Category: Health

Dragon Bravo Fire Update for July 28, 2025

Latest Update: Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team Two has taken command of the Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Containment has decreased to 13% following updated perimeter mapping and recent fire growth. Yesterday saw a significant push 3 to 4 miles to the north, particularly on the western flanks. Spot fires were confirmed in North Canyon, and extreme fire behavior was observed with pyrocumulus columns developing to heights of 24,000 feet.

Coconino County — Now available: Regional Plan Public Hearing draft

The Public Hearing Draft of the Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045 is now available on the project website: www.flagstaff.az.gov/regionalplan2045
This draft will be discussed at a series of public hearings with the Flagstaff Planning and Zoning Commission and the Flagstaff City Council, who will vote on adopting the Regional Plan in October.
Hard copies of the plan are available for review at:
City Hall Community Development Counter
Downtown Library Information Desk
East Flagstaff Library Information Desk
To request a take-home hard copy, please email Elsa Erling at elsa.erling@flagstaffaz.gov
More updates on the City hearings, how to comment, and Coconino County’s hearing schedule will be provided via this newsletter in the coming weeks.

Coconino County seeks community input for Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

FLAGSTAFF —The frequency and severity of disasters continues to rise across the country.  To prepare for, and reduce the risks, Coconino County is updating our Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.  The purpose of this plan is to evaluate the risk posed to the community by natural and man-made hazards and to identify actions that can reduce or eliminate those risks.  This update is a joint project between Coconino County, and the cities and towns of Flagstaff, Fredonia, Williams, Tusayan, and Page, as well as Northern Arizona University.  Community participation is at the heart of this planning process. Input from residents, business owners, and local organizations is essential to help planners understand local priorities, concerns, and historical knowledge. 

White Sage Fire Daily Update – July 25, 2025

Highlights

Highway 89A has been re-opened to the public. Highway 67 toward the Grand Canyon remains closed.

The White Sage Fire is mapped at 58,980 acres (no change), and is 81 percent contained (6 percent increase from yesterday). The Oak Point Fire to the south is mapped at 85 acres and is 100 percent contained.

Smoke may be visible from Highway 89A from heavier fuels burning in the interior of the fire footprint. In addition, wind across burned areas may create dust and ash clouds, which can look like smoke from a distance.

Across the fire, firefighters are engaged mainly in mop up and suppression repair. Fire managers expect suppression repair on the west side of the fire to be completed within a few days. Crews are completing mop up and repairing fences on the north side of the fire.

Dragon Bravo Fire Update for July 25, 2025

Latest Update: Thursday brought record breaking dry conditions to the Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Firefighters held control lines and are preparing for increased activity in the coming days as critically low humidity and gusty winds persist through the week.

Ongoing & Planned Operations: Firefighters continue building fireline on forest roads 610 and 611. Crews have completed work along Forest Road 223 northwest of the fire and are now preparing contingency lines along Forest Road 222. Fire behavior analysts are determining the feasibility of building contingency lines northeast of the Dragon Bravo Fire near Lookout Tower Road. Structure protection groups continue to install and improve defense measures around the Kaibab Lodge and gas station, as well as other critical infrastructure. Aircraft successfully limited spread on the western flank of the fire near the Dragon Creek from moving further northeast. Fire continues to back down into the canyon southeast of the fire.

White Sage Fire Daily Update – July 24, 2025

Highlights 

The White Sage Fire is mapped at 58,980 acres and is 75 percent contained, an 11 percent increase from yesterday. The Oak Point Fire is mapped at 85 acres and is 100 percent contained. Weather conditions are conducive for active fire behavior. 

On the west side of the fire, crews with heavy equipment are engaged in suppression repair efforts. This entails pulling back berms, placing vegetation on disturbed soil, and spreading approved seed mix to stabilize soil and restore the natural appearance of the area. Today crews will begin repairing livestock fencing damaged during suppression efforts. Fencing is important infrastructure used to manage grazing allotments on public lands. 

Dragon Bravo Fire Update for July 24, 2025

Latest Update: The Dragon Bravo Fire located on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park remains active during a period of critical fire weather. Continued suppression efforts are focused on securing existing containment lines, as well as preparing and scouting other contingency fireline options and protecting values at risk, including the Kaibab Lodge and infrastructure within the park.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y’s free webinars offer parents a way to cope with busy summer

COCONINO COUNTY — With parents busy with a variety of Summer activities with their children (from at-home Summer education to summer travel), it may be a good time to take a deep breath, take care of yourself and find some ways to ease the stress for your children.

