By Chief Ben Palm
On June 8th, Yarnell residents experienced the fury of another fire. This time, the blaze called Tenderfoot, took no homes and more importantly, no lives. Yarnell Fire District wants to thank all of our residents for taking preparedness seriously. We all learned valuable lessons from the 2013 fire, and this time we were a prepared community. The recent Fuels Abatement Project proved successful in protecting our homes. The initial attack on Tenderfoot was also an important factor. But the community’s preparedness by creating defensible space and doing as Emergency Officials instructed was also a very important step in protecting lives and property. As your fire Chief, I personally thank you and the YFD Board of Directors for their support of the Fuels Project. I also thank YFD Captain John Rice and Volunteer Jeff Shearer, who responded in the initial attack.
Please continue to be Firewise. The most important thing is to be aware that there is a county-wide Stage 1 Fire Ban. This means no open flame is allowed and burn permits will not be issued. Smoking cigars and cigarettes is limited to private property. Also, keep your property clean and grass cut.
Reminder: the Knox® Box Key Entry Program is available 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: Due to the Tenderfoot Fire, EMT Class was rescheduled, and began on June 28th. It will continue through September 3rdh. Ropes Rescue II and III will be rescheduled for another date. Always check our website for class details: yarnellfire.com
Cedar Creek Fire info/personnel goes here:
The Yarnell Memorial Run was a wonderful success! Again, thanks to the community for supporting this event. Over $10,000 was raised for our district alone, and we were able to support the Eric Marsh and William Warneke Foundations. The next race is already scheduled for June 3, 2017.
The mission of Yarnell Fire District is to protect the public – life and property; to promote fire safety and awareness, and provide educational services to our residents for their health and welfare. Our commitment to Public Safety and Welfare is the most important work we do. We appreciate your support of YFD. Questions? Contact Chief Palm at 928-427-6578.
May 2016 Calls:
EMS: 13 Public Assists: 7 Fire: 1