lake Mary Road south of Flagstaff to Mormon Lake. The smoke may be seen by people in Flagstaff, boaters and motorists near Lake Mary. Smoke will likely impact areas of Walnut Canyon National Monument, as well as the Mormon Lake community during cooler evening hours.
- Current closures: None. However, campers should not establish any camps on the south/southwestern shore of Upper Lake Mary due to upcoming burnout operations.
- Recent and current operations: Wildland firefighting crews are protecting a timber sale area using a dozer and backburning areas south of Upper Lake Mary today.
Excessive Heat Warning for Maricopa and Yuma Counties effective Jul. 15-16
Excessive Heat Warning for Maricopa and Yuma Counties
National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for:
Maricopa County on 7/15/19 from 10:00 AM to 7/16/19 at 8:00 PM
Yuma County on 7/15/19 from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Daytime highs are expected to be in the 109-114 degrees Fahrenheit range. Residents are advised to stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay informed.
Precautions to prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke:
- Stay in air-conditioned buildings.
- Limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day (mid-day).
- Check on at-risk friends, family, and neighbors at least twice a day.
- Drink water before, during, and after working or exercising outside.
Check the UV Index.
Click here to learn more about today's heat risk map.
For additional information, please visit our Heat Safety Site which details ways to stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay informed.
High Pollution Advisory issued for PM-10 effective July 13 in Phoenix area
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for course particulate matter (PM-10) effective July 13 in the Phoenix 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 | View >
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.
- Employers and Travel Reduction Program Transportation Coordinators should activate their HPA Plans immediately.
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 Hourly Air Quality Forecast | View >
Text or Email Alerts | Subscribe >
Clean Air, Make More Mobile App
Green waste pile on fire near Camp Verde
- Mulch Fire Inciweb Site:
- Discovery date: July 10, 2019 at approximately 12:34 p.m.
- Cause: Under investigation.
- Origin location: Approximately 3 miles east of Camp Verde (Latitude/Longitude: 34° 32.178N, 111° 48.282W)
- Current size: 1 acre.
- Current resources: Two engines, two water tenders, dozer, excavator and overhead personnel. Total personnel: approximately 15.
- Predicted smoke impacts: Expect smoke production over the next few weeks, with the most significant impacts along SR260 east of Camp Verde. The smoke may be seen by motorists traveling on Interstate17.
- Current closures: None.
- Recent and current operations: Wildland firefighting crews are using a sprinkler system to reduce spot fires into other waste piles. Firefighters are pulling the piles apart to allow water to extinguish the large pile of mulch.
Maricopa County reports first West Nile death of the season, Community urged to 'Fight the Bite'
The Maricopa County Department of Public Health is reminding the community to prevent mosquito bites with 27 human cases of West Nile virus infection reported this season, including one death. The individual who died was an older adult who also had other health conditions. Sadly, older adults and those with other chronic health conditions are most at risk for serious complications of West Nile virus.
“This tragic death serves as an important reminder to all of us to do our part in protecting ourselves, our family and our neighborhoods from mosquito-borne diseases,” said Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine, medical director of the Disease Control Division at Maricopa County Department of Public Health. “With monsoon season upon us, it’s likely we’ll see even more mosquito activity. Use insect repellent whenever you are outdoors, and get rid of water outside your home where mosquitos can breed, like pet dishes, potted plants, even toys.”
West Nile virus is typically spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Although it can cause severe disease, only about 1 in 5 of those infected will develop any symptoms at all. Those who do develop symptoms usually experience a flu-like illness including fever, headache, body aches and muscle weakness. Rarely, about 1 in 150 people infected can develop meningitis or encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. This more severe form of the disease typically presents with high fever, headache, neck stiffness, and paralysis. These severe cases can lead to permanent paralysis or death. Those who are over 60 years old, have underlying medical conditions or depressed immune systems are at higher risk for the more severe form of West Nile virus.
Preventing mosquito bites is critical both at home and while traveling since many mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus occur in popular travel destinations in the Americas, Caribbean, Pacific Islands and Africa. To date, Maricopa County has only seen travel associated cases of these diseases.