To help, Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth wants to remind everyone that we have a variety of free webinar training programs on our website.

Want to take a moment to take care of yourself? Visit our free Mindfulness (for adults) one-hour webinar.

Your child may also benefit from our free Mindfulness for Youth 45-minute webinar or our free Bullying and Cyberbullying one-hour webinar.

Our growing library of on-demand webinars are also designed to help you gain the tools you need to learn about trauma-informed care, tips to help strengthen family protective factors, examine the effects of historical trauma and adverse childhood experiences.

White Sage Fire Daily Update for July 22, 2025

Highlights 
Firefighters have been making progress around all edges of the fire. The fire has now been mapped to include the slight increase in acreage attributed to the interior pockets of unburned vegetation that are now burned. Water tenders have been working diligently to shuttle water to the incident from sources such as Big Springs and the Colorado River, helping to fill portable drafting tanks for engines and supporting firefighting efforts in areas without nearby water access. 

White Sage Fire Daily Update – July 21, 2025

Highlights
Containment increased 2 percent from yesterday and the fire is mapped at 58,842 acres. Crews completed line construction around the successful burnout operation and followed up with mop-up work, increasing containment along the southern perimeter north of the Highway 89A area.

To ensure thorough coverage, firefighters are patrolling in a gridding pattern, using a method called cold trailing to detect any latent heat near containment lines. This technique involves carefully feeling the ground with the back of their hand to detect lingering heat, ensuring nothing is left that could reignite. Heavy equipment and firefighters are also engaged in suppression repair, restoring soil stability and vegetative cover.

Firefighters continue suppression work on Dragon Bravo Fire amid light rain and moisture Morning Update for July 21, 2025

Latest Update: Light rain showers and moisture could potentially aid firefighting efforts along the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park on the Dragon Bravo Fire. Fire activity is expected to persist as gusty southwest winds drive the fire through vegetation.

Volunteers sought for tree planting on east side of San Francisco Peaks

“This planting is significant not only because of the visual aesthetics and cultural importance of the San Francisco Peaks, but also because it can help reforest areas that burned uncharacteristically hot and may not naturally regenerate for more than one hundred years,” said silviculturist Mark Nabel. “These planted trees will help reduce soil erosion and improve wildlife habitat while also restoring some of the timber base that was lost in these recent fires.”

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions begin Thursday, July 17 at Grand Canyon National Park

GRAND CANYON, AZ.— Effective immediately, due to high fire danger, Grand Canyon National Park will implement Stage 2 fire restrictions for the South Rim and all other areas of the park.

The restriction encompasses the entire park including all campgrounds, residential areas, backcountry sites and developed recreation sites.

Stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit the following:

White Sage Fire Daily Update – July 17, 2025

Highlights

The White Sage Fire is now mapped at 58,559 acres, an increase of 6,637 acres due to improved mapping. The updated acreage accounts for previously undetected burned areas in the northern part of the fire, where light fuels and low heat signatures made early detection difficult. Containment has increased to 9%, with progress made along the south side of the fire, from the west side of Highway 89A to Road 422A. Today, crews will work to extend containment lines east of Highway 89A and along the northern edge of the fire’s western finger near Road 422A.

Dragon Bravo Fire Daily Update for July 17, 2025

Latest Update: Firefighters are taking advantage of current favorable weather conditions to establish fireline on the Dragon

Bravo Fire as part of a full suppression strategy. Crews are continuing to protect remaining structures and cultural values located on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park while providing for public and firefighter safety. Fire behavior has decreased slightly due to recent weather events but remains dynamic and unpredictable.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Back-to-School events already in the planning stage. See our listing here

COCONINO COUNTY — Yes, we know. Summer has just begun and at the Coalition we are still updating our parent-friendly Summer Camps, Summer Food and Summer Reading listings.

However, some eager folks out there are already getting ready for Back-to-School events and so have decided to get a head start and start listing and promoting upcoming activities.

Please check with individual programs to confirm times, dates, other information.

