By Chief Ben Palm
Wildfire Outlook
National Fire Interagency Center provides information on potential hazards for wildfire season per US Region. Here is their summary for the Southwest: “Above normal significant wildland fire potential is expected across the eastern portion of the Southwest Area for February and March. Above normal potential will then begin to shift further north and west to areas generally east of the divide by April and will start to spread westward by May.” (cited from https://www.predictiveservices.nifc.gov) Because we have experienced a significant amount of precipitation in the last several months, the risk of fire in the dry season increases. Therefore, we ask that you please keep grasses cut and create defensible space around your home. Thank you for being Firewise!
Training
February was another active month at the training center. We held an EMT Refresher Course that met the requirements for EMTs to retain licenses. Ten students attended the three day class. One of our volunteers will be attending Wildland Fire Academy. Jason Hershberger and Josh Western are progressing and doing well in their Paramedic Classes.
Knox Box® Program
We urge you to sign up for a Knox Box®. How it works: homeowners or business owners may purchase a box containing a key to their premises; the box is placed next to the entry door of the building; If Yarnell Fire needs access to the building, rather than breaking in, we will be able to access the Knox Box with our master key, and retrieve the entry key. For information, please contact us: Chief Ben Palm or Denise Roggio, Admin. 928-427-6578. Visit yarnellfire.org
Welcome New Support Staff!
YFD has two new team members for our Support Staff Position. We welcome Nick Bomar and Larry Marcum to the department. More interviews have been scheduled. The role of Support Staff is to assist Firefighter personnel and the Chief with various tasks. Yarnell Fire District is a drug free environment and candidates could be subject to drug testing. There are three ways to apply: Print an application from our website, www.yarnellfire.org; visit the Administration Building or email Denise Roggio for an application: d.roggio@yarnellfire.com.
Yarnell Memorial Run 2017 – Thanks to Augie’s Restaurant in Prescott for remaining a Gold Sponsor!
If you’d like to get involved, we sure appreciate the help. Contact Linda Ma, Auxiliary Chair, Shannon Smith or Frances Lechner: Email: 19memorialrun@gmail.com. You may also visit the Administration Building, or check the Race website – http://yarnellmemorialrun.com. We are in need of volunteers; the more involvement the easier and quicker each task will be. Would you consider helping us?
January 2017 Service Calls
Incidents: 12
EMS: 6 Motor Vehicle Accident: 1 Public Assists: 1 Structure Fire: 1 Wildland Fire: 1 Welfare Check: 1 Smoke Check: 1