Coconino County — June 14, 2022 — The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce that the neighborhoods of Fernwood Estates, Hutchison Acres, Swede Acres, and Johnson Ranch has been moved from “GO” to “SET” evacuation status. Residents in these…
The Pipeline Fire, located 6 miles north of Flagstaff, started Sunday, June 12, and has spread to over 5,000 acres due to extremely high winds.
Additionally, the Haywire Fire, located 8 miles northeast of Flagstaff, ignited in the early hours of Monday, June 13, and is currently at 1,600 acres in size. A U.S. Forest Service Type 2 Incident Management Team is currently on site for each fire. A Type 1 Incident Management Team has been ordered.
The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office has evacuated many communities in the fire area. Click here for the most current information on evacuation status:
https://coconinocounty.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=745e7806b 0444387bf32792b9c25e169
Buffalo Park and the Schultz Creek Natural Area are closed until further notice due to the Pipeline Fire. The Observatory Mesa Natural Area is also closed until further notice due to being surrounded by the Coconino National Forest Temporary Area Closure.
Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) entrances into the National Forest Temporary Area Closure are also closed. To view a map of the City of Flagstaff closures of FUTS entrances and open spaces, please visit https://flagstaff.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=f478005aa53048438453f3c7dc08155c
Effective immediately, the City of Flagstaff Cinder Lake Landfill is closed due to the Pipeline Fire. The Hazardous Products Center at the landfill is also closed. Please avoid the area.
Refer to Coconino County’s Pipeline Fire website for up-to-date information:https://www.coconino.az.gov/2926/Pipeline-Fire
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey this week signed HB2610 into law removing the arbitrary cap on the size of affordable housing apartment communities constructed by non-profits wanting to qualify for a property tax exemption. The new law encourages more construction of larger affordable apartment communities across the state that rent solely to income-eligible tenants.
“We are committed to growing our state’s affordable housing inventory and this law helps by eliminating an unnecessary barrier to development,” said Arizona Department of Housing Director Tom Simplot. “By removing this burdensome regulation, non-profits can build larger affordable housing communities and still receive the tax break they need for these projects.”
Cultural Demonstration Program resumes in-person at Desert View
After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the Cultural Demonstration Program has resumed in person. The Cultural Demonstration program provides an opportunity for visitors and community members to interact with Tribal artisans from Grand Canyon’s Traditionally Associated Tribes – and for them to share their history and crafts, along with the skills, knowledge, and efforts involved in creating each craft. This series is made possible with grants from Grand Canyon Conservancy and ArtPlace America.
On Thursday June 9 and Friday, June 10, from 9 AM to 4 PM, Gerald Lomaventema, Hopi silversmith and Jerrel Singer, Diné painter, will be demonstrating their arts at the Desert View Visitor Center shade structure, just north of the main parking lot. For more information on the Cultural Demonstration Program, please visit the park’s website here.
Below are the two demonstrators’ profiles:
Gerald Lomaventema is a traditional Hopi silversmith. He is known for one-of-a-kind silver overlay masterpieces, with designs inspired by nature and Hopi culture.
Jerrel Singer, a Diné Painter, originally from Tuba City, is an abstract landscape artist. His work captures the light, colors and shadows of the Diné Nation and the Desert Southwest.
pplied physics doctoral student Jorge Muñoz came to NAU almost a decade ago for a master’s degree. After life took him in different directions, he found his way back to Flagstaff, in a new department, working on a Ph.D. and researching the potential uses of force microscopy for investigating advanced functional materials. This work led him to be selected for the Department of Defense’s SMART Scholarship, which pays for the rest of his education and ensures him a job continuing his research after graduation.
Read the story
Also see Juneteenth Concert on June 19 at Fort Tuthill
FLAGSTAFF — Come celebrate Juneteenth with music performances, food, games and vendors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 18 at the Flagstaff Murdoch Center, 203 E. Brannen Ave., Flagstaff.
Hosted by the Coconino County African Diaspora Advisory Council, the Flagstaff Lived Black Experience Project, and the Southside Community Association (SCA).