“Public Health is working very closely with healthcare providers, Maricopa County Environmental Services and state and federal partners to maintain a strong surveillance system both for humans and mosquitoes, and to put prevention strategies in place,” said Dr. Sunenshine.
Maricopa County Health officials urge all people to “Fight the Bite” and follow simple precautions to avoid mosquitoes and the diseases they may carry:
- Avoid mosquito bites day and night
- Use insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, or other EPA-registered repellants according to the product label on exposed skin and clothing
- Drain and remove containers that hold water from around your home where mosquitoes can breed such as plastic covers, buckets, old tires, plant trays, pet bowls, toys, and boats
- Scrape the sides of the dish or inside potted plants where mosquitoes lay their eggs
- Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens, no holes and remain closed
- If it’s not too hot, wear lightweight clothing that covers your arms and legs
- Ensure that swimming pools and decorative water features are properly maintained
Maricopa County Environmental Services Department (MCESD) conducts a proactive and aggressive year-round mosquito surveillance and abatement program. This year, MCESD has seen more than twice as many mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus compared to all of last year. Mosquitoes are all over the Valley, so residents across Maricopa County need to protect themselves whenever they are outside.
Health Watch issued for ozone effective Jul. 12, 2019, in the Phoenix area
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a Health Watch (HW) for ozone effective July 12, 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 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 | 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.
Local unit to reassume command of Miller Fire Friday morning
Southwest Area Incident Management Team (IMT) 4 was ordered by the Coronado National Forest on July 2 to manage a fire located in the Peloncillo Mountains, in southwestern New Mexico. The lightning-caused fire was reported on June 29th, and the decision was made to bring in the IMT to help with the logistical challenges of managing the incident.
The IMT assumed command of the 4,500 acre fire at 6 am on July 4th. Their objectives were to build control lines around three sides of the fire to prevent further spread while allowing the fire to burn to the south to improve forest health. Firefighters took active structure protection measures around ranches and properties adjacent to the fire.
Resources were assigned to cover initial attack duties on the Douglas Ranger District, and those resources did assist New Mexico State Forestry to suppress a lightning caused fire in the Animas River Valley. While work was being done to achieve objectives, significant rainfall was recorded within the fire area. This resulted in reduced fire activity and necessitated a change in strategy for operations.
The Southwest Area Incident Management Team 4 will be transitioning the Miller Fire back to the local unit tomorrow morning at 6 am. The local incident commander is working with the IMT to identify resources needed to monitor the fire and respond to any new ignitions.
“We are going to work with the incoming incident commander to ensure they are set up for success after our team leaves,” said incident commander Carl Schwope.
Most of the crews will be demobilizing from the incident today. The remaining crews will continue to monitor the fire and be ready to respond with initial attack on any new ignitions. The UAS group will stay with the local resources to provide aerial situational awareness. This will be the last written update from the Southwest Area Incident Management Team.
Acres: 5,761
Cause: Lightning
Total personnel: 227
Start Date: June 29
Location: Peloncillo Mountains, New Mexico
Fuels: Timber, brush and grass
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6417/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoronadoNF/
NM Fire Information: https://nmfireinfo.com/
Siren system test in Oak Creek Canyon
Coconino County Emergency Management, Yavapai County Emergency Management, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and the Sedona Fire District will test the emergency siren system in Oak Creek Canyon at approximately 10 a.m., Tuesday July 16.
The system notifies Oak Creek Canyon and Uptown Sedona residents of severe emergencies that require evacuation.
During emergencies, sirens will be used when the U.S. National Weather Service issues a Flash Flood Warning for Oak Creek Canyon. If the sirens sound, people in the canyon are asked to stop what they are doing, immediately get to high ground and tune-in to KAFF 930 AM or 92.9 FM for specific directions.
Area residents are encouraged to register for emergency notifications at www.coconino.az.gov/ready.
WHAT: Emergency siren test
WHEN: 10 a.m. Thursday, July 16.
WHERE: Oak Creek Canyon
WHO: Coconino County Emergency Management, Yavapai County Emergency Management, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and the Sedona Fire District
For additional information call 928.679.8311 or go to www.coconino.az.gov/ready.
