By Chief Ben Palm

ADDITIONAL GRANT AWARDS:

Last month, we shared that we received the FEMA SAFER Grant in the amount of $316,806. SAFER is an acronym for Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response. To clarify, the SAFER award does not provide operational funds, except in the realm of staffing. Denise Roggio has been appointed as the Recruitment and Retention Coordinator, whose salary is paid by the grant. Our volunteers are also paid a stipend per call, and the grant provides training, uniforms, Cadet Funds and a marketing allowance. Yarnell Fire District was also pleased to be awarded the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Grant in the amount of $4,210 to procure Safety Scene Lights.

COALITION FOR WILDFIRE ADAPTED COMMUNITIES:

Last week, we received notice that we were awarded two grants from the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management Hazardous Fuels Mitigation Program. Yarnell Fire District applied for the grant on behalf of the Coalition for Wildfire Adapted Communities. This two-year period of performance provided $26,384 for the Model Creek Project, abating fuels around Model Creek School and at the Creek; it also provided $192,928 for Wilhoit, abating fuels on the East side of Highway 89, south of Southern Yavapai Fire Department. We will be administering the grant, and Chief Palm will coordinate the projects.

YFD CADET PROGRAM:

The Cadets are enjoying their 4^th year at YFD. Captain Shearer and Sharon Smith have been leading bi-weekly training sessions. They have successfully put out training fires, pulled hoses and performed physical agility training. Check our Facebook page for some great photos!

YFD IS HIRING:

Reminder: we’re looking for dedicated men and women to join us.  Some of the benefits of joining Yarnell Fire District include training opportunities, a crew quarters for out of district volunteers and working in a team environment. Our goal is to train recruits to a minimum of EMT, FFI/FFII and Wildland Firefighter. We also have positions for support firefighters. Interested candidates should visit www.yarnellfire.org for an application. Contact Denise Roggio for information by calling 928-427-6578 or using the contact form on the website.

YARNELL FIRE AUXILIARY NEWS from Linda Ma:

Thanks to everyone who supported the Wine, Cheese and Jazz Event in October. It was a huge success!

We are preparing for the Holiday Season. On December 7^th, we’re hosting a Christmas Dinner for the Yarnell Fire family. Then on December 15^th, from 10am to 4pm, we will be participating in the Stocking Stuffer Bazaar at the Old Prescott Armory, 824 E. Gurley Street. Stop by our booth for your last minute ideas and to support our goals! For info please call Denise or Linda at 928-427-6578.

WELCOME NEW EMPLOYEES:

YFD is glad to have three new volunteers. Welcome to Earletta Jones, In-District Support Staff; Jason Lohman, Out of District Reserve and Wildland Firefighter; Jerry Becker, Out of District Reserve and Wildland Firefighter.

September  2018  Service Calls

Incidents: 28 – Average response time: 5.00 Minutes

EMS: 13                       Motor Vehicle Accident: 4                Flood: 0

Mutual Aid: 1              Public Assists: 5                                 Smoke Checks: 1

Structure Fire: 0          Wildland Fire: 0                                 Rescue: 0

Snake Removal: 2        Fire Alarm Check: 0                           Welfare Check: 3

 

By Chief Ben Palm

SAFER GRANT AWARD:

So far in 2018, Yarnell Fire District has been the recipient of several grant awards, including the Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) Grant for a Source Capture Exhaust System, an Arizona Community Foundation grant for the Cadet Program, and a Northern Arizona Emergency Medical Services (NAEMS) grant for medical supplies. Most recently, Yarnell Fire received the FEMA SAFER Grant in the amount of $316,806. SAFER is an acronym for Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response. We also received a SAFER Grant in 2014. This particular award is for the Recruitment and Retention of volunteer/support firefighters. The four- year period of performance provides funds for personnel, personal protective equipment, training programs, tuition assistance for paramedic licensing, incentives, stipends, the Department’s Cadet Mentoring program, physicals, station uniforms and marketing. We’re looking for dedicated men and women to join us.  Some of the benefits of joining Yarnell Fire District include training opportunities, a crew quarters for out of district volunteers, stipends and a team environment. Our goal is to train recruits to a minimum of EMT, FFI/FFII and Wildland Firefighter. We also have positions for support firefighters. Interested candidates should visit www.yarnellfire.org for an application. Contact Denise Roggio for information by calling 928-427-6578 or using the contact form on the website.