The Juneteenth celebration commemorates the day Texas slaves learned of the Emancipation Proclamation, granting them freedom. Juneteenth today, celebrates African American freedom and achievement, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures.
On the surface, you wouldn’t think the post-Tunnel Fire recovery efforts and the KinderCamp™ program have much to do with each other. One is about cleaning up the debris so families can rebuild after a devastating fire; the other is about making sure children entering kindergarten are ready for their first day of school.
The common thread? Both require volunteer support, and we’re hoping you can spare a few hours in the coming days and weeks to help.
The Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH) this week announced it has awarded $30.1 million in federal 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) to 16 affordable housing projects, including 7 in rural communities. The all-time record amount comes after a reengineered process of awarding tax credits and implementation of the new State Tax Credit program.
“This new process reduced the burdensome regulatory framework for allocating these highly-coveted tax credits and has led to increased developer interest in building affordable housing in Arizona,” said ADOH Director Tom Simplot. “The State Tax Credit program is fulfilling its goal to stimulate the construction of new affordable housing in our state.”
Cultural Demonstration Program resume in-person at Desert View
After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the Cultural Demonstration Program resumes in person beginning this week! The Cultural Demonstration program provides an opportunity for visitors and community members to interact with Tribal artisans from Grand Canyon’s Traditionally Associated Tribes – and for them to share their history and crafts, along with the skills, knowledge, and efforts involved in creating each craft. This series is made possible with grants from Grand Canyon Conservancy and ArtPlace America.
This week, on Thursday and Friday, June 2 & 3, we welcome Zuni fetish carver, Jimmy Yawakia and Zuni inlay jeweler, Duran Gasper. They will be located at the Desert View Welcome Center under the large shade structure at the north end of the main parking lot from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. each day. In addition, park rangers are staffing an information desk at the same location, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information on the Cultural Demonstration Program, please visit the park’s website here.
The Coconino Coalition for Children and Youth (CCC&Y) supported a few youth events in May, Mental Health Awareness month.
Stronger As One
Stronger As One organized youth mental health awareness events for FUSD FACTS youth. During the events, youth rotated around interactive learning stations. Arizona Health Zone provided nutrition and movement activities. CCCYprovided mindfulness, yoga, and affirmation activities. Flagstaff Youth Resilience (FYR) also offered a pysical activity.
Nearly 100 children aged 6-11 explored tools and had discussions to support holistic mental and physical health!
CCCY- Youth Open Stage
This youth lead event was awesome! During the Youth Open-Stage event at Flagstaff Parks and Recreation’s Hal Jensen Recreation Center, eight youth shared their talent with an audience of 35 youth! Three youth sang, two rapped, two played guitar and sang, and another showed his DJ skills! Performances included cover songs as well as original material! Youth lyrics focused on the pandemic, the importance of having friends during tough times, and just having fun!
In coordination with our partners at the State and Federal partners, Coconino County will elevate to Stage 2 restrictions on Thursday, May 26th at 8:00AM. For more information about the most current restrictions please visit the following link.
Have questions about the “dos and don’ts” during fire restrictions? Like…does the County’s Wildfire Defense Ordnance apply to private property? (Sneak peek-YES! It applies to all property in unincorporated areas, not including federal, state, or tribal lands.)Learn more at https://www.coconino.az.gov/Docum…/ View/51210/FAQs-2022-04
Northern Arizona transitions to Stage 2 Fire Restrictions this Thursday, May 26
Due to increased fire danger, Grand Canyon National Park, as well as the Kaibab and Coconino National Forests will elevate to Stage 2 fire restrictions beginning at 8 a.m. on Thursday, May 26. Under Stage 2 restrictions, building or maintaining an outdoor fire of any kind is prohibited as well as smoking.
Additionally, operating or using any internal combustion engine such as chainsaws, wood splitters, weed eaters, generators, welders, or any other devices that can cause a fire are prohibited. This prohibition does not include street legal vehicles. Exception for locals and contractors: Permits for work with these devices can be granted through the GRCA hot work permit process managed by GRCA Structure Fire. For more information and to submit a hot work permit, either see this attached flyer or fill out this online form.