Excessive Heat Warnings issued for Gila, Maricopa and Yuma counties
National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for:
Gila and Maricopa Counties from 7/11/19 from 10 AM to 7/13/19 8 PM
Yuma County on 7/12/19 from 10 AM to 8 PM
Daytime highs are expected to be in the 98 to 111 degrees Fahrenheit range for Gila County and in the 107 to 119 degrees Fahrenheit range in Maricopa and Yuma Counties. Residents are advised to stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay informed.
Precautions to prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke:
- Stay in air-conditioned buildings.
- Limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day (mid-day).
- Check on at-risk friends, family, and neighbors at least twice a day.
- Drink water before, during, and after working or exercising outside.
Click here to learn more about today's heat risk map.
For additional information, please visit our Heat Safety Site which details ways to stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay informed.
Firefighters respond to nearly 50 wildfires over holiday weekend
The 4th of July holiday weekend keeps Arizona firefighters extremely busy. The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management reports, between Thursday, July 4th and Sunday, July 7th, firefighters responded to 46 wildfires across Arizona, on all land jurisdictions. Those 46 fires burned a combined total of nearly 4,000 acres.
Most of the fires over the holiday weekend were human caused, including vehicles parked in tall grass, debris burns, and welding.
Fire activity remains high across the state, including the desert areas, due to an abundance of grass from last year’s winter rain and snow.
Residents need to use caution when conducting outdoor activities that require an active heat source and should have water nearby if debris burning or using any equipment with an open flame.
Drivers should avoid pulling off to the side of the road into tall grasses, ensure tow chains are properly secured, and vehicles are inspected before getting on the road. Campers need to check area fire restrictions before leaving for their destination. Stage I fire restrictions are in place on some state and federal lands.
Where campfires are allowed, always make sure they are cool to the touch before leaving. Drown campfires with water, stir, and then repeat until completely out.
As of today, 935 wildfires have burned more than 205,000 acres on private, state, federal, and tribal lands.
Of the 935 wildfires so far this year, 94% of them were determined to be human caused.
For more information, contact Tiffany Davila at 602-540-1036 or by email at [email protected].
Prepare yourself, your vehicle before highway trips in extreme heat with must-have emergency items
With merciless temperatures forecast over the coming days, be sure you and your vehicle are prepared before traveling on highways in the Arizona desert.
Motorists should always be ready for the possibility of becoming stranded, but that need is even more critical in extreme heat.
The Arizona Department of Transportation’s safety tips, available at azdot.gov/ExtremeHeat, including the following:
For you and your passengers: Have extra drinking water for everyone in the vehicle, including pets, an umbrella for shade and a fully charged cellphone. Pro tip: Take a cooler to keep extra drinking water cold, and consider adding several frozen bottles of water to use for cooling off or to thaw and drink if needed.
If you must spend extended time along a highway due to a breakdown or some other delay, you’ll need sun protection. In addition to an umbrella, take sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat and wear loose-fitting, light-colored cotton clothing.
For your vehicle: Check the air conditioner and coolant levels, top off any vital engine fluids and make sure your battery is up to par. Check your tire pressure, as the combination of underinflated or overinflated tires and hot pavement can lead to a blowout.
Keep your tank at least three-quarters full. Running out of gas, especially in a remote location, is dangerous in extreme heat.
If your vehicle breaks down, call for assistance right away to reduce your wait, and run the air conditioning. If your vehicle's air conditioner isn’t working, roll down all windows.
Here are other recommendations if you are stranded along the highway in extreme heat:
- Avoid parking in tall brush. A vehicle’s undercarriage is very hot and can ignite grass and other vegetation.
- DRINK WATER. Make sure everyone, including pets, stays hydrated.
- If the temperature inside your vehicle becomes too hot, everyone, including pets, should exit carefully and seek out or create a shaded area as far away from the travel lanes as possible.
- Be careful walking on the road surface, which can be hot enough to burn skin. Keep your shoes on and try to keep your pets’ paws off the pavement.
- Raise the hood and turn on hazard lights.
Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, by calling 511 and through ADOT’s Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT. When a freeway closure or other major traffic event occurs, our free app available atADOTAlerts.com will send critical information directly to app users in affected areas – where possible, in advance of alternate routes.
