by Chief Ben Palm
BURN RESTRICTIONS IN FORCE:
On Friday, April 20th, 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 19th. YFD Cadets and Fire Trucks will participate in the parade. Yarnell Memorial Run, Saturday, June 2nd: 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 60th 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