More information on fire restrictions and fire danger ratings, please visit the park’s fire information page here.
U.S. Department of Interior National Park Service Grand Canyon National Park P.O Box 129 Grand Canyon, AZ 86023 Contact: Office of Communications 928-638-7779 www.nps.gov/grca For high resolution photos visit Grand Canyon’s Flickr Site. Grand Canyon News Release For Immediate Release May 25,…
The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth has joined other organizations in Arizona in recognizing the month of May as National Mental Health Month, which raises awareness of the impacts of trauma on the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of children, families and communities.
Most recently, the Coalition took part in the Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Week Northern Arizona Community Resource Fair on May 21 in the parking lot area of the Flagstaff City Hall.
A dozen information booths provided families with resources on youth mental heath issues.
The event was presented by Family Involvement Center, Health CHOICE Integrated Care, Arizona Complete Health and CARE1st.
Other participants included Child & Family Support Services, the Cancer Support Community — Arizona, Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers, Mercy Care, Coconino County Health & Human Services’ Tobbaco and Chronic Disease Prevention Program, Building Communities, Four Directions, Raising Special Kids and Native American Disability Law Center.
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The Coalition also took part in the Walk For Mental Health Celebration held on May 14 at Buffalo Park, Flagstaff. The event was sponsored by Stronger As One, Flagstaff Youth Riders (FLYRS), Coconino County Health & Human Services, Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) and the AZ Health Zone.
Participants received free t-shirts or backpacks, with families enjoying the walk around Buffalo Park which included music provided by local artists.
The City of Flagstaff will enter Stage 2 fire restrictions on Thursday, May 26.
The City of Flagstaff is currently in Stage 1.
The City of Flagstaff cooperates with local, county, state, and federal fire management agencies to ensure a coordinated effort is made in fire restrictions actions across jurisdictions.
Visitors to Grand Canyon National Park this Memorial Day weekend should expect long lines and full parking lots. Traffic regularly backs up at all entrance stations, with the longest wait times between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Parking lots, especially near the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, will reach capacity by 12 p.m. and shuttle bus lines will be long.
Visitors should follow these tips in preparing to visit the South Rim:
The City of Flagstaff (City) and the Coconino County Flood Control District (District), with significant financial support from the AZ Depart. of Forestry and Fire Management, have begun installing a siren alerting system to help warn residents of imminent flooding in neighborhoods downstream of the Museum Fire burn scar. Four elevated high power speaker arrays will be installed throughout the Grandview Homes and Sunnyside neighborhoods and will emit alarm sounds and voice messages when rain thresholds are triggered within the Museum Fire burn scar.
Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) has recently received an
increase in the number of reports of gastrointestinal illness consistent with norovirus.
Symptoms of norovirus include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, body aches, and mild fever.
CCHHS is investigating the circumstances surrounding the illnesses and is encouraging individuals to take precautions to prevent infection.
Desert View Groundbreaking Ceremony and Inter-tribal Working Group meeting
On Tuesday, May 17, we held a ceremony at Desert View to celebrate the near completion of the initial phases of work being done at Desert View to turn it into the park Inter-tribal cultural heritage site.
Members of the Inter-tribal Working Group, Grand Canyon Conservancy, park staff and other partners attended a short celebration of the accomplishments to date. James Uqualla from the Havasupai Tribe, offered a blessing for the work and the efforts for all who have been involved.
In addition to Superintendent Keable, Theresa McMullan from GCC offered words of support, along with individual Working Group members. The Working Group will continue its efforts to develop the exhibit plan for the Desert View Welcome Center and has begun work on the next strategic plan.
Successfully guiding Diné youth toward health and public health professions begins with two important ideas––start students in a program in high school and cultivate in them a love and understanding of their own cultural, strength-based assets.
Researchers from Diné College and Northern Arizona University explored these findings and other lessons in their recently released publication, “Engaging Native American High School Students in Public Health Career Preparation Through the Indigenous Summer Enhancement Program.”