Health Watch upgraded to High Pollution Advisory for Phoenix, effective Jul. 10-11, 2019
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) upgraded the Health Watch to a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for ozone effective July 10-11, 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 | 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 9HW) notifies the public that the level of an air pollutant is forecast to approach the federal health standard.
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. | View Website
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. | View Website
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. | View Website
Susan Tierney, Communications Manager | 602-523-6004 (office) | Email
Recent rains decreased Miller Fire activity near Arizona/New Mexico state line
Fire Activity: Recent rains have significantly decreased activity within the fire’s perimeter. Hot spots are still located within the interior, but no heat has been detected along the perimeter’s edge.
Operations: This week, crews have been utilizing an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). UAS has the capability to map fire progression, identify heat with infrared technology, and is utilized in conjunction with fire Air Operations to search for spot fires to reduce firefighter and aircraft exposure to smoke and hazardous terrain. Additionally, if there is a spot fire detected, the UAS can pinpoint an exact location so that firefighters can respond directly to the area of concern with appropriate resources more quickly. Firefighters are embracing this new technology and using it to their advantage. UAS Operators go through extensive and specific operating and safety courses.
These specific capabilities of a UAS, the training and safety guidelines required for pilots, are what set UAS use apart from recreational drone use in wildfire areas. Unauthorized drone incursions over the fire area are very dangerous and cause all air operations to stop, potentially putting firefighters in extreme danger.
Firefighters and Resource Advisors are working together to perform suppression repair activities in order to return the forest to a more natural state. Fire Managers have achieved 85% of our intended objectives on this incident. For more information on managing fires with multiple objective strategies please see these links.
https://biturl.org/MillerFireMultipleStrategies
https://biturl.org/MillerFireMultipleObjectives
Weather: It will be noticeably hotter today with highs in the 90’s across the fire area with minimum humidity levels dropping into the 10 to 15 percent range. Winds will be changing direction, coming from the north and northeast. They are expected to remain fairly light except for a few afternoon gusts due to the strong afternoon heating.
Closures: The temporary flight restriction closure over the fire is still in place. Crews will continue to be working in the area the next few days so please use caution on roads around the fire to protect your own welfare and that of the fire crews.
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6417/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoronadoNF/
NM Fire Information: https://nmfireinfo.com/
Miller Fire Update: fire activity decreases slightly due to recent rains
Objectives: Objectives for this lightning-caused fire include firefighter and public safety, protecting values at risk, and managing the fire for resource benefit. Efforts have already begun to repair areas affected by firefighting operations. This effort will include dispersing excess vegetation and cutting and stacking larger woody material. Water bars will also be installed on several handlines cut on the eastern side of the fire. All of which will improve range, wildlife habitat, and watershed conditions. For more information on managing fires with multiple objective strategies and objectives please see these links. https://biturl.org/MillerFireMultipleStrategies https://biturl.org/MillerFireMultipleObjectives
Fire Activity: Fire activity has decreased significantly over the fire due to recent rains. Hot spots are still located within the interior; however, no heat has been detected along the perimeter edge. Warmer weather and low humidity over the next few days may challenge the security of the fire perimeter.
Operations: Firefighters remain diligent and ready to take action in the unlikely event the fire moves from its current position. On Sunday, a lighting strike started a small fire in the Animas Valley. This fire was quickly mitigated by New Mexico State Forestry crews with assistance from crews working the Miller Fire. Yesterday, crews were assisted by an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) staffed by fire personnel in a coordinated effort with fire management to search for additional new starts from lightning strikes, remaining hot spots, and mapping the fire perimeter.
Today, fire crews will continue to monitor and evaluate the burn area. In addition, personnel will begin suppression repair activities on areas affected. As these tasks are completed, crews will begin the process of demobilization and become available in the region to assist with future incidents.
Weather: Another sunny and very warm day is expected with a light westerly breeze and temperatures climbing into the lower 90’s across much of the fire area. The air will remain dry with rather poor overnight humidity recovery followed by a low relative humidity in the afternoon.
Closures: There is a temporary flight restriction closure over the fire. No other closures are in the area however, crews will still be working over the next several days. Please use caution on roads around the fire to protect your own welfare and that of the fire crews.