If your program would like to be added to this listing, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org

(INFORMATION UPDATED July 14, 2025)

Kaibab National Forest — White Sage Fire Daily Update – July 16, 2025

The White Sage Fire reached 4% containment as of yesterday. On the fire’s west side, crews constructed dozer line near the community of White Sage, along the northern edge of the fire’s heel. Today, firefighters will continue mop-up operations, extinguishing any remaining burning or smoldering material, felling hazardous snags, and trenching logs to prevent rolling and potential reignition.

Fire activity increased yesterday on the north side of the fire near Winter Road. Multiple aircraft conducted retardant drops to help slow the fire’s spread. Water tenders are shuttling water to fill portable tanks, each holding up to 2,000 gallons, for helicopters engaged in aerial suppression.

Dragon Bravo Morning Update for July 16, 2025

Latest Update: Aerial and ground firefighters continue to use a full suppression strategy to protect all remaining values at risk located within Grand Canyon National Park. While the Dragon Bravo Fire continues to grow on the park’s North Rim, it showed significantly decreased movement Tuesday in the Roaring Springs area.

Dragon Bravo Fire Morning Update for July 15, 2025 — Firefighters continue protecting remaining park structures on Dragon Bravo Fire

Latest Update: Firefighters continue to use an aggressive full suppression strategy on the Dragon Bravo Fire working both daytime and nighttime operational shifts. Existing closures and evacuations remain in place. Firefighters are working to protect remaining structures on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, build and strengthen containment lines and hold the fire to as small a perimeter as possible.

Kaibab National Forest — White Sage Fire Daily Update – July 15, 2025

Over the past few days, the White Sage Fire has exhibited extreme fire behavior, with fire runs reaching 5–7 miles per day. However, yesterday’s fire growth was significantly less, with an increase of approximately 2,636 acres, thanks to the hard work of firefighters and more favorable conditions. The fire perimeter is approximately 158 miles around. Yesterday, the fire continued to spread actively, particularly through areas impacted by the 2020 Mangum Fire, where invasive cheatgrass is fueling rapid movement. The west side of the fire is holding well near White Sage and is now transitioning into suppression repair work to mitigate impacts from firefighting efforts.

Highway 89A businesses open from Bitter Springs to Cliff Dwellers

COCONINO COUNTY — The White Sage Fire has closed portions of 89A in the Vermillion Cliffs area. The portion of the road from Bitter Springs to Cliff Dwellers remains open and the businesses in that corridor are open as well.

Presently, there is a message board on northbound Hwy 89A at milepost 524 that says the road closure is 24 miles ahead. A second message board at Marble Canyon says the closure is 10 miles ahead.

If travelling, please be aware of message boards and recognize that situations can change rapidly.  

For road closure updates visit az511.com

Tusayan Stands Ready To Assist North Rim As Fire Destroys Grand Canyon Lodge And Cabins South Rim of Grand Canyon Is Not Impacted By Fire

TUSAYAN — Tusayan Mayor Clarinda Vail says Tusayan stands ready to assist the North Rim communities as they continue to deal with the devastation of the Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The fire has destroyed 50 to 80 structures including the Grand Canyon Lodge.

The fire, which has burned more than 5,700 acres on the North Rim, does not impact the South Rim or its hotels or other services.

“We want our North Rim neighbors to know that we stand ready to help and assist as needed. The devastation is heartbreaking. Our hearts go out to all impacted by the fire and all that love the North Rim. We pray for the safety of the firefighters still battling the flames. Due to some media confusion we want to remind visitors with plans to visit the South Rim they can do so safely and that we welcome those North Rim visitors forced to change their plans to come to the South Rim and Tusayan.”

White Sage Fire Daily Update – July 14, 2025

Highlights

Yesterday, numerous aerial firefighting resources, including Very Large Air Tankers (VLATs) and Single Engine Airtankers (SEATs), dropped 179,597 gallons of retardant along the southern and northern perimeter. These efforts provided critical support to firefighters on the ground, by slowing fire spread. On the west side of the fire, near the point of origin, the line is holding well, and crews are actively mopping up and securing the perimeter. Multiple hand crews on the southern flank worked late into the night to continue building and reinforcing containment line.

State awards City of Flagstaff $4M for regional wildland fire training facility

FLAGSTAFF — The state of Arizona has allocated $4M to the City of Flagstaff in its FY2026 budget for the construction of a regional wildland fire training facility. Local fire departments across northern Arizona are the front line of defense against wildfire and the construction of this facility will increase firefighter safety and improve wildfire response.

