Emergency Information

Subscribe to Emergency Information feed
URL: https://ein.az.gov/emergency-information/emergency-bulletins
Updated: 46 min 46 sec ago

Fire activity on the Boulin Fire continues due to lack of monsoonal moisture

Tue, 08/20/2019 - 12:35

Fire activity on the Boulin Fire continues to be driven by the lack of monsoonal moisture and consistent warm dry conditions.

"It is not easy to predict what the weather will do for 14 consecutive days, but we have been fortunate and used this to our advantage successfully meeting our objectives identified in the 4200 acre planning area." said Nick Behrends, Incident Commander on the Boulin Fire.

Additional growth can be expected following the pattern of recent days as this incident moves toward final containment.

BOULIN FIRE OVERVIEW

  • Start Date: August 5, 2019.
  • Cause: Lightning.
  • Location: East of Spring Valley near The Beale Wagon Trail and forest roads 141, 713, and 730.
  • Current Size: 3420 acres.
  • Containment: 40%
  • Incident Commander: Nick Behrends ICT4 / Tyler Richwine ICT4T.
  • Resources: One-Type 2 Hand crew, one- Fuels crew, two-Type 6 Engines, two-Type 3 Engines, one-Patrol unit, one-Dozer, and eight- Miscellaneous overhead. Total personnel assigned is 50.
  • Current Status: The Boulin Fire experienced its largest day of growth yesterday with just under 600 acres of fire spread bringing the total burned area to 3420 acres. Managers are expecting the fire to reach its full potential for growth set at 4200 acres by then end of this week.

Visitors driving through the area are reminded to use caution, stay alert, and watch for personnel and apparatus on roadways when passing through the fire vicinity.

  • Smoke: Smoke will continue to be visible from many communities surrounding this incident however the number of days smoke will be produced will be short in duration as the fire moves closer to final conclusion. 

For information about air quality and health awareness visit bit.ly/SmokeHealthAwareness

Additional information about the Boulin Fire, and the Kaibab National Forest can be obtained through the following sources:

High Pollution Advisory issued for ozone effective August 21 in the Phoenix area

Tue, 08/20/2019 - 12:31

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for ozone effective August 21 in the Phoenix area. ADEQ recommends that people limit outdoor activity while the HPA is in effect, especially children and adults with respiratory problems.

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

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

Apple iTunes > | Google Play >

Health Impacts

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

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

  • Drive as little as possible, carpool, use public transit or telecommute
  • Re-fuel your vehicle in the evening
  • Avoid waiting in long drive-thru lines, for example, at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants or banks – park your car and go inside
  • Use low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) or water-based paints, stains, finishes and paint strippers – delay big painting projects
  • Make sure containers of household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals and other solvents are sealed properly to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air

Be Air Aware!

Stay informed and be a part of the ADEQ air quality challenge. Together we can make a difference to improve air quality for everyone in Arizona by following three simple steps. | Learn More >

BACKGROUND

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

Health Watch (HW) | Notifies the public that the level of an air pollutant is forecast to approach the federal health standard.

Particulate Matter Fact Sheet | View >

Ozone Fact Sheet | View >

FIND THE FORECAST

ADEQ Hourly Air Quality Forecast | View >

Text or Email Alerts | Subscribe > 

Air Arizona Mobile App | Learn More >

Apple iTunes >

Google Play >

 

Excessive Heat Warning extended to 11 Arizona counties

Tue, 08/20/2019 - 12:27

National Weather Service has extended an Excessive Heat Warning for 

  • *Coconino and Yavapai County from 8/20/19 10 AM to 8/21/19 8 PM 
  • Gila, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Maricopa, Pima, Pinal, and Yuma Counties from 8/20/19 from 11 AM to 8/21/19 8 PM
  • Mohave County from 8/20/19 from 11 AM to 8/22/19 8 PM

Daytime highs are expected to be in the 107 to 118 degrees Fahrenheit range. Residents are advised to stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay informed.

*Areas added

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.

Ikes Fire behavior aligns with land managers' objectives

Tue, 08/20/2019 - 12:18
Yesterday, firefighters moved west along the W4 road and improved the boundary line with hand ignitions. Crews also created debris piles to clean up vegetation along the forest floor and hazard trees. Fire managers completed a reconnaissance flight to assess fire behavior within the interior of the fire perimeter. Fire effects are consistent with land managers' objectives and are expected to remain as such based on current conditions.   Today firefighters will patrol and hold lines along the northern and eastern boundaries of the fire perimeter. Crews will begin firing operations along Forest Road 223, starting at the edge of the fire perimeter, and move west towards Fire Point. Once line improvements are in place, firefighters will patrol and hold this line. Currently 92 resources are assigned and the Ikes Fire has spread across approximately 4,994 acres.

 

The fire is gradually spreading west within the identified boundaries of the planning area. As it burns naturally through the area, it can be beneficial to the fire-adapted ecosystem by removing fuels that could feed future forest fires. Fire managers are utilizing the naturally ignited fire within a pre-defined area to achieve positive restorative benefits to the land. Low intensity wildfire can be advantageous by providing an efficient and safe way to remove the dead and decaying plant material under desired conditions that could act as fuel for future forest fires. Future fires occurring under hotter and drier conditions, which typically occur during this time of year with current fuel levels, could create uncharacteristic and undesirable fire effects.

