By Chief Ben Palm
Wildfire Outlook
It was an active fire season in Oregon, California and Montana. There is still fire threat in Arizona; remember that cool, dry air is as much a fire hazard as when the temperatures are high. This is a great time to do your fall yard cleaning: remove brush, trim trees and cut tall grasses. Let’s stay Firewise!
Becoming Fire Adapted Communities:
Living in a wildland urban interface has taught us that education and preparation are the keys to fire prevention and response to wildfire. Thanks to a Fire Prevention and Safety Grant from FEMA, YFD has joined a Coalition to help our community and surrounding areas to become fire adapted. Under the direction of Bruce Olson and Denise Roggio, we will be involved in Community Outreach. On Saturday, October 7th, Bruce will be at Home Depot, Prescott, to take part in their Fire Prevention Expo; 150 children are expected to attend from 9am -noon. We will also be able to provide more education and gifts to the students at Model Creek School at their October Fire Prevention Week. Many other outreach activities are being planned. Thank you to the Yarnell Fire Auxiliary and Linda Ma for their committed support for Coalition activities. For information, contact Program Director, Denise, at 928-427-6578.
Breakfast at the Station! Mark Your Calendars:
The Yarnell Fire Auxiliary will be hosting a Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, November 4th at the Yarnell Fire Station, 8am. The event is open to all ages from Congress to Wilhoit. Join us for a delicious breakfast followed by a brief presentation about Fire Prevention and Preparedness. We will provide take-home packets that pertain to the topic. Pancakes, Eggs and Bacon – $8/adult or $4/child suggested donation. This is a kick-off event for becoming Fire Adapted Communities.
Anniversary Coins for Sale: In honor of YFD’s 60th year in service, a coin has been minted to commemorate the anniversary. Please see Denise at the Admin. Building to purchase yours for $15.
Hazardous Fuels Project – Thanks!
Firstly, thank you to Bruce Olson for the fantastic work as supervisor for Yarnell Fire District, mitigating 22 acres of fuels. Secondly, thank you to those property owners who participated and volunteered many hours to make the project successful.
Employee Spotlight:
Committed employees make all the difference. I’d like to thank Denise Roggio for her hard work at YFD. Denise is the SAFER Grant Administrator. She has helped to acquire more than $200,000 in grant funding for YFD since she joined us in February 2015. Last year, she earned the credential, Certified Grant Writer© from the American Grant Writers Association; since then she has been a conference speaker, educating other grant writers. Denise is also a full time student at NAU, a singer/pianist, a music teacher at Model Creek School and performs at various venues on the weekends. She is an important part of our daily administration. Our office is upbeat and fun because of the camaraderie between the office staff. She often says that we are her “commercial free entertainment.” Denise, thank you for all you do!
Cadet Program:
The 2017-2018 Cadet year will start in November. Registration is $50 per Cadet and forms are available at the Admin. Building. Contact Captain Rice at 928-427-6578 for information.
AUGUST 2017 Service Calls Incidents: 21 – EMS: 9 Welfare checks: 3 Public Assists: 3 Motor Vehicle Accidents: 4 Fire: 1 Snake Removal: 1