The publication examines the Indigenous Summer Enhancement Program (ISEP), a one-week summer training program that exposes Native American high school students to public health careers and mentorship in Tsaile, Arizona.
Hello from Supervisor Horstman
Tunnel Fire
Tunnel Fire Follow-Up
Stage One Fire Restrictions
Be Prepared for Wildfire
Community Wildfire Defense Program–A Proactive Vison
Museum Fire Flood Mitigation/Sediment Reduction Update
County Supervisors Association Elects Western Interstate Region
Representatives
Havasupai Visit
Flagstaff Shelter Services Housewarming
Community Events: Ms. Cleo’s Tea Party
Congratulations Graduates!
SMILE
Contact Us
The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth joins other organizations in Arizona in recognizing the month of May as National Mental Health Month, which raises awareness of the impacts of trauma on the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of children, families and communities.
“As individuals and leaders in Arizona, we understand we must heal to move forward from the current trauma of COVID-19. We recognize that all individuals not only experience trauma from situations such as a pandemic but also because of ongoing social injustice practices.”
Second co-op in the region launches following the state’s most successful co-op Local city, county officials throw support behind project. Information meeting set for Tuesday, May 24.
FLAGSTAFF — The Cities of Flagstaff and Sedona, and Coconino County have partnered with nonprofit group Solar United Neighbors (SUN) to launch the second Northern Arizona Co-op. The co-op will help residents go solar.
This co-op follows the launch of the first Northern Arizona Co-op in 2021. That group reached 225 member households and is Solar United Neighbors’ most successful co-op in Arizona to date. The second Northern Arizona Co-op provides a new opportunity for residents to take advantage of the area’s plentiful sunshine.
“The City of Flagstaff is making great strides to uphold our commitment to reach carbon neutrality by 2030, but we know that we can’t do it alone,” said Flagstaff Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet. “The solar co-op represents the ‘what’s possible’ when we work together to create solutions, collectively.
The City of Flagstaff is hosting a volunteer cleanup day in areas downstream of the Museum Fire burn scar on Saturday, May 21. Volunteers will be assisting with clearing debris and litter from public infrastructure around Ponderosa Park and the Grandview Homes neighborhood.
The CDC Community Level tracks a county’s ability to provide health care to COVID patients. We continue to register Low at the community level, and we have been at this level since early March.
The Coconino County Community Transmission looks at the number of COVID cases and positive tests. Coconino County is now High, which has increased from Substantial as of Thursday, May 5. COVID transmission in the county is continuing to rise and although we have relaxed mask mandates and other mitigation strategies in the park, we are reminded that the pandemic is not over.
As we continue to make decisions about park operations, we want to emphasize that we are considering the current transmission status and trajectory of cases nationwide. We want to acknowledge and recognize that there is a lot of information being shared by agencies, and some are conflicting. Our goal is to share pertinent information with you and also to use the best data to make decisions about park operations.
A Coconino County Flood Control District (District) project to reduce on-national forest sediment production and transport above and below Mt. Elden Estates is underway.
The U.S. Forest Service Museum Fire Sediment Reduction Project broke ground in late April and is expected to be completed this fall.
Funded by the U.S. Forest Service, the $3.5 million project includes grade stabilization and watershed restoration work to reduce sediment production and transport. Without a reduction in these very high levels of sediment, any expansion of the floodwater conveyances within the City of Flagstaff will not be effective at reducing the level of floodwater impacting homes.
NAU is welcoming back 900 alumni this weekend to get their long-awaited, long-delayed opportunity to put on their cap and gown and walk across the stage. The spring and fall classes of 2020 and the spring class of 2021, who had virtual commencement ceremonies during the pandemic, are returning to NAU this weekend for a special celebration.
The “Rec center open stage” will be held Wednesday, May 18 at the Hal Jensen Recreation Center, 2403 N. Izabel St., Flagstaff.
Speak or showcase your talents. Free entry. Cash Prize.
Click here to enter.
Presented by the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, Building Communities and the City of Flagstaff PROSE (Parks, Recreation, Open Space & Events).