 

Predicted forecast for today remains hot and dry with zero chance of precipitation. Light, southwest winds will be around 10 mph moving into the afternoon. Unchanging warm temperatures and low relative humidity will allow fire to carry through the available fuels inside the planning area. Weather forecasts indicate the fire will continue to spread west at an easy pace.   Smoke from the Ikes Fire, along with other fires in the area, will be visible throughout the surrounding area. Visitors traveling to the area should be aware of possible smoke impacts along State Highway 67.  Visitors are asked to drive carefully and turn headlights on for safety. For local air quality and related information, please visit the following websites: www.airnow.gov  or the Smoke Management Division of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.  Visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/6475/ for a list of road and trails closures currently in effect for Grand Canyon National Park and Kaibab National Forest.    The Ikes Fire poses no danger to structures or local infrastructure.   Please visit https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/management/firemanagement.htm for additional information about wildland fire at Grand Canyon National Park or call 928-638-7819 for recorded fire information. For additional information about the Ikes fire, visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6475/.

For fire information on the Kaibab National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab or @KaibabNF on Facebook and Twitter or call (928) 635-8311 for recorded fire information.

Dry weather and high temperatures produce temporary increase in smoke from Castle Fire

Tue, 08/20/2019 - 07:54

With support from recently added firefighting resources, Castle Fire crews yesterday continued to hold the fire within established boundaries, in spite of above average temperatures and low relative humidity. Crews were holding and patrolling the fire's perimeter as well as extinguishing identified interior hot spots close to the perimeter. Although smoke could be seen from the fire all day, the smoke was being generated from interior pockets of previously unburned fuel that had ignited rather than from any increase in the overall wildfire size.

Today, fire crews will continue to focus on patrolling and holding the fire while being vigilant to detect any spotting of embers across fire lines. The additional resources who arrived yesterday will again bolster patrolling and monitoring of the fire's perimeter. Another aerial reconnaissance was conducted yesterday, allowing fire managers to feel confident the Castle Fire is meeting the objective of functioning as a natural disturbance within the ecosystem as it reduces accumulations of forest fuels such as dead and down vegetation and encroaching, unhealthy stands of piñon-juniper.

An area of focus for fire managers continues to be along the northern perimeter, where a deep canyon contains dense fuels that continue to burn intensely. Crews are monitoring this area closely and will be working to mitigate fire intensity and extinguish any spotting that might occur.

Smoke is continuing to be visible from surrounding communities and is expected to settle in the valleys during early morning and late evenings. Several wildfires are increasing in activity in the area given the dry and unseasonably warm conditions. Please visit InciWeb for information on all the current wildfires in northern Arizona and southern Utah. For local air quality and related information, please visit the following websites: www.airnow.gov or the Smoke Management Division of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.

Soon after the Castle Fire started on July 12, fire managers pre-identified a planning area in which the lightning-caused wildfire would be allowed to fulfill its natural role within a fire-dependent ecosystem. The fire has burned across the entire 19,368-acre planning area, burning through a significant amount of dead and down trees and some mixed conifer species. However, pockets of unburned vegetation remain within the wildfire’s interior and may burn over the coming days. By allowing the wildfire to naturally burn through this area, the ecosystem will become healthier and more resilient.

A Closure Order remains in effect for the Castle Fire area: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6439/

CASTLE FIRE OVERVIEW

  • Discovery Date: July 12, 2019.
  • Cause: Lightning.
  • Location (point of origin): Approximately 11 miles south of Jacob Lake, 3 miles west of Highway 67, and just east of Forest Road 761 near Oquer Canyon on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest.
  • Current Resources: 5 engines, and miscellaneous fire management personnel. Total personnel approximately 67.
  • Current Size: About 19,368 acres within a 19,368-acre planning area. Pockets of unburned vegetation remain within the wildfire’s interior and may burn over the coming days.
  • Predicted Smoke Impacts: Smoke is expected to be visible from both the north and south rims of Grand Canyon National Park, Jacob Lake, Highway 67, Highway 89A, Fredonia and Page. To learn more about smoke and public health, visit http://bit.ly/SmokeHealthAwareness.
  • Current Closures: Kaibab National Forest managers have implemented a temporary Closure Order for the Castle Fire area in order to provide for public and firefighter safety.  For specific information about the Closure Order, please visit: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6439/.
  • Recent and Current Operations: Fire crews will patrol, monitor and hold designated perimeters within which the fire can move and mitigate hot spots if they occur. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area. 

Kaibab National Forest information is available through the following sources:

High Pollution Advisory issued for ozone effective August 20 in the Phoenix area

Mon, 08/19/2019 - 09:57

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for ozone effective August 20 in the Phoenix area. ADEQ recommends that people limit outdoor activity while the HPA is in effect, especially children and adults with respiratory problems.

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

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

Apple iTunes > | Google Play >

Health Impacts

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

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

  • Drive as little as possible, carpool, use public transit or telecommute
  • Re-fuel your vehicle in the evening
  • Avoid waiting in long drive-thru lines, for example, at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants or banks – park your car and go inside
  • Use low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) or water-based paints, stains, finishes and paint strippers – delay big painting projects
  • Make sure containers of household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals and other solvents are sealed properly to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air

Be Air Aware!