COALITION FOR WILDFIRE ADAPTED COMMUNITIES:

The Coalition’s most recent outreach was held at the Williamson Valley-Bagdad Fire Station on September 30th. Denise Roggio and Bruce Olson provided information, including evacuation packing bags, checklists and preparation booklets. YFD and the Coalition Departments want to remind you of the mission we have to protect life and property through activities consistent with fire prevention. Residents of our communities play a critical role in preventing fire. As always, we ask that you keep your weeds trimmed, rake up yard debris and dispose of branches. In Yarnell, please obtain a burning permit for open flame. Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.

YFD CADET PROGRAM:

Under the direction of Captain Jeff Shearer, the Yarnell Fire Cadets began their 3^rd year at YFD on Saturday, September 22nd. There are eight Cadets, ranging from 6^th Grade through high school. Thank you to YFD’s Sharon Smith for being Assistant Leader this year.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT:

Thanks to Autumn Winter for being a part of our team. Sometimes we call her “Spring Summer” just for fun, and she has a good sense of humor. Autumn joined YFD in October 2017 as an Out-Of-District EMT Support Volunteer. She calls Prescott Valley home and is a proud mom to a 7-year old daughter. In addition to her busy life as Mom and volunteer, Autumn is an Animal Control officer for the Yavapai County Sherriff’s Department. She likes to go kayaking and enjoys photography. Autumn, we’re glad to have you in the YFD family.

August  2018  Service Calls

Incidents: 17 – Average response time:  3.35 (3 Minutes, 21 Seconds) 

EMS: 11                       Motor Vehicle Accident: 0                Flood: 1

Mutual Aid: 0              Public Assists: 0                                 Smoke Checks: 2

Structure Fire: 0          Wildland Fire: 2                                 Rescue: 0

Snake Removal: 0        Fire Alarm Check: 0                           Welfare Check: 1

 

by Chief Ben Palm

BURN RESTRICTION IN FORCE:

When a bit of rain comes, people tend to ask if the Burn Ban has been lifted. The answer is it has to rain a lot to ensure the fire danger is passed.  We are still in Stage Two Restriction. Any heat source that can cause a spark is prohibited. This includes smoking cigarettes outside of designated areas and charcoal grills. We will not be issuing burn permits, no use of model rockets, fireworks, and no open flames. Please extinguish cigarettes completely and properly dispose of them.

BEAR SIGHTINGS:

YFD has received several calls of concern about the black bear in Yarnell. Sightings have been in the Glen Ilah area and the West Side of Highway 89. Our rural area is home to bear, mountain lion, scorpions and poisonous snakes. All of these can be unnerving; however it is important that you do not attract the bear to your yard by providing food or water of any kind, whether intentional or not. Use caution! Call Arizona Game & Fish at (602) 942-3000 Please stay alert.

NEW!  RESIDENTIAL KNOX® BOX PROGRAM:

We have joined the new Knox® Home Box program, which is a more affordable option for our community residents. If you are a homeowner or tenant with written landlord permission, you can now purchase a Box for $159. This might still seem high to some folks, but consider the cost if we were forced to break through your front door. It would be much higher than the cost of the Knox® Box. There are two reasons to consider this option. Firstly, if you have mobility issues or are prone to falling, first responders will have access that could save your life. Secondly, in the event of a fire, Department personnel may be able to assist you and protect your home, if you are unable to let us in. How do you participate? Call us at 928-427-6578 or stop by our office for the appropriate forms. If you’d like to learn more, we have brochures or you may visit their website: www.knoxbox.com.

TWO COMING EVENTS:

First, join us for a Chili Cook-Off Yarnell Fire Auxiliary on Saturday, July 14th, 2018 at the Yarnell Fire Station. The event starts at 12pm, with judging at 12:30. Chili and Cornbread are on the menu. Entry fee for the competition: $10.  Come enjoy a tasty lunch for: $7/adult $4/child. Sign up to showcase your awesome Chili at the Yarnell Fire Administration Building. Call 928-427-6578.

Second, July 21^st Ice Cream Social – Coalition for Wildfire Adapted Communities in Peeples Valley! Join us at the Model Creek School, 12pm for Hot Dog Lunch and Ice Cream Dessert. This will be the 5^th Coalition Event to unite our communities and prepare for Wildfire. Contact the Coalition Coordinator, Denise Roggio, 928-427-6578.

