Sedona AZ (July 2, 2014) – As we celebrate the nation’s independence this Fourth of July, the Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management urges extreme caution because fire conditions remain hazardous and extreme. It suggests being cognizant of the following:
Please remember to put safety first at all times! Currently a fire ban is in effect for all of Yavapai County.
Residential propane and natural gas barbeques are permitted, if attended at all times during use.
All campfires and open flames, such as tiki lamps, are banned.
The ban prohibits the outdoor use of equipment that generates open flames or a spark which restricts the use of welding equipment and chain saws.
Fireworks and other pyrotechnic displays are expressly prohibited. The public is urged to celebrate our nation’s independence by attending a professional fireworks display. You will find local July 4 events on the SedonaEye.com Calendar.
The weather is warming up and vegetation is quickly drying out – remember that fires start and spread quickly.
Do not park any vehicles in dry, grassy areas as the heat from exhaust systems can ignite the dry grass: Sparks from dragging chains, flat tires, faulty spark arresters, mufflers and engines are causes of fires in Arizona. Be sure your recreational vehicles have operating spark arresters!
Enjoy the July 4 festivities, have fun and be safe!
Know before you go http://firerestrictions.us/az/
For the best Arizona news and views, read www.SedonaEye.com daily!
Happy July 4th!
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Weather for Coconino… THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN FLAGSTAFF HAS ISSUED A * FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR… SOUTH CENTRAL COCONINO COUNTY IN NORTH CENTRAL ARIZONA… * UNTIL 300 PM MST * AT 1254 PM MST…NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED FLASH FLOODING FROM A THUNDERSTORM OVER THE SLIDE FIRE BURN AREA. A VERY STRONG THUNDERSTORM IS MOVING ACROSS THE BURN AREA AND PRODUCING RAIN FALL AMOUNTS OF ONE-HALF INCH TO ONE INCH IN A VERY SHORT TIME. * LOCATIONS IN THE WARNING INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO MILEPOST 390 ON HWY 89 A AND STERLING FISH HATCHERY.
Weather for Coconino… THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN FLAGSTAFF HAS ISSUED A * FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR… SOUTH CENTRAL COCONINO COUNTY IN NORTH CENTRAL ARIZONA… * UNTIL 400 PM MST * AT 151 PM MST…NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED FLASH FLOODING FROM A THUNDERSTORM OVER THE WARNED AREA. STRONG THUNDERSTORMS ARE MOVING FROM EAST TO WEST ACROSS UPPER OAK CREEK CANYON AND WILL LIKELY PRODUCE VERY HEAVY RAINFALL AMOUNTS ON THE SLIDE FIRE BURN AREA. IN ADDITION…ADOT REPORTS DIME SIZE HAIL WITH THIS STORM CREATING HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS. * LOCATIONS IN THE WARNING INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO WEST FORK OF OAK CREEK
Weather for Yavapai… THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN FLAGSTAFF HAS ISSUED A * FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR… WEST CENTRAL YAVAPAI COUNTY IN WEST CENTRAL ARIZONA… * UNTIL 500 PM MST * AT 255 PM MST…NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED FLASH FLOODING FROM A THUNDERSTORM OVER THE WARNED AREA. THIS INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DRAINAGES… BURRO CREEK…COW CREEK…MOUNT HOPE TANK…ADOBE CREEK…HOP CREEK…BEAR CREEK.
The monsoon rains have begun, and Northern Arizona has received some moisture. Unfortunately, not all areas have received significant amounts to reduce the potential for wildfires. With continue rain events over the next couple weeks the moisture in live fuels will rise and the fire potential will lower. Currently, the Yavapai County Fire Ban, as well as the Prescott National Forest fire restrictions remains in effect.
Under Yavapai County restrictions all campfires and open flames, such as tiki lamps, are banned. The ban also prohibits the outdoor use of equipment that generates open flames or a spark. This restricts the use of welding equipment and chain saws. Residential propane and natural gas barbeques with covers are permitted; they must be attended at all times. The full version of the county’s fire ban can be found at:
http://www.yavapai.us/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/FireBanOrdinance.pdf
Stage II Fire Restrictions are in place on the Prescott National Forest. In general, these restrictions prohibit campfires and smoking, chainsaws, welding, explosives, internal combustion engines without spark arrestors, fireworks and the discharging of firearms. Gas grills and gas fire places (fires that can be “turned off”) are still allowed under Stage II restrictions on the forest. Violation of any fire restriction orders is punishable by a maximum $5,000.00 fine or six months imprisonment or both.
The Prescott National Forest restrictions press release can be viewed at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/prescott/news-events/?cid=STELPRD3801260
The National Forest, State Forestry, Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management, and local Fire Departments and Districts can provide additional information as needed. When Fire Restrictions are lifted they will be posted on:
http://www.regionalinfo-alert.org
http://www.facebook.com/ycoem
For statewide restrictions —
Know before you go: http://firerestrictions.us/az/
Yavapai County
http://www.regionalinfo-alert.org
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THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN FLAGSTAFF HAS ISSUED A * SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR… SOUTHEASTERN COCONINO COUNTY IN NORTH CENTRAL ARIZONA… EXTREME WEST CENTRAL NAVAJO COUNTY IN NORTHEAST ARIZONA… * UNTIL 600 PM MST * AT 510 PM MST…NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING QUARTER SIZE HAIL…AND DAMAGING WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH. THIS STORM WAS LOCATED NEAR CHEVELON BUTTE…OR 23 MILES SOUTH OF WINSLOW…AND MOVING WEST AT 20 MPH. * OTHER LOCATIONS IN THE WARNING INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO MILEPOST 315 ON SR 87…MILEPOST 23 ON SR 99…