Stay informed and be a part of the ADEQ air quality challenge. Together we can make a difference to improve air quality for everyone in Arizona by following three simple steps. | Learn More >

BACKGROUND

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

Health Watch (HW) | Notifies the public that the level of an air pollutant is forecast to approach the federal health standard.

Particulate Matter Fact Sheet | View >

Ozone Fact Sheet | View >

FIND THE FORECAST

ADEQ Hourly Air Quality Forecast | View >

Text or Email Alerts | Subscribe > 

Air Arizona Mobile App | Learn More >

Apple iTunes >

Google Play >

 

Boulin Fire update; fire is moving steadily inside planning area

Mon, 08/19/2019 - 09:33

The Boulin Fire on the Williams Ranger District is moving steadily as warm weather influences fire behavior. Unchanging warm temperatures and low relative humidity have persisted allowing fire to carry through the available fuels inside the planning area. Weather forecasts indicate the fire will potentially spread to the southwest perimeter later this week reaching its full potential.

 

BOULIN FIRE OVERVIEW

Start Date: August 5, 2019.

Cause: Lightning.

Location: East of Spring Valley near The Beale Wagon Trail and forest roads 141, 713, and 730.

Current Size: 2822 acres.

Containment: 30%

Incident Commander: Nick Behrends ICT4 / Tyler Richwine ICT4T.

Resources: One-Type 2 Hand crew, one- Fuels crew, two-Type 6 Engines, two-Type 3 Engines, one-Patrol unit, one-Dozer, and eight- Miscellaneous overhead. Total personnel assigned is 50.

 

Current Status: The Boulin Fire is now at 30% containment. Fire has moved across about two thirds of the pre-determined planning area and is now 2822 acres in size. Operations have been successful and there have been no control problems encountered. The Fire is expected to move through the remaining 1378 acres of the planning area and reach full containment in the near future.

Heavy equipment will be present at the fire location as road maintenance continues. Visitors driving through the area are advised to use caution and stay alert when passing through active fire areas.

Smoke: Smoke will continue to be visible from Highway 64, Highway 180, and many communities including Williams, Pittman Valley, Garland Prairie, Spring Valley, Parks, Red Lake, Junipine Estates, Pumpkin Center, Bellemont, Fort Valley, and Flagstaff.  Relief from smoke impacts will be forthcoming as this incident nears completion.

For information about air quality and health awareness visit bit.ly/SmokeHealthAwareness

 

Additional information about the Boulin Fire, and the Kaibab National Forest can be obtained through the following sources:

 

Fire crews keep Castle Fire corralled

Mon, 08/19/2019 - 08:23

Dry air moving into the region is keeping the Castle Fire active as it moves into unburned vegetation within the planning area. Yesterday, fire crews successfully continued to hold and patrol the fire perimeter. Firefighters gridded the area for new spots where Saturday's spots occurred and found none.

Today, fire crews will focus on patrolling and holding the fire if necessary. Additional resources ordered are on scene working to ensure fire stays within the planning area perimeter. After aerial reconnaissance yesterday, fire managers feel confident the Castle Fire is meeting the objective of functioning as a natural disturbance within the ecosystem as it reduces accumulations of forest fuels such as dead and down vegetation and encroaching, unhealthy stands of piñon-juniper.

Smoke is visible from surrounding communities and is expected to settle in the valleys during early morning and late evenings and then clear out by mid-morning. For local air quality and related information, please visit the following websites: www.airnow.gov or the Smoke Management Division of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. Please visit InciWeb for more information on the Castle Fire and other fires in the area.  

Soon after the Castle Fire started on July 12, fire managers pre-identified a planning area in which the lightning-caused wildfire would be allowed to fulfill its natural role within a fire-dependent ecosystem. The fire has burned through about 96% of the 19,368-acre planning area, burning through a significant amount of dead and down trees and some mixed conifer species. Small pockets of unburned vegetation remain within the wildfire’s interior and may burn over the coming days. By allowing the wildfire to naturally burn through this area, the ecosystem will become healthier and more resilient.

A Closure Order remains in effect for the Castle Fire area: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6439/

CASTLE FIRE OVERVIEW

  • Discovery Date: July 12, 2019.
  • Cause: Lightning.
  • Location (point of origin): Approximately 11 miles south of Jacob Lake, 3 miles west of Highway 67, and just east of Forest Road 761 near Oquer Canyon on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest.
  • Current Resources: 6 engines, and miscellaneous fire management personnel. Total personnel approximately 39.
  • Current Size: About 19,368 acres within a 19,368-acre planning area. Small pockets of unburned vegetation remain within the wildfire’s interior and may burn over the coming days.
  • Predicted Smoke Impacts: Smoke is expected to be visible from both the north and south rims of Grand Canyon National Park, Jacob Lake, Highway 67, Highway 89A, Fredonia and Page. To learn more about smoke and public health, visit http://bit.ly/SmokeHealthAwareness.
  • Current Closures: Kaibab National Forest managers have implemented a temporary Closure Order for the Castle Fire area in order to provide for public and firefighter safety.  For specific information about the Closure Order, please visit:https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6439/.
  • Recent and Current Operations: Fire crews will patrol, monitor and hold designated perimeters within which the fire can move and mitigate hot spots if they occur. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area. 