Acres: 5,772
State Date: June 29
Cause: Lightning
Location: Peloncillo Mountains, New Mexico
Total Personnel: 325
Fuels: Timber, brush and grass
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoronadoNF/
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6417/
NM Fire Information: https://nmfireinfo.com/
Health Watch issued for ozone effective Jul. 10, 2019, in Phoenix
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a Health Watch (HW) for ozone effective Jul. 10, 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 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 | 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 forecasted 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.
Burned Area Emergency Response Team prepares for rain on Tonto National Forest
A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team has been working to assess the condition of the watersheds that were burned in the Woodbury Fire. The BAER program is designed to identify and manage potential risks to resources on National Forest System lands and reduce these threats through appropriate emergency measures to protect human life and safety, property, and critical natural or cultural resources.
The BAER team includes hydrologists, soil scientists, archaeologists, wildlife biologists, and other specialists whose work begins with days of field data collection. The next phase involved completing a values-at-risk assessment for the Woodbury Fire. This assessment will determine and prioritize work within the fire areas fifteen sub-watersheds. The next phase of work will involve modeling and analyzing data work before completing a report that will be given to Forest Service officials.
Wildfire increases the potential for post-fire flooding, soil erosion, and debris flows that could impact recreational areas, homes, structures, roads, and other infrastructure within, adjacent to, and downstream from burned areas. Summer monsoon rains can bring thunderstorms and heavy rain in a short time period, and produce flash floods.
Residents and visitors should remain alert to possible flooding when traveling along roads downstream from the burned areas on the Forest. Everyone near and downstream from the Woodbury burned area should remain alert and stay updated on weather conditions that may result in heavy rains over the area. Flash flooding could occur quickly during heavy rain events. Current weather and emergency notifications can be found at the National Weather Service, Phoenix website: https://www.weather.gov/psr/.
Health Watch issued for ozone effective July 9, 2019, in the Phoenix area
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a Health Watch (HW) for ozone effective July 9, 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 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 | 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
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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.
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Miller Fire activity decreased due to recent rains
Fire Activity: Fire activity has lessened significantly over the fire due to recent rains. Today, the fire activity in finer, grassy fuels is expected to increase as they dry out due to hotter and drier weather moving into the area. This weather pattern will continue for the next two days.
Objectives: Objectives for this lightning-caused fire include firefighter and public safety, point protection for structures in the area, and managing the fire to perform its natural role on the landscape of clearing excess vegetation, which will improve range, wildlife habitat, and watershed conditions. Our operational strategies are supporting these objectives with the actions taken on the fire ground.
Operations: Yesterday, Miller Fire personnel assisted New Mexico State Forestry with initial attack on a lightning-caused fire in the Animas River Valley.
Today, an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) will be used to map the fire’s perimeter, look for hot spots, and patrol for additional new starts from recent lightning.
Fire crews will continue to monitor the fire and are prepared for burnout operations on the upper side of the fire if indicated by today’s fuel and weather conditions. The low-intensity fire will create a buffer zone between the main fire and control lines, and achieve desired resource benefits. Smoke production can be heavy from burnout operations. Smoke will generally move in a north or northeast direction with predicted winds. Smoke and air quality information can be found at https://tinyurl.com/MillerFireAirQuaility.
Weather: Today will be sunny, warm and dry with a southwest to west 12-16 mph wind in the afternoon. Gusts up to 30 mph are expected with temperatures peaking around 90 degrees. The much drier air will result in afternoon minimum humidity levels approaching 10 percent followed by somewhat poor overnight recoveries.
Closures: There is a temporary flight restriction closure over the fire area. Citizens are encouraged to stay safely clear of fire area. The Geronimo Trail Road will close without notice due to fire activity and firefighters performing burnout operations. Check the links below for the most current conditions.
Fire details:
Acres: 5,772
Start Date: June 29, 2019
Cause: Lightning
Total personnel: 322
Location: Peloncillo Mtns N.M.
Fuels: Timber, brush, and grass
Information resources
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6417/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoronadoNF/
NM Fire Information: https://nmfireinfo.com/
