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 21st 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 5th 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 2nd, the 5th 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.