Kaibab National Forest information is available through the following sources:

 

 

 

Fire crews keep Castle Fire corralled

Mon, 08/19/2019 - 08:22

Dry air moving into the region is keeping the Castle Fire active as it moves into unburned vegetation within the planning area. Yesterday, fire crews successfully continued to hold and patrol the fire perimeter. Firefighters gridded the area for new spots where Saturday's spots occurred and found none.

Today, fire crews will focus on patrolling and holding the fire if necessary. Additional resources ordered are on scene working to ensure fire stays within the planning area perimeter. After aerial reconnaissance yesterday, fire managers feel confident the Castle Fire is meeting the objective of functioning as a natural disturbance within the ecosystem as it reduces accumulations of forest fuels such as dead and down vegetation and encroaching, unhealthy stands of piñon-juniper.

Smoke is visible from surrounding communities and is expected to settle in the valleys during early morning and late evenings and then clear out by mid-morning. For local air quality and related information, please visit the following websites: www.airnow.gov or the Smoke Management Division of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. Please visit InciWeb for more information on the Castle Fire and other fires in the area.  

Soon after the Castle Fire started on July 12, fire managers pre-identified a planning area in which the lightning-caused wildfire would be allowed to fulfill its natural role within a fire-dependent ecosystem. The fire has burned through about 96% of the 19,368-acre planning area, burning through a significant amount of dead and down trees and some mixed conifer species. Small pockets of unburned vegetation remain within the wildfire’s interior and may burn over the coming days. By allowing the wildfire to naturally burn through this area, the ecosystem will become healthier and more resilient.

A Closure Order remains in effect for the Castle Fire area: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6439/

CASTLE FIRE OVERVIEW

  • Discovery Date: July 12, 2019.
  • Cause: Lightning.
  • Location (point of origin): Approximately 11 miles south of Jacob Lake, 3 miles west of Highway 67, and just east of Forest Road 761 near Oquer Canyon on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest.
  • Current Resources: 6 engines, and miscellaneous fire management personnel. Total personnel approximately 39.
  • Current Size: About 19,368 acres within a 19,368-acre planning area. Small pockets of unburned vegetation remain within the wildfire’s interior and may burn over the coming days.
  • Predicted Smoke Impacts: Smoke is expected to be visible from both the north and south rims of Grand Canyon National Park, Jacob Lake, Highway 67, Highway 89A, Fredonia and Page. To learn more about smoke and public health, visit http://bit.ly/SmokeHealthAwareness.
  • Current Closures: Kaibab National Forest managers have implemented a temporary Closure Order for the Castle Fire area in order to provide for public and firefighter safety.  For specific information about the Closure Order, please visit: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6439/.
  • Recent and Current Operations: Fire crews will patrol, monitor and hold designated perimeters within which the fire can move and mitigate hot spots if they occur. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area. 

Kaibab National Forest information is available through the following sources:

 

Ikes Fire holding well within perimeter

Mon, 08/19/2019 - 06:26
Although drier conditions remain, the Ikes Fire is moving at a good pace through the predetermined planned area. The fire is presently backing down drainages and moving along the forest floor at a low to moderate intensity through accumulations of dead vegetation and overgrowth.   Yesterday, crews continued to patrol and hold the northern boundary and improve line. Firefighters on the southern boundary lit debris piles constructed in the early phases of line preparation. This tactic deprives the fire of excess fuel as it spreads to the west.

 

Today firefighters will proceed along the southern boundary to utilize hand ignitions to remove fuels ahead of the advancing fire and create a buffer. Fire managers will assess conditions throughout the day in order to determine if additional aerial ignitions will be utilized. Crews will patrol and hold line along the northern and eastern boundaries.

 

Currently there are 93 resources assigned and the Ikes Fire has spread across approximately 4,839 acres within the 7,738-acre planning area.

 

Fire is a jolt to living systems, the beginning of a new state of life on the land which is part of a cycle that has been in place for thousands of years. The current behavior displayed on the Ikes Fire is part of a naturally occurring wildfire, causing dead or decaying matter to burn and return nutrients to the soil.  This infusion of nutrients promotes healthy growth for both new and established vegetation.



The predicted weather for tomorrow will put temperatures in the low to mid-80s with no chance of precipitation. Light and variable winds out of the southwest will be 2-4 mph with gusts up to 14 mph after 10:00 AM. 

  Smoke from the Ikes Fire, along with other fires in the area, will be visible throughout the surrounding area. For local air quality and related information, please visit the following websites: www.airnow.gov  websites: or the Smoke Management Division of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.  Visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/6475/ for a list of road and trails closures currently in effect for Grand Canyon National Park and Kaibab National Forest.    The Ikes Fire poses no danger to structures or local infrastructure.   Please visit https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/management/firemanagement.htm for additional information about wildland fire at Grand Canyon National Park or call 928-638-7819 for recorded fire information. For additional information about the Ikes fire, visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6475/.