The City of Flagstaff and the Coconino County Flood Control District are helping residents in neighborhoods downstream of the Museum Fire burn scar prepare for the 2022 monsoon season by placing pallets of new sandbags and trash bins throughout neighborhoods, which residents can use to repair their sandbag walls. Materials will be available from May 13 through July 1, 2022.
Welcome to the Coconino Chronicle, keeping you informed on the latest news from Coconino County.
We’ll be publishing each month, typically on the first Friday, to make sure you are in-the-know about recent happenings, upcoming events and services available to you as residents of Coconino County.
Questions? Comments? Please email us at chronicle@coconino.az.gov.
Fire restrictions remain in Stage 1 for Grand Canyon
Fire restrictions for the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests, as well as the Town of Tusayan, will be in effect beginning today Thursday, May 5. Under these restrictions, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal or wood stove fire, except within a developed recreation site, or improved site is prohibited on these lands. Additionally, smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle or building. Smoking is also prohibited in all federal buildings.
Grand Canyon National Park will remain in stage 1 fire restrictions, as we do year-round, which requires that campfires always be in a designated fire ring within a maintained campground. Inner canyon users can use gas cook stoves, but campfires and other open fires are never allowed below the rim. River users should continue to follow the conditions of their permit regarding fires along the Colorado River.
The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth will present Historical Trauma with Iya Affo Training & Discussion from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 18.
Click here to register
We know from speaking to the community many have been impacted by injustice and inequity.
A step in our Self-Healing Communities work.
All Welcome!
Raffles & More
With funding support by Vitalyst Health Foundation and the Department of Child Safety Prevention Councils.
For more information, contact: coalition@coconinokids.org
Welcome to the windy season! The HECHO team has been hard at work empowering Hispanic leaders to use their voice and platform to bring conservation results to legislative bodies across the Southwest and in Congress. We’ve been busier than ever, growing our team, managing a variety of critically important policy and advocacy projects, cultivating the Hispanic Conservation Leadership Council (HCLC), and staying on the top of the latest administrative changes that impact our states and communities.
Northern Arizona University, Nestle Purina, Suddenlink and OneAZ Credit Union are leading the way in providing funds to help those who have been impacted by the Tunnel Fire. Together they have contributed $45,000 to the United Way of Northern Arizona Crisis Response Fund.
These funds will be used to help people impacted by the fire meet immediate needs and offer assistance as they rebuild and recover. The blaze, which as of last night was 89% contained, has destroyed more than 100 structures, including 30 homes northeast of Flagstaff.
The City of Flagstaff will enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions at 8 a.m. on May 5, 2022.
Under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions,
The sale or use of consumer-grade fireworks is prohibited.
The use of charcoal and wood-fired BBQs are prohibited in City parks and open spaces.
Charcoal and wood-fired BBQs are still allowed at private residences and private campgrounds within city limits.
Beginning Thursday, May 5 at 8:00 a.m., Stage 1 fire and smoking restrictions will be in effect on the Williams and Tusayan Districts (aka “South Zone”) of the Kaibab National Forest and the entirety of the Coconino National Forest.
Under Stage 1 restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal, and wood stoves are prohibited, except within a developed recreation site. Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building or a developed recreation site. Fireworks are always prohibited on all national forest and state lands.
A Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team began surveying the fire-affected areas within the Tunnel Fire perimeter this past Saturday.
BAER team assessments are rapid evaluations of post-fire conditions of the burned landscape. These assessments determine the level of risk from potential flooding and debris flow, and calculate how these risks will affect both human safety and the natural and cultural resources in the area.
The Tunnel Fire BAER team, led by Forest Service Hydrologist Brendan Waterman, will conduct field surveys, and use science-based models to rapidly evaluate and assess the burned area.
The communities along the Highway 89 corridor, north of Flagstaff, from Campbell Avenue to the north entrance of Forest Service Road 545 (Wupatki National Monument) will be downgraded from “SET” (Pre-evacuation) to “READY” status.
“READY” status means- you are aware of and monitoring fire activity in your area. You should have basic plans in place for yourselves, important documents, medications, pets and livestock in the event that a “GO” message is received.
