Prepare For Summer
by Chief Ben Palm
On April 14th, I, along with many other fire chiefs, attended a briefing and press conference about the outlook for the upcoming wildfire season. Governor Doug Ducey and Arizona State Forester Jeff Whitney spoke to attendees and media from all over the state. The 2016 season has already become a problem in Arizona. Since January, there have been 294 fires totaling 21,383 acres. For comparison, in the first quarter of 2015, there were 147 fires and 452 acres burned. The Governor is concerned about prevention, as we all should be: “According to statistics provided by fire officials, 90 percent of wildfires every year are human-caused, stemming from unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes or any other source of extreme heat. The 294 fires so far this year all have been ruled as human-caused. That means they could have been avoided.” (Yihyun Jeong, The Republic | azcentral.com, April 14, 2016)
Here’s what you can do to be Firewise: Create defensible space around your property, trim overgrowth and cut tall grasses. Please do not burn campfires, trash or brush without a permit. Stop by the Admin building or call 928-427-6578. Dispose of cigarettes and cigars properly. Be certain they are completely out. It is important to make sure your household has an evacuation plan and working smoke detectors.
Remember the Knox® Box Key Entry Program has been instituted in our district. You may purchase a box and install it. This will prevent EMS and Fire personnel from having to break into your home or business during an emergency crisis. Visit our website: yarnellfire.org for information.
Yarnell Fire Training Center Events: Beginning Tuesday, May 17th is an EMT Class. The cost for the 11 week program is $800 and includes the text book. This is an intensive and comprehensive program to prepare students for the National EMT Exam. There will be Ropes Rescue I, II and III Classes for three weekends in June. Prerequisites apply. To learn more, feel free to visit our website: http://yarnellfire.org. To obtain registration packets, call us at 928-427-6578.
The first year of the YFD Explorer Cadet Program is coming to a close. The leaders, parents and cadets are pleased with the results of the program. Saturday, May 14th is the last meeting for this school year. Explorers will resume in September. For information and registration, be sure to check our website: yarnellfire.org. We plan to post the registration details in June.
Upcoming events: The Yarnell Memorial Run, Saturday, June 4th, at the Yarnell Assembly of God, 17125 Fountain Hill Lane in Yarnell. Register online http://yarnellmemorialrun.com. You may also register by mail or in person by visiting the Fire Administration Building. The 19k is a new category this year, and teams are also available. The website has all the details. Thank you to our sponsors! GOLD: Augie’s Restaurant in Prescott, Native Air, Air Methods Transport; Swift Charities and Trilogy at Wickenburg Ranch. BRONZE SPONSORS: Yarnell Community Presbyterian Church, Yarnell Peeples Valley Chamber of Commerce, Jones Ford in Wickenburg, Wickenburg Community Hospital, and VFW Post 541 in Prescott. Without sponsor support, we would not be able to have this annual event. We are also grateful for volunteers to help us prepare and on race day. If you’d like to help or participate, contact Denise Roggio, 928-427-6578.
The mission of Yarnell Fire District is to protect the public – life and property, promote fire safety and awareness, and provide educational services to our residents for their health and welfare. In keeping with that mission, we are continuing our Pre-Disaster Planning and implementing Fire Prevention & Safety Projects. Thank you to our committed and hard working crew for the fantastic job on fuels abatement and for timely EMS response. Questions? Contact Chief Palm at 928-427-6578.
March 2016 Call Volume: Total calls 25, EMS calls 16, Motor Vehicle Accidents: 1
Welfare Checks 1, Public Assists 4, Mutual Aid Provided 2, Structure Fires 1, Wildfires 2