By Chief Ben Palm
IMPORTANT! TAKE WILDFIRE PRECAUTIONS:
The Arizona Sheriff’s Association adopted the “Ready, Set, Go!” educational program in March. They did so because the unusually dry and warm winter season indicates that the time for wildfires is now – in fact there is one burning in the Coconino National Forest. Our department has also responded to a recent brush fire in Yarnell. Thank you to all who have consistently received open burning permits. Please maintain defensible space around your property. Be sure to trim tree limbs that overhang buildings, trim grasses and inspect your property for hazards. Not only is wildfire a concern, but our town has had to structure blazes since December 17th. Make sure your smoke detector is properly functioning. Do you have concerns about your property’s fire risk? Call our office to schedule a walk-around with our Coalition representatives. As always, be Firewise! 928-427-6578
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY:
We are looking for people who like to get some walking exercise and engage with surrounding communities. We have informational booklets and other printed material regarding evacuation prep, defensible space and wildfire safety. Denise Roggio and Bruce Olson are organizing community walks to get the information to residents. The first walk is Saturday, April 7th, 10am, meeting at the Wilhoit Fire Station. The anticipated duration is 2 hours. The next one will be in Peeples Valley, followed by Yarnell and Williamson Valley-Bagdad. Your help is greatly appreciated!
READY, SET, GO! COALITION FOR WILDFIRE ADAPTED COMMUNITIES EVENT:
To prepare for the upcoming fire season, we are pushing maximum outreach and actionable steps. It starts with community events! This will be a fun interactive experience beginning with a Pancake Breakfast sponsored by the Yarnell Fire Auxiliary. Anne Mottek from Arizona Fire Adapted Communities (AZFAC) and her partners will be presenting at Southern Yavapai Fire Department on Saturday, April 14th during breakfast. The event is open to all communities. 8am -11am, 9000 Magby Drive, Wilhoit. Suggested donation to cover the cost of food: $10/adult and $5/child. For info, contact Denise Roggio @ 928-427-6578.
YARNELL MEMORIAL RUN:
The 5th Annual Memorial Run is Saturday, June 2nd, 2018. Thank you to Augie’s Restaurant, Yarnell Community Presbyterian Church and The Kane Schools of Massachusetts for sending in their generous financial support. Reminder: this year, there is a virtual run option! Share the information with your out of town friends. The event details are on the website: yarnellmemorialrun.com. Please “Like” and “Share” our Facebook Page. The auxiliary is seeking 25 volunteers, cash sponsors to pay expenses, In-Kind donations for raffles and participants to run! Contact Denise Roggio or Linda Ma: 928-427-6578.
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT:
We are grateful to have YFD volunteer, Josh Western, on our team. Josh has been a firefighter since 2011 and joined YFD in 2015. He and his wife of four years reside in Glendale. Josh enjoys any activity that involves working with his hands. He also likes spending time with his three dogs, Cooper, Mulan, and Ava. He graduated Paramedic School in December 2017. Josh, thank you for volunteering with us!
February 2018 Service Calls: Incidents: 16 – Average response time: 4 Minutes, 4 Seconds
EMS: 12 Motor Vehicle Accident: 0 Mutual Aid: 0 Public Assists: 3 Wildland Fire: 1
*NOTE: Mutual Aid is a separate category, not counted in total calls.