President José Luis Cruz Rivera announced today that, starting in Fall 2023, NAU will provide tuition-free college education for Arizona residents with household incomes at or below $65,000. This new Access2Excellence initiative reflects the urgent need to broaden participation and increase educational attainment in Arizona, helping students gain the knowledge and skills needed to participate in the state’s booming economy.
With Earth Day just behind us and Arbor Day tomorrow, it seemed like a good time to discuss the myriad of sustainability initiatives in northern Arizona, which are both on the ground and in the skies.
In Flagstaff, many of these green efforts are centered around Flagstaff Pulliam Airport.
Both commercial airlines that operate at the airport – American and United – are working towards reducing their carbon footprint through the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which has the potential of providing the power of traditional jet fuel but without being refined from petroleum.
Current Situation: Containment on the Tunnel Fire increased to 43% on Wednesday evening due to firefighters’ continued hard work to mop up and secure the fire’s perimeter in the Sunset Crater National Monument and Black Mountain areas.
In April, Broadway League dropped their vaccine mandate for audiences. At their April meeting, Theatrikos’ board of directors decided to follow Broadway’s lead. So, effective with Foreigner, Theatrikos will no longer require vaccination for audience on Friday and Saturday night performances.
All of our cautious safety protocols will remain in effect for Sunday matinees: proof of vaccination requirement, masks, social distancing, closed concessions.
The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth has unveiled a free training webinar for parents, caregivers and all community members as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month in April.
This quick overview video is a great starting place for parents, caregivers and community members brand new to topics such as brain development, adverse childhood experiences, resilience and mindfulness. It is a great jumping off place to go deeper in knowledge and support through the rest of our library of webinars.
With thousands of views across our various topics, we are sure there is something for all community members and professionals. Whether you are seeking the best info for your family, your community or a program you work for, get a taste for our research supported prevention and community work.
A very special thank you to all of our partners who help get this information out to our community!
For more information, contact: coalition@coconinokids.org
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It’s been seven years since NAU Golf’s last Big Sky Conference championship, but the team put that history behind them last week at Talking Stick Golf Club with a decisive win against Sacramento State, taking the championship and advancing to the NCAA Regionals. The Lumberjacks captured their conference-leading ninth all-time Big Sky title after what coach Brad Bedortha called “a very good year and good semester.” The NCAA Regional will be held May 9-11, and the Lumberjacks will learn their fate at 1 p.m. April 27 on the NCAA Women’s Golf Selection Show on the Golf Channel.
City of Flagstaff elected officials and staff have been closely following the events surrounding the Tunnel Fire and are deeply saddened by the fire’s impacts on families and neighborhoods in the area.
The City has played a supporting role in addressing this catastrophic event. After receiving a request for assistance, City of Flagstaff Fire Department units, in addition to units from Summit Fire and Medical District, Highlands Fire District and other first responders were on scene to fight the fire and defend values at risk.
The City of Flagstaff’s Sustainability Office invites members of the public to participate in Drop-off Day 2022. The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Flagstaff Police Department (911 E. Sawmill Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001).
The Sustainability Office is excited to partner with the Flagstaff Police Department, Flagstaff Hazardous Products Center, Coconino County, Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Ponderosa Medical Waste Services, and R3Ewaste Computer & Electronics Recycling to put waste in the right place.
Fire crews’ diligence and hard work have resulted in an increase in containment to 15% on the Tunnel Fire. Yesterday residents were able to re-enter the previously evacuated neighborhoods. US Hwy 89 was re-opened yesterday afternoon.
A Tunnel Fire Community Meeting will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 23, at Sinagua Middle School, 3950 E. Butler Avenue, Flagstaff (parking information below).
This meeting is to provide an update regarding the fire conditions, potential flood risk, and evacuation status.
Representatives from the County, Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Weather Service, and Tunnel Fire Type 1 Incident Management Team will provide information on these topics and be available to answer questions. American Sign Language interpretation will be available at the meeting.