The construction of a permanent wildland fire training facility in Flagstaff will serve as the operational base for the Flagstaff Fire Department’s Wildfire Management Division, providing year-round high-quality and scenario-based training opportunities for local and regional fire personnel. The facility will also enhance coordination among municipal, state, and federal firefighting agencies. The City of Flagstaff has dedicated $650K for the design of the facility and the $4M provided by the state will be used for construction.

Grand Canyon National Park temporarily closes North Rim due to White Sage Fire

GRAND CANYON — Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park has temporarily closed the North Rim until further notice due to the White Sage Fire near Jacob Lake, Ariz. The White Sage Fire is located on BLM lands and is not currently burning within Grand Canyon National Park.

Due to the fire’s progression toward Jacob Lake, which is now under evacuation orders, all visitors on the North Rim are required to evacuate immediately. State Route 89A to Fredonia is closed. State Route 89A east toward Lees Ferry and Page remains open to traffic towards Lees Ferry. North Rim day use is also closed until further notice.

2025–2026 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) for Coconino County is now available for review

COCONINO COUNTY — The 2025–2026 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) for Coconino County is now available for review and highlights the ongoing efforts of the CHIP Action Teams focused on Transportation, Housing, Behavioral Health, and Food and Nutritional Security.

The updated plan is attached and available online at https://www.coconino.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/68572

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 7-11, 2025

Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim

The Dragon Bravo Fire, located on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, continues to show moderate fire activity as it burns in a remote area south of the Basin near the W1 Road. Sparked by lightning on July 4, the fire has grown steadily over the past few days and is currently estimated at approximately 120 acres.

Plague death confirmed in Coconino County

COCONINO COUNTY — Health and Human Services (CCHHS) officials received confirmatory test results today, July 11, 2025, and have confirmed that a Coconino County resident has died from pneumonic plague, a severe lung infection caused by the Yersinia pestis bacterium.

The death is not related to a recent report of a prairie dog die-off in the Townsend Winona area, northeast of Flagstaff. This is the first recorded death from Pneumonic plague in Coconino County since 2007 when an individual had an interaction with a dead animal infected with the disease. 

“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the deceased,” said Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chair Patrice Horstman. “We are keeping them in our thoughts during this difficult time. Out of respect for the family, no additional information about the death will be released.”

Crews responding to small wildfire near A1 Mountain west of Flagstaff

FLAGSTAFF — Firefighters are responding to a small wildfire located near A1 Mountain roughly 6 miles west of Flagstaff.

Resources assigned to the Soggy Bottom Fire include six engines, a water tender and two hand crews.

The fire is between 5 and 7 acres with a moderate rate of spread through grass and timber.

It was first reported at about 2:30 p.m. (Wednesday, July 9) and its cause is under investigation.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y seeks to connect families with variety of food security programs countywide

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — From school districts to nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies, a variety of food assistances programs are available this summer for families throughout Coconino County.

The following is a listing compiled by CCC&Y of some of those programs. Contact individual organizations for more information on times, dates and locations.

​​​​​​​

If your program would like to be added to this listing, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org

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NAU Review — Wait, is that an Ironman suit? + meet the new SAC president and learn about

Robotic exoskeletons are the future of helping people with certain disabilities perform daily tasks, but they can be prohibitively difficult and expensive to develop. Mechanical engineering associate professor Zach Lerner, whose research has focused on developing this technology, led a team that created OpenExo, an open-source exoskeleton framework, which will open doors for researchers globally to help speed up life-changing robotic discoveries. Want to see the exoskeletons at work? Check out this video from NAU-TV.
Read the story

Prairie Dog Die-Off reported in the Townsend Winona area

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) received a report today of a prairie dog die-off in the Townsend Winona area, northeast of Flagstaff.

A sudden die-off of prairie dogs and rodents can be an indicator of plague, an infectious disease that can affect humans and animals. The bacterium that causes plague, Yersinia pestis, is transmitted from the bite of infected fleas or by coming into contact with infected animals. Individuals can also become infected through exposure to sick pets.  

2024 Grand Canyon Drinking Water Quality Report now available

Grand Canyon National Park is required to annually distribute a consumer confidence report for the park’s drinking water. The purpose is to allow consumers to make educated decisions regarding any potential health risks pertaining to the quality, treatment, and management of drinking water.

Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) July — Aug. 2025 E-Newsletter

NACA accepts & provides services to all ethnic groups and all ages while focusing on whole-family health care. We pride ourselves in focusing on Native American health care, with the whole person in mind. Specialty care referrals are available for all patients. Referrals are also available to Native American patients through the Indian Health Services facilities in Flagstaff and in surrounding areas.

Coconino County response to EMS service disruption in Fredonia

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County officials are taking swift action following the recent disruption of ground ambulance services in Fredonia and the surrounding communities in the County’s northwest and north-central regions.

The disruption occurred after the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) determined that Kane County, Utah EMS units are not certified or legally authorized to operate within Arizona. 

City of Flagstaff announces Lee Williams as Water Services Director

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is excited to announce that Lee Williams has been selected as the City’s Water Services Director.

Lee has served for 13 years with the City of Flagstaff in Water Services and was the previous Water Operations Section Director. Prior to this role, he served as an Operations Supervisor and Plant Operator in the public sector, worked as an educator for six years, and worked for four years in private industry.  He has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry & mathematics and is a certified operator in water treatment, water distribution, wastewater treatment and wastewater collection. 

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: June 30-July 4, 2025

Town of Tusayan Hosts July 4th Events on Friday

Employees, friends, and families are invited to join the Town of Tusayan for an Independence Day celebration on Friday, July 4, from 4–10:30 p.m. This free community event, themed “A Community of Unity,” kicks off with a parade at 4 p.m. and highlights Tusayan’s partnerships with Grand Canyon National Park and other local agencies.

Enjoy an evening filled with food, drinks, bike decorating, kids’ games, live music, a cornhole tournament, a Native dance performance, and great auction items. The night will close with a pet-friendly drone light show at dusk.

More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Coconino County health officials recommend taking preventative measures to prevent measles

COCONINO COUNTY — Measles is a highly contagious viral illness spread through the air by respiratory droplets produced from coughing or sneezing. The illness has seen a resurgence in the United States.

As of June 24, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a total of 1,227 confirmed measles cases in 37 jurisdictions, including Arizona, where four confirmed cases of measles were identified in Navajo County last month.

There are currently no confirmed cases of measles in Coconino County, however suspect cases have been identified and have been ruled out through further laboratory testing. Most recently, a suspect case was identified in the Page area. The individual has returned to their place of residence and local health officials continue to monitor the case.   

Hutton Ranch Road – Rio de Flag Crossing Project completed

COCONINO COUNTY — A  project to build a new and improved Rio de Flag crossing culvert at Hutton Ranch Road has been completed.

The $548,000 Hutton Ranch Road – Rio De Flag Culvert Crossing Project will improve transportation in and out of the Hutton Ranch neighborhood when the Rio de Flag is flowing. The project, which broke ground in late March, features a 3×20-foot cast-in-place concrete arch culvert under Hutton Ranch Road at the Rio de Flag crossing along with new fencing, guardrails, water inlet & outlet protection, and a paved surface over the culvert.

Kaibab National Forest Stage 1 Fire Restrictions to begin Friday, June 27 on the North Kaibab and Tusayan Ranger Districts

WILLIAMS — Due to increasing fire danger, Stage 1 Fire and Smoking Restrictions will go into effect beginning 8:00 a.m. Friday, June 27, 2025, on the North Kaibab and Tusayan ranger districts.

Under Stage 1 restrictions, the building, maintaining, attending, or using fire, campfire, or stove fire including charcoal and briquettes outside of a permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites is prohibited. Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, at a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

CCC&Y Spotlight — Coalition participates in Tuba City Family Fun Day

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — Temperatures approaching the ’90s didn’t keep families away during the annual Tuba City Family Fun Day resource fair held on June 18, 2025 at Louise Yellowman County Park, Tuba City.

Presented by Coconino County Health and Human Services — (AZ Health Zone), the event featured a number of information booths for parents, activities for children and plenty of healthy food alternatives for everyone who attended the annual event.