YARNELL FIRE AUXILIARY PRESENTS $18,000 TO OUR DISTRICT:

On June 2^nd, the 5^th Annual Yarnell Memorial Run brought more than 500 runners to Yarnell. The Yarnell Fire Auxiliary is the host organization for this event. Many thanks to Linda Ma, Leah Tidey, Trish Edwards, Peggy Looper and Kurt Florman, Auxiliary Board. Also thanks to Frances Lechner, Nancy Mahaffey and Denise Roggio, Auxiliary members. The event raised more than $20,000 in net proceeds to help YFD, William H. Warneke Foundation and the Eric Marsh Foundation for Wildland Firefighters.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT:

YFD is glad to have volunteer, Larry Marcum. He and Yvette, his wife of 32 years, reside in Prescott and are proud parents to two adults. Larry was most recently the Chief of North Hays County Fire and Rescue in Austin, Texas before moving to Arizona. He has more than 43 years in fire and EMS, and has been a paramedic since 1973. He is also a self-taught drummer who enjoys designing wildland fire apparatus and watching pro-football. Larry, thank you for your service to our community!

May Incidents: 33 – Average response time:  4.31 (4 Minutes, 19 Seconds) 

EMS: 23                            Motor Vehicle Accident: 3          Welfare checks: 0

Mutual Aid: 5                   Public Assists: 5                             Smoke Checks: 1

Structure Fire: 0                Wildland Fire: 1                            Rescue: 0

*Mutual Aid is not included in total calls.

 

by Chief Ben Palm

BURN RESTRICTIONS IN FORCE:

On May 11th, a Stage Two Burn Restriction Notice was issued.  A Stage Two Restriction means that any heat source that can cause a spark is prohibited. This includes smoking cigarettes outside of designated areas and charcoal grills. We will not be issuing burn permits, no use of model rockets, fireworks, and no open flames. Please extinguish cigarettes completely and properly dispose of them.  Be sure to create defensible space around your home.  Thank you for being Firewise.

COMING EVENTS!

Join us for a Chili Cook-Off Yarnell Fire Auxiliary on Saturday, July 14th, 2018 at the Yarnell Fire Station. Last year’s cook-off was so much fun that we’re doing it again! It begins at 12 noon at the Yarnell Fire Station.  Judging will commence at 12:30. Chili-cookers are already lining up to compete.  Chili and Cornbread are on the menu. Entry fee for the competition: $10.  Come enjoy a tasty lunch for: $7/adult $3/child. Sign up to showcase your awesome Chili at the Yarnell Fire Administration Building. For more info contact Denise or Linda at 928-427-6578.

The July 21^st Ice Cream Social – Coalition for Wildfire Adapted Communities in Peeples Valley!

Save the date, time and location TBA. This will be the 5^th Coalition Event to unite our communities and prepare for Wildfire.  We hope you will join us – besides, we know you love ice cream. Contact the Coalition Coordinator, Denise Roggio, 928-427-6578.

WELCOME:

YFD is glad to have Seth Smith on our team. Seth comes to us from Skull Valley and also works with their department. He is FFII certified and will be finishing EMT School in July. Welcome, Seth!

GET YOUR T-SHIRT:

Stop by the Fire Administration Building for your 60^th Anniversary T-Shirt: M, L and XL are $20. Larger sizes, $25

THANKFUL FOR THE YARNELL MEMORIAL RUN:

On June 2^nd, the 5^th Annual Yarnell Memorial Run brought more than 500 runners to Yarnell. The results are being tallied. YFD thanks the Yarnell Fire Auxiliary and Startline Racing for an amazing event. Thanks to our GOLD Sponsors: Augie’s Restaurant in Prescott, United Charitable, Swift Trucking, Jet Limousines and Native Air. SILVER Sponsors: Air Vac 17, Pelican Products and APS. BRONZE Sponsors: the Kane Schools, Wickenburg Community Hospital, Yarnell Community Presbyterian Church. Also thanks to the amazing In-Kind donations from Jack Van Dussen, Sue Fogel, Frances Lechner, the Warneke Foundation, HARK Radio Team, and the numerous volunteers – we could never do this without your support. Check yarnellmemorialrun.com for race results coming soon!

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT:

Our department is glad to have volunteer, Nick Bomar. Nick joined us as a Reserve in January 2017. He volunteers for Peeples Valley Fire District and was recently hired by the Hualapai Nation Fire Division. Nick received his EMT Certification from the Yarnell Fire Training Center, and graduated from Arizona Regional Fire Academy in March 2018, having earned FFI/FFII. He is now getting ready for paramedic school. He resides in Peeples Valley. Nick, thank you for volunteering!