For fire information on the Kaibab National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab or @KaibabNF on Facebook and Twitter or call (928) 635-8311 for recorded fire information.

High Pollution Advisory for ozone effective Aug 19 in the Phoenix area

Sun, 08/18/2019 - 19:53

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for ozone effective August 19, 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.

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 >

Boulin Fire update; fire meeting incident objectives

Sun, 08/18/2019 - 13:58

Fire is steadily moving across the forested landscape within the Boulin Fire planning area achieving incident objectives. The results have been effective in reducing accumulations of burnable debris and fuels from the forest floor, protecting valued resources at risk, and strengthening defensible space near residential communities.

BOULIN FIRE OVERVIEW

Start Date: August 5, 2019.

Cause: Lightning.

Location: East of Spring Valley near The Beale Wagon Trail and forest roads 141, 713, and 730.

Current Size: 2423 acres.

Containment: 20%

Incident Commander: Nick Behrends ICT4 / Tyler Richwine ICT4T.

Resources: One-Type 2 Hand crew, one- Fuels crew, two-Type 6 Engines, two-Type 3 Engines, one-Patrol unit, one-Dozer, and eight- Miscellaneous overhead. Total personnel assigned is 50.

 

Current Status: The 2423 acre Boulin Fire has been expanding an average of about 400 acres per day. Fire has now carried through over half of the planning area and is moving toward the southwest containment line. The consistent warm dry weather that has been over the area for the past 10 days is forecasted to continue which will likely align with the pattern of growth that has been occurring this week.

Road maintenance will be ongoing on several roads at the fire location. Increased traffic activity will be noticeable in the vicinity. Graders and large water trucks will be present.  Motorists are reminded to use caution and drive with heightened awareness when passing through active fire areas.

Smoke: Smoke will continue to be visible from Highway 64, Highway 180, and many communities Including Williams, Pittman Valley, Garland Prairie, Spring Valley, Parks, Red Lake, Junipine Estates, Pumpkin Center, Bellemont, Fort Valley, and Flagstaff.

For information about air quality and health awareness visit bit.ly/SmokeHealthAwareness

 

Additional information about the Boulin Fire, and the Kaibab National Forest can be obtained through the following sources:

 

Sheridan Fire update; fire area closure in effect

Sun, 08/18/2019 - 12:31

 A fire area closure order is in effect over the Sheridan Fire area, limiting access south of the Camp Wood Road (County Road 68), with areas to the north of Camp Wood Road remaining open. County roads on the perimeter of the closure remain open. Map and detailed description of the closure area is available on Inciweb.  

The fire continues to move steadily across the landscape in a remote and rural area south of the Camp Wood Road, and northwest of Willow Spring in the Sheridan Mountain area. There are no homes or structures threatened.

Sheridan Fire Overview

Location: 23 miles Northwest of Prescott, AZ on the Chino Valley District (T16N, R6W, S16)

Start Date: August 5, 2019

Size:  approx. 3,700 acres

Percent Contained: 0%

Cause: Lightning

Vegetation: Pinyon-Juniper, Grass and Brush

Resources: Approx. 60 personnel including: 3-Engines, 1-Water Tender, 1-Handcrew, 1-Helicopter

Current Situation:

We are asking local forest users to use caution as they continue to use the Camp Wood Road, as firefighters and multiple fire resources are working in the area. Area roads, trails, and natural barriers will be used as control features. Masticators will begin working along the Camp Wood Road and in select areas to clear vegetation to enhance the effectiveness of control features. Firefighters are continuing to use a helicopter and agency operated drones to monitor fire activity as access to the immediate fire area is limited mostly due to rough and rugged terrain.

The Sheridan Fire is a lightning caused fire being monitored as it burns naturally across the landscape. This fire is being allowed to play its natural role within the fire-adapted ecosystem. There is a wide variety of vegetation densities on the fire which, along with terrain and weather, will influence fire behavior and effects. The desired result of the Sheridan Fire is a “mosaic” of fire effects. Under the right conditions, fire helps break down nutrients and minerals in plants and other debris such as old logs and dense undergrowth and restores them to the soil.  The process also effectively reduces fire intensity in the case of future ignitions in the area as well.

Smoke:

Smoke from the Sheridan Fire will continued to be very visible from Prescott and the Tri-City area during mid-afternoon and into the evening hours, extending as far north of the general fire area relative to the predominant wind direction. Yesterday’s smoke was visible as far north as Ash Fork and Williams.

With smoke impacts continuing to be expected, we recommend that the public plan activities during the earlier part of the day. For sensitive groups we also recommend staying indoors with windows and doors closed and bringing pets inside.

Prescott Fire Information Phone: 928-925-1111

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6522/

Prescott National Forest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrescottNF/

Prescott National Forest Twitter: https://twitter.com/PrescottNF 

Castle Fire becomes more active with winds

Sun, 08/18/2019 - 08:39

The Castle Fire became more active yesterday as wind speeds increased. Some spotting occurred on the north and south perimeter. Firefighters were successful in holding the fire north of Castle Point and on the southeastern portion of the perimeter.