Some of the organizations taking part in the event included
Arizona Complete Health, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, Coconino County Health & Human Services (CCHHS) — (AZ Health Zone), (CCHHS) Health Start, (CCHHS) Tobacco Use Prevention, (CCHHS) Opioid Overdose Prevention, Navajo Nation Behavioral & Mental Health Services, San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe Health Department, Tuba City Navajo Nation Health Education Program, Tuba City Regional Health Care Corp.’s Pandemic Public Health and Patient Benefit Cooperative programs, and the Tuba City Regional Health Care Corp.’s Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program (RESEP)

The NAU Review — A compassionate approach to healthcare

Most of us were taught that to be thin is to be healthy—but what if size isn’t the only key to a long, enjoyable life? In light of new scientific evidence that weight-centric approaches to healthcare can be harmful for patients, a few faculty members in NAU’s Department of Health Sciences are integrating weight-inclusive philosophies into their teaching. They hope that by teaching the next generation about a more compassionate approach to healthcare, future Arizonans will live happier, healthier lives.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Removing Chemical Contaminants from Wastewater with Biochar

The Flagstaff Water Group (FWG), composed of five local scientists deeply concerned about removing hazardous contaminants from Flagstaff’s reclaimed wastewater, is presenting information about how biochar can be used to remove chemical contaminants.

This presentation and discussion will take place this Wednesday June 25, at 7:00 pm at the Market of Dreams (2136 N. 4th Street). This event is free and open to the public.

Bill Williams Mountain watershed (closed as of June 18)

WILLIAMS — Due to increased fire danger and for public safety, the Kaibab National Forest has implemented a temporary area closure on Bill Williams Mountain watershed, located just south of the City of Williams. (The closure began on June 18) and is due to the area’s susceptibility to uncharacteristically severe wildfire and the post-wildfire flooding that would potentially result.

In general, the perimeter of the Bill Williams Mountain watershed temporary closure area includes Forest Road 122 to the south, Forest Road 108 to the west, County Road 73 (aka “South Road”) to the east, and Interstate 40 to the north. Details, including a map of the closure area, will be available on the Kaibab NF website at www.fs.usda.gov/r03/kaibab

Coconino County to Enter Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Wednesday

COCONINO COUNTY — With the potential for continued warm, dry, and windy conditions throughout Northern Arizona in the coming days, Coconino County will expand fire restrictions in alignment with area National Forest decisions.

Restrictions will go into effect this Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. The City of Flagstaff is also entering Stage 2 fire restrictions on Friday.

County fire restriction stages are:

City of Flagstaff — Stage 2 Fire Restrictions start at 6 p.m. June 18

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will enter Stage 2 Fire Restrictions at 6 pm. on Wednesday, June 18. 

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions include the following new restrictions:

The use of fire pits and other open flame devices without an on/off switch is prohibited.
The use of charcoal and wood-fired BBQs are prohibited throughout the city, including at private residences and campgrounds.
The use of propane and gas BBQs with an on-off switch are still allowed throughout the city.

Stage 2 fire restrictions begin Wednesday evening on Coconino National Forest

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest will implement Stage 2 fire and smoking restrictions beginning 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 18 as the threat of unwanted wildfires increases due to hot, dry and windy weather conditions.

Under Stage 2 fire restrictions, the following are prohibited at all times forest-wide:

Igniting, building, maintaining, or using a fire (including charcoal and briquettes) anywhere within the Coconino National Forest, including developed recreation sites. This prohibition also includes smudge pots and wood stoves.
Smoking outside (with the exemption of smoking within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material).
Blasting, welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
Within specific areas of the Flagstaff Ranger District motorized vehicles will be prohibited on forest roads of the San Francisco Peaks area, Pumphouse Wash area and Marshall Lake area.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y seeks to connect families with variety of food security programs countywide

​​​​​​​By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — From school districts to nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies, a variety of food assistances programs are available this summer for families throughout Coconino County.

The following is a listing compiled by CCC&Y of some of those programs. Contact individual organizations for more information on times, dates and locations.

If your organization would like to be added to this listing, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org

Measles confirmed in Arizona, no reported cases in Coconino County

Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and Navajo County Public Health Services District (NCPHSD) identified four confirmed cases of measles in Navajo County.

These individuals are unvaccinated and linked to the same exposure associated with international travel. NCPHSD is working to identify and notify anyone who may have been exposed. There are currently no confirmed cases of measles in Coconino County.

Coconino County National Forest —Firefighters continue ignitions on Basin Fire north of Flagstaff

FLAGSTAFF — Firefighters completed roughly 4,000 acres of ignitions today on the Basin Fire, a lightning-caused wildfire located 20 miles northwest of Flagstaff, that is being actively managed to improve forest health.