April Incidents: 20 – Average response time:  4.47 (4 Minutes, 28 Seconds) 

EMS: 11                            Motor Vehicle Accident: 4          Welfare checks: 1

Mutual Aid: 2                   Public Assists: 3                             Smoke Checks: 1

Structure Fire: 1                Wildland Fire: 1                            Rescue: 0

 

by Chief Ben Palm

BURN RESTRICTIONS IN FORCE:

On Friday, April 20^th, a Stage One Burn Restriction Notice was issued by our District. A Stage One Restriction means that we will not be issuing burn permits, no use of model rockets, fireworks, and no open flames. Also, cigarette smoking is limited to designated smoking areas, private residences and vehicles. Please extinguish cigarettes completely and properly dispose of them.  It is extremely important to take every preventative measure during this extremely dry and warm period.  Be sure to create defensible space around your home.  Thank you for being Firewise. Yavapai County has different restrictions. Please check their website for more information: www.yavapai.us

A MESSAGE FROM THE COALITION FOR WILDFIRE ADAPTED COMMUNITIES:

The Pancake Breakfast in Wilhoit was a success! 84 people attended, and the presentations were fantastic. Thanks to Anne Mottek, Greg Lamontagne, Chris Jones and Chief James Morgan for speaking to the community. The Coalition Departments are urging all residents to adopt Ready, Set, Go!  Right now, we should all be in “Ready” mode: arrange for a place to stay in case of evacuation, have all important documents in an easily accessible container and have a bag of personal necessities including medications ready to go at a moment’s notice. Remember to plan for your pets. The only thing that matters in case of wildfire is your safety and that of your family. Please plan ahead and don’t wait to evacuate! We have brochures, planning guides and Firewise Plants information in the office to assist you.  Contact the Coalition Coordinator, Denise Roggio, 928-427-6578.

SAVE THESE DATES:

Yarnell Daze Mountaintop Festival, May 19^th. YFD Cadets and Fire Trucks will participate in the parade. Yarnell Memorial Run, Saturday, June 2^nd:  The registrations have been pouring in! Participation is nearly triple compared to the same time last year.  Volunteer help is appreciated. Please contact Denise or Linda, 928-427-6578. Visit http://yarnellmemorialrun.com and patronize our sponsors! Finally, we are planning another big Coalition Event with Peeples Valley Fire District – stay tuned for details about an Ice Cream Social. Who doesn’t like Ice Cream?

YARNELL FIRE T-SHIRTS ARE BACK:

Stop by the Fire Administration Building for your 60^th Anniversary T-Shirt: M, L and XL are $20. Larger sizes, $25

COMMENDATION AND THANKS:

Having the Yarnell Fire Auxiliary supporting us is a great benefit to the District. Since January 2016, the Auxiliary has raised $20,000 to support us. They replaced worn tires on our Type 1 Engine and E-406, purchased new radios that are compatible with our updated communication system and helped pay backfill wages when our Captain was in Fire Academy. The Auxiliary has been actively involved in the Coalition for Wildfire Adapted Communities by preparing wonderful meals for the outreach events. They are also the host for the Yarnell Memorial Run. When we are on a local fire, the Auxiliary brings food and drinks – basically whatever we need, they are there for us. Thank you to Linda Ma, Leah Tidey, Peggy Looper, Trish Edwards and Kurt Florman for the work and dedication to helping Yarnell Fire District serve its purpose.  Also, many thanks to the other volunteers who assist them in their events!

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT:

It has been great to have John Rice on our team since 2014.  In his most recent position as YFD Captain, John became the YFD Explorer Cadet Leader in 2016. He is an EMT with IV Certification, and is certified in both Structure and Wildland Firefighting. John, his wife Kimberly and step daughter Ariana reside in Glen Ilah. John likes gardening, enjoys spending time on his tractor and listening country music. After four years of dedicated service to Yarnell, John was offered an opportunity to advance his career. He is now working at Rural/Metro Fire Department. John, we are grateful for your full time service and wish you continued success.

 

March 2018  Service Calls

Incidents: 23 – Average response time:  2.82 (2 Minutes, 49 Seconds) 

            EMS: 14                            Motor Vehicle Accident: 3          Welfare checks: 1

            Mutual Aid: 2                   Public Assists: 1                             Smoke Checks: 0

Structure Fire: 1                Wildland Fire: 1                           Rescue: 2

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 17^th. 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 7^th, 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 14^th 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 5^th Annual Memorial Run is Saturday, June 2^nd, 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.

 

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 17^th. 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 7^th, 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 14^th 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 5^th Annual Memorial Run is Saturday, June 2^nd, 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.