With hot, dry weather and winds forecasted to continue for the next few days, fire managers are increasing firefighting resources in order to mitigate fire behavior and meet the objectives of the Castle Fire. The objectives are:

  • Utilize deliberate risk management process to ensure that incident responders are only committed where and when they can be successful, with the least exposure necessary.
  • Allow fire to function as a natural disturbance process within the ecosystem to reduce accumulations of forest fuels that may exist in the area.
  • Limit fire intensity to prevent adverse impacts to cultural and natural resources.
  • Hold fire within the planning area.

Smoke is visible from surrounding communities and is expected to settle in the valleys during early morning and late evenings and then clear out by mid-morning. For local air quality and related information, please visit the following websites: www.airnow.gov or the Smoke Management Division of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. Please visit InciWeb for more information on the Castle Fire and other fires in the area.  

Soon after the Castle Fire started on July 12, fire managers pre-identified a planning area in which the lightning-caused wildfire would be allowed to fulfill its natural role within a fire-dependent ecosystem. The fire has burned through about 96% of the 19,368-acre planning area, burning through a significant amount of dead and down trees and some mixed conifer species. Small pockets of unburned vegetation remain within the wildfire’s interior and may burn over the coming days. By allowing the wildfire to naturally burn through this area, the ecosystem will become healthier and more resilient.

A Closure Order remains in effect for the Castle Fire area: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6439/

CASTLE FIRE OVERVIEW

  • Discovery Date: July 12, 2019.
  • Cause: Lightning.
  • Location (point of origin): Approximately 11 miles south of Jacob Lake, 3 miles west of Highway 67, and just east of Forest Road 761 near Oquer Canyon on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest.
  • Current Resources: Four engines and miscellaneous fire management personnel. Total personnel approximately 32.
  • Current Size: About 19,368 acres within a 19,368-acre planning area. Small pockets of unburned vegetation remain within the wildfire’s interior and may burn over the coming days.
  • Predicted Smoke Impacts: Smoke is expected to be visible from both the north and south rims of Grand Canyon National Park, Jacob Lake, Highway 67, Highway 89A, Fredonia and Page. To learn more about smoke and public health, visit http://bit.ly/SmokeHealthAwareness.
  • Current Closures: Kaibab National Forest managers have implemented a temporary Closure Order for the Castle Fire area in order to provide for public and firefighter safety. For specific information about the Closure Order, please visit: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6439/.
  • Recent and Current Operations: Wildland fire crews will patrol, monitor and hold designated perimeters within which the fire can move and mitigate hot spots if they occur. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area. 

Kaibab National Forest information is available through the following sources:

 

Ikes Fire Progresses At Steady Pace

Sun, 08/18/2019 - 08:32
Over the years, fire managers from the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service have developed and used effective tactics, technology, and policy to enhance public and firefighter safety, and preserve natural and cultural landscapes. Fire managers are meeting the objectives of allowing fire to play its natural role as a disturbance factor in the ecosystem, enhance wildlife habitat, improve forest health, and reduce potential for uncharacteristic high severity wildfires in future years.   Yesterday, the Ikes Fire grew to approximately 4,297 acres and has 87 resources assigned. Despite gusty winds and dry conditions, the fire spread across the planning area with low to moderate fire behavior. At this time, the weather has not provided for any challenges due to firefighters completing firing operations across the east end of the fire planning area.   Today firefighters will move along Swamp Ridge Road to utilize hand ignitions to remove vegetation and secure the perimeter line ahead of the advancing fire. Removing this excess vegetation from the forest floor reduces the amount of fuel available to the advancing fire which helps to keep fire behavior at low to moderate intensity. Depending on weather conditions, aerial ignitions may be utilized along ridge tops to create a backing fire and fill in areas that crews cannot safely access. Crews will patrol the fire perimeter, improve line, and mitigate hazard trees.   The weather will continue to be drier than normal with no chance of precipitation in the forecast. Light winds are expected out of the southwest at 8-10 mph with gusts up to 18 mph. Smoke from the Ikes Fire, along with other fires in the area, will be visible throughout the surrounding area. For local air quality and related information, please visit the following websites: www.airnow.gov  websites: or the Smoke Management Division of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.  Visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/6475/ for a list of road and trails closures currently in effect for Grand Canyon National Park and Kaibab National Forest.    The Ikes Fire poses no danger to structures or local infrastructure.   Please visit https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/management/firemanagement.htm for additional information about wildland fire at Grand Canyon National Park or call 928-638-7819 for recorded fire information. For additional information about the Ikes fire, visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6475/.

For fire information on the Kaibab National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab or @KaibabNF on Facebook and Twitter or call (928) 635-8311 for recorded fire information.  

Boulin Fire update; smoke visible in surrounding areas

Sat, 08/17/2019 - 12:18

The Boulin Fire on the Kaibab National Forest grew another 400 acres yesterday within the planning area and has now reached 15% containment. Fire effects on the landscape are have been advantageous meeting the desired ecological benefits defined in the initial strategic decision process.

Crews successfully secured the Boulin Tank private land yesterday and have completed preparations to allow fire to move into the lower southwest half of the planning area over the next few days.

BOULIN FIRE OVERVIEW

Start Date: August 5, 2019.

Cause: Lightning.

Location: East of Spring Valley near The Beale Wagon Trail and forest roads 141, 713, and 730.