A closure order for the area surrounding the Basin Fire has been issued for public and firefighter safety.

Management of lightning-caused Basin Fire north of Flagstaff (on June 9)

FLAGSTAFF — Active management of the Basin Fire, a lightning-caused wildfire located 20 miles northwest of Flagstaff, will begin (on June 9).

Fire managers with both the Coconino and Kaibab national forests have spent the last several days preparing for firing operations (Monday) and Tuesday in order to restore ecological processes for about 9,000 acres of forest land through treatment.

Coconino County to provide court, health, and other services in Page on Thursday, June 19

This event gives Page residents and nearby areas access to services without needing to travel to Flagstaff. 

The Coconino County Attorney’s Office (CAO), Legal Defender’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, Elections Department, Recorder’s Office, and Health and Human Services (CCHHS) along with The Guidance Center (TGC), Encompass, DNA-People’s Legal Services, and Victim Witness Services of Northern Arizona (VWS) are participating. 

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: June 2-6, 2025

Ongoing Power Outage on North Rim

The National Park Service (NPS) continues to work with the North Rim concessioner to address the power outage affecting the North Rim, which began Sunday evening, June 1, due to an equipment failure involving a transformer near the Grand Canyon Lodge. Power remains out at the Grand Canyon Lodge and surrounding concessioner facilities. Overnight reservations have been canceled since June 2.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Join us for our next Prevention Council Zoom meeting on June 5 to share your story

​​​​​​​By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

FLAGSTAFF — 

Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 5. Our meetings provide our coalition partners with the opportunity to share the latest news about their projects that support children, youth and their families in Northern Arizona.

The Council meets the first Thursday of the month.

Want to be a guest speaker at our next meeting? Send an email to CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie at coalition@coconinokids.org​​​​​​​ to be placed on the agenda or to receive a Zoom link to our next meeting.

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The NAU Review — Hopping through cloud forests + where’s the AI in your classroom?

How are you using GenAI?

NAU is integrating generative AI into its educational programs through innovative projects funded by the Office of the Provost’s TRAIL grants. These initiatives include using AI-enhanced ultrasound in physical therapy classes, AI tools in business analytics and AI-generated conversations with historical conservationists in environmental courses. The goal is to enhance learning experiences and better prepare students for a tech-driven future. (Editor’s note: Could you tell this summary was written by AI?)
Read the story

Areas of Coconino County to enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on Friday, May 30

COCONINO COUNTY — With the potential for continued warm, dry, and windy conditions throughout Northern Arizona in the coming days, Coconino County will expand fire restrictions in alignment with area National Forest decisions.

Restrictions will go into effect this Friday, May 30, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. The City of Flagstaff is also entering Stage 1 fire restrictions on Friday.

… During Stage 1 restrictions igniting, building, maintaining, or using a fire fueled by combustible materials such as wood, charcoal, briquettes, and/or coal is strictly prohibited, except within a developed site. Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or a developed site. The use of tracer or incendiary rounds of ammunition or explosive targets is also strictly prohibited.

Flagstaff to enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on May 30

The City of Flagstaff will enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions at 8 a.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025.

Under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions,

Permits for open burning within the City will not be issued.
The sale or use of consumer-grade fireworks is prohibited.
The use of charcoal and wood-fired BBQs are prohibited in City parks and open spaces.
Use of fire pits and other open flame devices without an on/off switch are prohibited on Red Flag Warning days, as issued by the National Weather Service.
Smoking and the use of electronic cigarettes are prohibited in all public places within the City of Flagstaff, including City parks, open spaces, and the Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) at all times.

The City cooperates with local, county, state and federal fire management agencies to ensure a coordinated effort is made in fire restrictions actions. Please help the City keep our community and forests safe by following all bans and restrictions.

For more information on City fire restriction stages, visit www.flagstaff.az.gov/2981/Fire-Restriction-Stages.

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) news updates for May 2025

Kelly, Gallego, Stanton, Ansari Demand Answers from DHS and ICE After Arrests at Phoenix Immigration Court *** Kelly, Stanton, Gallego, Ansari Urge HHS and DOJ to Streamline Domestic Violence Victim Services Funding *** Kelly, Gallego, Stanton Warn of Devastating Impact of House Republican Plan to Slash Food Assistance, Raise Costs for Arizona Families *** MORE ***