On April 22, 2022 in the early morning hours a spot fire started in the Timberline Community west of Hwy 89 in the “GO” evacuation area.
Deputies and Officers working overnight security in the evacuated areas recontacted the residents who refused to initially evacuate on Tuesday to notify them of the increased danger and remind them of the “GO” evacuation order. This fire was in the area of Wupatki Trails, Lenox Park, Pumpkin Patch, and Brandis Trail neighborhoods. Deputies and Officers went door to door and used sirens and loudspeakers in an attempt to wake residents to warn them of the fire threat.
Sign up now—Coconino County Emergency Notifications
When emergencies happen, be the first to know.
The Coconino County Emergency Notification System uses Alerts powered by Rave Mobile Safety’s Smart911 to send official, real-time alerts to the public with information about potentially life-saving actions you may need to take to keep you and your family safe.
This service allows you to receive voice, text, and email emergency notifications generated by Grand Canyon Dispatch and public safety officials. More information on this program can be found on the county’s website and a link to sign up can be found here.
He wants to apply himself to something bigger.
Horizon Gillson, a freshman at Coconino Community College, plans to get his associates at CCC and then transfer to Northern Arizona University. He hopes to get his bachelor’s degree in Physics and is considering a minor in Disability Studies.
Gillson finished high school in Gallup, New Mexico, and decided to give CCC a shot to “see if I was cut out for this,” Gillson said, adding that everything is going well with classes and that CCC has helped him figure out where “I want to go and where I want to be.”
Gillson chose CCC to continue his education because of the affordability, how close it is to home, and CCC’s relationship with NAU. He plans to join the CCC2NAU program next semester, which helps students save money while reaching their educational goals both at CCC and NAU.
April 21, 2022 — Residences, buildings, and watersheds that drain near them are currently the main emphasis for firefighters battling the now 20,511 acre Tunnel Fire 14 miles northeast of Flagstaff.
Overnight crews continued cooling hotspots in the Timberline Estates and Wupatki Trail subdivisions, as well as worked to contain multiple spot fires on the fire’s western flank near Forest Road 420 (Schultz Pass Road). These efforts were instrumental in keeping the fire from burning up steep slopes toward Schultz Peak and may help to minimize post-fire flood impacts.
During last night’s informative community meeting on the Tunnel Fire, it was the words of Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chair Patrice Horstman that stood out to us:
“This is a time for neighbors to help neighbors.”
United Way of Northern Arizona is currently raising money to help those impacted by the Tunnel Fire through the UWNA Crisis Response Fund. You can donate to the fund by texting UWNAZresponse to 41444. Donations can also be processed on our website here.
10 ways to celebrate Mother Earth
Taking care of this planet means potentially reducing the impacts of climate change, including catastrophic wildfires like the one outside Flagstaff today. Earth Day is tomorrow, and one of the best ways to make sure you are celebrating all year long is by adopting small, consistent changes that can become a part of your everyday life. From learning the ins and outs of recycling and how to conserve energy, here is a list of small, easy ways to give back to the world that gives us so much.
There is still time to register for CCC&Y’s “Mindful Positioning — Seeking Change & Healing” virtual workshop from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 27.
International child welfare expert Kevin Campbell will host the event. Register here.
More than ever- we need to unite with diverse community members in a process designed to gain answers and input. A step in our Self-Healing Communities work.
With funding support by Vitalyst Health Foundation and the Department of Child Safety Prevention Councils
For more information, contact: coalition@coconinokids.org
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Effective immediately, the City of Flagstaff has lifted the mask mandate at the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport following an announcement from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The TSA announced that it will no longer be enforcing masking on public transportation due to a recent federal court ruling.
Flying patrons or visitors to the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport will have the choice to wear or not wear a mask.
Cinder Lake Landfill will remain closed to the public until further notice due to its location inside the evacuation zone of the Tunnel Fire. The Hazardous Products Center at the landfill is also closed. Please avoid the area.
All commercial and residential collection services in the City of Flagstaff are running on a normal schedule.
Refer to Inciweb for up-to-date information on the Tunnel Fire by visiting https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8068/