Current Size: 1960 acres.

Containment: 15%

Incident Commander: Nick Behrends ICT4 / Tyler Richwine ICT4T.

Resources: One-Type 2 Hand crew, one- Fuels crew, two-Type 6 Engines, two-Type 3 Engines, one-Patrol unit, one-Dozer, and eight- Miscellaneous overhead. Total personnel assigned is 50.

 

Current Status: The Boulin Fire continues to be highly visible from the surrounding rural communities with occasional increases in activity. There have been no control problems to date.

Road maintenance will begin today on several roads within and around the fire location. Along with fire apparatus, an increase in traffic activity will be noticeable that will include a grader and large water truck.  Motorists are reminded to use caution and drive with heightened awareness when passing through active fire areas.

Smoke: Atmospheric conditions drew a considerable amount of smoke into the Williams area yesterday afternoon from the south and east where other fires are occurring on neighboring forests. Smoke from the Boulin Fire continues to transport out to the northeast throughout the day with residual amounts laying into the low level surfaces as cooler air creates inversion in the evening. Ventilation is forecasted to be excellent today.

For information about air quality and health awareness visit bit.ly/SmokeHealthAwareness

 

Additional information about the Boulin Fire, and the Kaibab National Forest can be obtained through the following sources:

 

Incident objectives being met on the Ikes Fire

Sat, 08/17/2019 - 10:05
The lightning caused Ikes Fire has burned through approximately 3,500 acres of the pre-determined 7,785 acre planning area. Currently, there are 88 resources assigned to the Ikes Fire.    One of the main objectives for utilizing the Ikes Fire within the 7,785-acre planning area is for resource benefit. The Type 3 Incident Management Team is using a variety of methods to confine the fire within the predetermined area. These methods include the usage of natural barriers and constructed fireline while tactical firing operations along the perimeter are incorporated to add depth to the line. Once the line is completed, it slows or stops fire as it approaches.   The Ikes Fire has currently spread across 42% of the 7,785-acre planning area. This portion of the pre-determined planning area has had fire move through it with low to moderate fire behavior observed. Fire is a force of nature that has shaped the vegetation and ecosystems of the national parks. The first national parks were created in the late 1800s. At the time, wildfires were suppressed because they were considered a threat to the grand scenery.   Over the years, land managers learned that when all fire is suppressed, fuels build up making larger and damaging fires unavoidable. Grand Canyon National Park and Kaibab National Forest are working together to safely utilize this lightning caused fire effectively and to promote healthy forest regeneration.   Yesterday, gusty winds prevented firefighters from carrying out firing operations. Crews patrolled the perimeter on the northeast and eastern portion of the fire while other personnel continued to prep the west side of the Forest Service Road 223. Observed fire behavior was active with backing fire along ridge tops and single tree torching.   The predicted weather for the weekend is warm, very dry conditions with temperatures about 5 degrees above average for mid-August. Expect gusty west to southwest breezes in the afternoon with light drainage winds overnight. Closures remain in effect for Grand Canyon National Park and Kaibab National Forest. More information on closures can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/6475/.    The Ikes Fire poses no danger to structures or local infrastructure.   Please visit https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/management/firemanagement.htm for additional information about wildland fire at Grand Canyon National Park or call 928-638-7819 for recorded fire information. For additional information about the Ikes fire, visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6475/.

For fire information on the Kaibab National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab or @KaibabNF on Facebook and Twitter or call (928) 635-8311 for recorded fire information.  

Hot and windy pattern produces more smoke from the Castle Fire

Sat, 08/17/2019 - 10:02

As expected, with strong gusty winds yesterday, the Castle Fire became more active moving it into pockets of unburned piñon-juniper and mixed conifer. The fire slowed once reaching confinement lines. Winds were blowing from the southwest pushing smoke eastward. The hot, dry and windy pattern will continue through the weekend.

Fire managers are keeping a close watch on any spotting that may occur on the north edge of the Castle Fire to ensure it stays within the confinement area. The Castle Fire remains in a hold and patrol status.

During the peak burning period, which is mid-day to late afternoon, smoke may be visible from surrounding communities and is expected to settle in the valleys during early morning and late evenings then clearing out by mid-morning.

For local air quality and related information, please visit the following websites: www.airnow.gov or the Smoke Management Division of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. Please visit InciWeb for more information on the Castle Fire and other fires in the area.

Soon after the Castle Fire started on July 12th, fire managers pre-identified the 19,632-acre planning area where the lightning-caused wildfire would be allowed to fulfill its natural role within a fire-dependent ecosystem. Better mapping of the pre-identified planning area has indicated a decrease in acreage from 19,632 to 19,368. The fire has burned through 96% of the planning area, burning through a significant amount of dead and down trees and some mixed conifer species. By allowing the wildfire to naturally burn through this area, the ecosystem will become healthier and more resilient.

A Closue Order remains in effect for the Castle Fire area:   https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6439/

CASTLE FIRE OVERVIEW

  • Discovery Date: July 12, 2019.
  • Cause: Lightning.
  • Location (point of origin): Approximately 11 miles south of Jacob Lake, 3 miles west of Highway 67, and just east of Forest Road 761 near Oquer Canyon on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest.
  • Current Resources: Four engines and miscellaneous fire management personnel. Total personnel approximately 32.
  • Current Size: About 19,368 acres and it has spread across about 96% of the 19,368-acre planning area. Small pockets of unburned vegetation remain within the wildfire’s interior and may burn over the coming days.
  • Predicted Smoke Impacts: Smoke is expected to be visible from both the north and south rims of Grand Canyon National Park, Jacob Lake, Highway 67, Highway 89A, Fredonia and Page. Please see www.airnow.gov for local air quality conditions.
  • Current Closures: Kaibab National Forest managers have implemented a temporary Closure Order for the Castle Fire area in order to provide for public and firefighter safety.  For specific information about the Closure Order, please visit:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6439/
  • Recent and Current Operations: Four engines will continue to patrol, hold and monitor the Castle Fire. Hazard trees will be identified and removed as necessary. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area. 

Kaibab National Forest information is available through the following sources:

 

Firefighters begin burnout ops on Saber Fire, plan more this weekend

Fri, 08/16/2019 - 11:29
Firefighters conducted burnout operations associated with the Saber Fire on Thursday to remove fuel near the Arizona Public Service (APS) high-voltage electrical power lines in the area and expect to conduct more ignitions to protect values at risk over the weekend.   The Saber Fire has increased to 394 acres due to warmer, drier weather conditions and successful burnout operations along a dozer line adjacent to the APS high-voltage lines. The firing operations secured a control line by removing available fuels ahead of the fire to protect the infrastructure on the western perimeter.   Today, firefighters will monitor and patrol Thursday's operations to ensure the established control line remains secure. Crews will continue to prepare control lines further north along the fire perimeter and around values at risk in anticipation of burnout operations Saturday evening.   The fire continues to fulfill its natural role in the ecosystem by consuming debris accumulated on the forest floor—removing excess forest fuels to reduce the risk of high-severity wildfires, while replenishing nutrients back into the soil to stimulate vegetation growth.   Smoke is expected to lift during the day and may be visible from Sedona, Verde Valley, Oak Creek Canyon, state Route 89A, Interstate 40, Interstate 17 and Flagstaff. Cooler temperatures cause smoke to settle overnight into drainages and canyons flowing into communities at lower elevations below the Mogollon Rim.   The public should avoid the immediate fire area near Turkey Butte and drive with caution in the forest, as smoke may impact visibility where wildland firefighters are working.   Updates about the Saber Fire can be found on Inciweb. Follow the Coconino National Forest’s social media sites, such as Twitter and Facebook, to get timely updates on this fire, other incidents, and forest-wide activities.   SABER FIRE OVERVIEW
  • Discovery date: August 2, 2019.
  • Cause: Lightning.
  • Origin location: Approximately 1.5 miles south of Turkey Butte lookout tower (Latitude/Longitude: 35.011°N, 111.901W).
  • Current size:  394 acres.
  • Current resources: 4 engines, 2 crews, a dozer and overhead personnel. Total approx. personnel: 74.
  • Predicted smoke impacts: Expect smoke production to increase over the next few days. Significant smoke may impact forest roads south of Flagstaff and west of I-17. The smoke will be visible from Flagstaff, motorists in the area along I-17, I-40 and SR 89A. Smoke will likely impact areas of Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona communities during cooler evening hours.
  • Current closures: None. However, campers should not establish any camps near the Mogollon Rim close to Turkey Butte due to upcoming burnout operations.
 

Boulin Fire may show increase in activity

Fri, 08/16/2019 - 09:27

The Boulin fire is moving steadily across the planning area as anticipated toward the southwest perimeter. Crews have completed preparations at the Boulin Tank private land and will implement actions to protect this inholding as the fire is expected to reach this point sometime today. 

BOULIN FIRE OVERVIEW

Start Date: August 5, 2019.

Cause: Lightning.

Location: East of Spring Valley near The Beale Wagon Trail and forest roads 141, 713, and 730.

Current Size: 1567 acres.

Containment: 10%

Incident Commander: Nick Behrends ICT4 / Tyler Richwine ICT4T.

Resources: One-Type 2 Hand crew, one- Fuels crew, two-Type 6 Engines, two-Type 3 Engines, one-Patrol unit, one-Dozer, and eight- Miscellaneous overhead. Total personnel assigned is 50.

Current Status: With increased wind speeds and the relative humidity percent dropping slightly today, the fire may show an Increase in activity as it continues moving across the planning area to the southwest. A dozer line was established around the Boulin Tank private Inholding to secure the property. Crews will conduct ignitions along the dozer line to prepare for the arrival of the fire which is expected to pass by this location this afternoon.

Fire behavior continues to be very favorable for meeting all the objectives identified for this Incident.

Smoke: Smoke impacts may lessen today as ventilation improves with elevated wind speeds. Gusty winds tend to transport smoke away from the immediate fire area quicker, reducing the volume of smoke that can linger overnight. Smoke will continue to be present and visible from communities surrounding this fire.

For information about air quality and health awareness visit bit.ly/SmokeHealthAwareness

Additional information about the Boulin Fire, and the Kaibab National Forest can be obtained through the following sources: