Category: Health

City of Flagstaff to enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on Aug. 27

by Community Contributor • August 26, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Due to recent moisture across the region, the City of Flagstaff will lower fire restrictions from Stage 2 to Stage 1 at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 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.

Coconino National Forest reducing fire restrictions

by Community Contributor • August 26, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest will move from Stage 2 to Stage 1 fire restrictions, effective 8 a.m., Wednesday, August 27,due to widespread precipitation across all three districts of the forest.

Motorized closures around specific areas of the San Francisco Peaks, Marshall Lake area and Pumphouse Wash area will be lifted, and campers at developed recreation sites are allowed to burn campfires following proper campfire guidance.

Dragon Bravo Fire Update for Aug. 22, 2025

by Community Contributor • August 22, 2025 • Comments Off

Highlights: On the northernmost portion of the fire, suppression repair work is nearly complete. Equipment operators are progressing toward the south to continue their work. Chipping groups are working across the west side, and hazard tree removal progressed on the southern portions of the fire. The Kaibab National Forest reduced the size of the temporary forest closure on the North Kaibab Ranger District on August 19, 2025. Western portions of the district are now open to public access and the closure boundary is comprised of a series of forest roads between the Jacob Lake area and Timp Point.

DOI Burned Area Emergency Response Team begins to assess post-fire impacts at Grand Canyon National Park

by Community Contributor • August 22, 2025 • Comments Off

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – A multi-agency Department of the Interior (DOI) Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team is beginning work this week to assess the impacts of the Dragon Bravo Fire on National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management lands. This process involves identifying the values at risk, determining any post-fire impacts to those values, and prescribing treatments to mitigate impacts.

Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response team assessing fire severity from the Dragon Bravo Fire on the Kaibab National Forest

by Community Contributor • August 22, 2025 • Comments Off

FREDONIA — A U S Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team, led by Eric Schroder, has begun making burned area surveys of the Kaibab National Forest. BAER team assessments are rapid evaluations of post-fire conditions of the burned landscape to determine the level of risk from potential flooding and debris flow to values on National Forest System lands. If unacceptable risks are found the team recommends appropriate and effective emergency stabilization measures to reduce the risks to national forest lands and values. BAER emergency stabilization efforts are focused on the protection of human life and safety, property, and critical cultural and natural resources.

Grand Canyon National Park eases water restrictions

by Community Contributor • August 22, 2025 • Comments Off

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim will transition to Stage 2 water restrictions due to rising water levels in reservoir tanks.

Operational changes include:

Camper Services, operated by Delaware North, will reopen to the public.
Water spigots in Mather Campground and Desert View Campground will be turned on.
Despite these changes, water restrictions remain in place on the South Rim. Visitors and residents are urged to reduce water consumption by following these practices: flush toilets selectively, take shorter showers, wash clothes and dishes only with full loads and in eco-mode if available, and turn off the sink while brushing teeth, soaping hands, or shaving.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Your Invitation to Hope, Healing & Infinite Potential (Seats Filling Now)

by Community Contributor • August 20, 2025 • Comments Off

This gathering is more than a conference—it’s a call into hope, connection, and limitless potential.

Our keynotes were crafted specifically for this event and setting—Lowell Observatory, a place that symbolizes the infinite universe and infinite possibility. In a time when spirit, science, and connection are needed most, our speakers will guide us into transformation on both a personal and community level.

Here’s what you’ll experience (see details in the images below):

A keynote weaving together storytelling, science, spoken word, and systems change to ignite transformation in individuals and communities.

A keynote exploring the power of the heart’s energy as a catalyst for healing, coherence, and system-wide change—giving you actionable tools for leadership, communication, and personal empowerment.

Open house invitation for Community Wildfire Protection Plan for Rural Fire Districts and Tribal Com

by Community Contributor • August 20, 2025 • Comments Off

OCONINO COUNTY — Please join the Greater Flagstaff Forests Partnership (GFFP), Coconino County and your local fire departments/districts at five distinct community meetings in support of the development of a countywide Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).

The dates and locations of each unique community meeting are listed below.

Coconino County — SBA activates loan program for northern Arizona and southern Utah businesses

by Community Contributor • August 20, 2025 • Comments Off

“As fire crews were on the ground, Coconino County was also thinking about economic recovery assistance for businesses who rely on tourism both on the North Rim and South Rim of the Grand Canyon,” said County Manager Andy Bertelsen. “The loss of the infrastructure at the North Rim and the fires impact on tourism have definitely affected the economy of northern Arizona. Coconino County took proactive steps to begin a process for federal resources to be made available to businesses throughout our county and surrounding counties.”

Kaibab National Forest to enter Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, reduce North Kaibab closure area

by Community Contributor • August 20, 2025 • Comments Off

FREDONIA — The Kaibab National Forest is reducing the temporary forest closure on the North Kaibab Ranger Districts. Beginning Tuesday, August 19, western portions of the district will reopen to public access. Fire behavior on Dragon Bravo has decreased, containment has increased, and fire crews have shifted focus to suppression repair, allowing large areas of the National Forest to be reopened without compromising fire operations or public safety.

Volunteers still needed for Coconino County Summer Point In Time (PIT) Count on Aug. 27-29

by Community Contributor • August 19, 2025 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — Volunteers are still needed. We are very excited to be conducting a Summer 2025 PIT Count here next week! See the flyer and QR code attached or the link to view the sign-up sheet! Please note that shifts vary in both location and length of time. More details for each specific location are to come.

Dragon Bravo Fire update for Aug. 19, 2025

by Community Contributor • August 19, 2025 • Comments Off

Highlights: The Kaibab National Forest is reducing the temporary forest closure on the North Kaibab Ranger Districts. Beginning Tuesday, August 19, western portions of the district will reopen to public access. The new closure boundary connects a series of National Forest System Roads (NFSR) between the Jacob Lake area and Timp Point. The boundary line was designed to maximize public access while providing for the safety of forest visitors and wildfire personnel.

The NAU Review — How an NAU professor is helping safeguard Grand Canyon’s water from fire

by Community Contributor • August 19, 2025 • Comments Off

Protecting the Grand Canyon’s water from fire

The Dragon Bravo Fire could threaten the drinking water supply for millions of visitors and thousands of workers at the Grand Canyon, but not if Abraham Springer has anything to say about it. With rapid-response funding from the National Science Foundation, the NAU researcher is working with Grand Canyon National Park, the U.S. Geological Survey and other colleagues to protect Roaring Springs, the park’s sole water source.
Audrey O’Connell speaks to the camera
Fit it in a Minute
with Audrey O’Connell

Have you heard about the Training Development and Technology Adoption services? O’Connell, the lead technical training analyst, explains how the TDTA team creates training materials that support the NAU community. Can she fit it in a minute?

City of Flagstaff Beautification – Arts & Sciences — Community input sought for Spruce Wash Wedge Artwork

by Community Contributor • August 19, 2025 • Comments Off

We want to hear from you! The City of Flagstaff seeks community input for a landmark three-dimensional artwork to be installed at the promontory at East Cedar Avenue and North West Street as part of the Spruce Wash Wedge Detention Project. If you live on the Eastside, or have a strong connection to this area, this is your chance to share what makes this part of Flagstaff special.

An online survey, open now through September 9, invites participants to answer a series of experiential questions designed to spark factual, imaginative, and community-rooted responses. Insights gathered will help the artist team develop a site-specific, one-of-a-kind artwork that reflects the spirit of the Eastside.

Woods Fire (east of Oak Creek) at 50 percent containment

by Community Contributor • August 15, 2025 • Comments Off

SEDONA — Firefighters working on the Woods Fire have been successful in suppressing and securing the perimeter around the wildfire, achieving 50% containment and will transition to a local Type 4 organization tomorrow morning.

A more accurate mapping of the wildfire located 2 miles east of the Village of Oak Creek puts it at 59 acres. It has been determined to be a lightning-caused fire.

High humidity provided favorable conditions for firefighters, allowing use of natural landscape and human-made barriers to keep the fire within its existing footprint.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Aug. 11-15, 2025

by Community Contributor • August 15, 2025 • Comments Off

Brighty prepares for his journey to the South Rim, where he will be stored in the park’s Museum Collections until a decision is made on his future. Whether he will be restored to his former appearance or replaced entirely is still under consideration. (NPS Photo)

Dragon Bravo Fire Aug. 15th Update

by Community Contributor • August 15, 2025 • Comments Off

Highlights: Yesterday, containment of the Dragon Bravo Fire increased to 56%. More containment was gained on the Wahalla Plateau, Point Imperial and on the most northern tip of the fire. The National Weather Service Office in Flagstaff has issued a flash flood watch in the fire area between 10am and 8pm today. With safety being the top priority, crews will be ready to adjust to potentially dangerous weather conditions that may develop. To receive flash flood warnings on your cell phone or satellite device via the Grand Canyon River Alerts system. Text GCRIVERALERTS to 928-707-7842.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Will We See You There? Last chance to register for kickoff!

by Community Contributor • August 14, 2025 • Comments Off

Join us on Tuesday, August 26th at High Country Conference Center for a buffet breakfast and an inspiring panel discussion on youth mental health, spotlighting collaborative efforts to give adolescents the tools and resources they need to thrive.

Deadline to register is 5 pm tomorrow!

The kickoff marks the official beginning of our annual campaign to raise $1.2 million to fund efforts to increase youth opportunity, healthy communities, financial security and community resiliency in Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — NAH releases new strategic plan

by Community Contributor • August 13, 2025 • Comments Off

The public learned this week that Northern Arizona Healthcare (NAH) discussed their five-year priorities during a meeting held last Thursday with city and county leaders in Flagstaff. There, NAH announced the completion of a 2030 strategic plan.

Many thanks to KNAU Arizona Public Radio and the Arizona Daily Sun for covering the meeting and publishing online stories yesterday and today to inform the public of this recent information. The Arizona Daily Sun article can be viewed in PDF form here and here.

Both news stories indicate that NAH continues to evaluate five sites for a new hospital location, including an expansion of their current building on Beaver Street. NAH indicates they do not plan to build a “medical village” at the selected site as was their previous plan.

Additionally, NAH stated that Flagstaff Medical Center is not a community hospital any longer, but rather is considered by NAH and others as a regional referral center.

City of Flagstaff opens applications for Sustainability Grants

by Community Contributor • August 12, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office and Sustainability Commission announce the opening of applications for the Flagstaff Sustainability Grants Program. The annual funding opportunity, formally know as the Neighborhood Sustainability Grant Program, will accept applications from Aug. 15 through Sept. 30, 2025. The competitive grant program provides funding up to $7,500 for sustainability projects that strengthen community partnerships and environmental stewardship within Flagstaff city limits. Eligible applicants include community groups, nonprofits, individuals, and businesses with projects that address key sustainability priorities. Priority focus areas include energy, community health and climate resilience, food, transportation, and waste.

Dragon Bravo Fire Daily Update for Aug. 11, 2025

by Community Contributor • August 11, 2025 • Comments Off

Operations: The Dragon Bravo fire continues to be a full-suppression effort. Yesterday, additional containment was gained along Highway 67. Containment in this area allows suppression resources to be moved to other high priority locations on the fire. On the east side of the fire near Cape Royal, crews identify and extinguish hotspots.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Registration now available for 2025 CCC&Y Conference

by Community Contributor • August 8, 2025 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth is proud to present our most exciting and groundbreaking event yet — “Coherence Rising: Inner Alignment as the Catalyst for Systematic Change” on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff.

Join us in a beautiful setting that reminds us the universe is infinite and so is our potential.

We are joined by not one, but two amazing and powerful keynote presenters who share their expertise, gift for inspiration and profound insights.

In her morning presentation “Cohere. Connect. Conduct,” guest speaker Iyo Affo will weave together storytelling, science, spoken word and systems change to spark transformation within organizations and communities. Affo, a Culturalist and Trauma Specialist, will draw on personal experiences, neuroscience and the power of collective healing to talk about how self-healing communities and systems change can be the foundation for lasting transformation.

“It is such an honor that both of these women are crafting their presentations specific to this moment in time, this audience, and this venue for truly unique and beautiful experiences,” said Virginia Watahomigie, executive director of CCC&Y. “Yes, I am the host, but I am an eager participant- I cannot wait to be a part of this!”

Tim Carter appointed Coconino County Emergency Management Director

by Community Contributor • August 8, 2025 • Comments Off

Carter is a Certified Emergency Manager with a master’s degree in emergency management and homeland security. He has more than 13 years of service with Coconino County and more than two decades of public safety experience.

“Tim has demonstrated leadership in disaster response, hazard mitigation, stakeholder engagement and public outreach,” Coconino County Manager Andy Bertelsen said. “He is a strong leader who excels in interagency coordination, and we are fortunate to have him on our team.”

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Action Alert: Flagstaff Regional Plan available for review: Public hearings scheduled

by Community Contributor • August 8, 2025 • Comments Off

The Public Hearing Draft of the Regional Land Use Plan 2045 (Draft Regional Plan) was recently released by the City of Flagstaff online (PDF here; this is a large file and may take some time to download). A take home hard copy of the Draft Regional Plan can be requested by emailing Elsa Erling at elsa.erling@flagstaffaz.gov.

Kaibab NF to enter Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, reduce North Kaibab closure area

by Community Contributor • August 6, 2025 • Comments Off

FREDONIA — On Friday, August 8, the Forest Service will reopen a portion of the North Kaibab Ranger District, which has been closed in its entirety due to the White Sage and Dragon Bravo fires. In addition, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions will go into effect for the North Kaibab and Tusayan ranger districts.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 28-August 1, 2025

by Community Contributor • August 1, 2025 • Comments Off

As we look to the North Rim, we can all see that the Dragon Bravo Fire continues to burn. It likely will burn for a while longer given the extremely dry conditions and the lack of monsoon rains. Many of us have deep connections to the North Rim and the people and places that make that a special place.

We are in a time of transition, with our personal experiences at the North Rim, our professional lives within the Park, and with the daily transitions that are occurring. Transitions can be hard as we leave the known and comfortable and enter uncharted territory. That is how I feel about the North Rim. I’m sure many of you feel that way too. But, transitions allow us to think differently, allow us to be unconstrained in our ideas and possibilities. That is also how I feel, and I hope many of you feel that way too.

White Sage Fire Daily Update – Aug. 1, 2025

by Community Contributor • August 1, 2025 • Comments Off

Fireﬁghters are successfully repairing suppression lines. Resources continue to patrol the ﬁre and backhaul equipment. A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team of interdisciplinary professionals has begun evaluating ﬁre impacts to determine rehabilitation needs and strategies. The Color Country Type 3 Team is coordinating closely with the North Kaibab Ranger District, BLM Arizona Strip District, and local cooperators to meet the needs of the changing ﬁre conditions.

Dragon Bravo Fire Update for Aug. 1, 2025

by Community Contributor • August 1, 2025 • Comments Off

Highlights: Infrared mapping confirmed updated acreage as the Dragon Bravo Fire continues pushing north, particularly into the burn scar of the 2006 Warm Fire. Air resources worked to slow fire spread in that area. Night operations focused on holding containment lines near Forest Road 610 and progressing south toward State Route 67.

Firing operations continued to steer the fire away from values at risk in Grand Canyon National Park and the Kaibab National Forest and minimize impacts to infrastructure, including the Kaibab Lodge area. Firefighters got a slight reprieve as cloud coverage helped to moderate fire activity.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes news updates for July 2025

by Community Contributor • August 1, 2025 • Comments Off

Office Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes

News updates for July 2025 (This Week)

• Attorney General’s Office Secures Decade in Prison for Fentanyl Dealer After Successful Long-term Investigation

• What They Are Saying About Trump’s Tariff Tax Hikes: Arizona Businesses Warn of Economic Harm

• Attorney General Mayes and the Better Business Bureau Fight AI Scams

• Attorney General Mayes Announces Major Settlements to Expand Broadband and Protect 911 Access in Rural Arizona

• Attorney General Mayes Announces Investigation into Thin Blue Line Benefits Association

• Attorney General Mayes Sues Trump Administration for Illegal Demands that States Hand Over Sensitive Personal Data of SNAP Recipients

• Attorney General Mayes Announces Conviction and Sentencing of Phoenix Man For ‘Patient Brokering’ Related to Sober Living Home Scandal

MORE …

Areas of County within Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest rescind fire restrictions

by Community Contributor • July 31, 2025 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — After consultation with Forest Lakes Fire District and the United States Forest Service (USFS), areas of Coconino County within the boundaries of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest are no longer under fire restrictions.

This decision, according to Coconino County’s Wildfire Defense Ordinance, applies to all private property within the boundaries of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. This includes the unincorporated community of Forest Lakes and all private campgrounds and recreation areas.

Based on significant improvement in forest conditions, the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest rescinded fire restrictions on Friday, July 25, 2025.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition joins other partners at Flagstaff back to school event. See our listing of upcoming events

by Community Contributor • July 30, 2025 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — A warm summer day and a little wind didn’t keep parents and students away from the Coconino County Health and Human Services’ (CCH&HS) Back-to-School Health Fair held on Saturday, July 26 in Flagstaff.

More than 120 backpacks were presented to students who filled up their passports by visiting a variety of booths staffed by Arizona Poison Help, Arizona Trail Gear Girls, Chicano Por La Causa, Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, Coconino County Emergency Management, CCH&HS Healthy Families, CCH&HS SafeKids, CCH&HS WIC, Flagstaff. Fire Dept., Denova Collaborative Health, Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library, North County Healthcare and NAU Talent Search — TRIO.

More back-to-school events are planned for Northern Arizona. Please see our listing below for upcoming events.

(INFORMATION UPDATED July 28, 2025)

Coconino County forms Unidentified Remains Task Force

by Community Contributor • July 30, 2025 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County has officially established an Unidentified Remains Task Force, a specialized team dedicated to identifying unknown deceased individuals and reconnecting them with their families.

The Task Force includes experts from the Medical Examiner’s Office, Health and Human Services Department, Information Technology Department, Sheriff’s Office and County Attorney’s Office who reexamine historical cases involving unidentified remains with modern investigative tools.

“We’re not just solving cold cases — we’re restoring identities, returning dignity to those who have died without a name, and getting answers families have waited years to find,” said Ammon Barker, County Attorney.

White Sage Fire Daily Update for July 30, 2025

by Community Contributor • July 30, 2025 • Comments Off

Highlights

Throughout the fire footprint, crews continue to repair suppression lines using equipment to move soil and woody debris to prevent soil erosion. Firefighters are spreading seed into repair areas to promote regrowth of native plants. Crews are repairing fences along the fire perimeter.

The White Sage Fire is 58,985 acres. The Oak Point Fire, a small 85-acre fire about 8 miles south of the main fire, is 100 percent controlled. Previously, the White Sage Fire acreage had reflected the combined total for both fires.

Highway 89A and BLM 1065/House Rock Valley Road are open. Light, individual smokes may be visible within the White Sage Fire perimeter from Highway 89A. Occasional smokes can be expected in the weeks to come as fuels continue to smolder. Drivers are advised that firefighters continue to work along roadways. Please drive with care.

The Kaibab National Forests’ North Kaibab Ranger District and Highway 67 south of Jacob Lake remain closed due to the Dragon Bravo Fire. For additional information, check the Arizona Department of Transportation website: www.az511.com

Coconino County — Forest restoration project reduces wildfire risk

by Community Contributor • July 28, 2025 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — The risk of catastrophic wildfire and post-wildfire flooding in the Upper Rio de Flag Watershed near Flagstaff represents a natural disaster with a potential economic impact of nearly $3 billion.

To reduce this risk, the Coconino County Flood Control District (District) and Coconino National Forest (CNF) have partnered together in the Upper Rio de Flag Forest Restoration Project to facilitate critical forest restoration projects in the area.

“Wildfire and post-wildfire flooding are the top two public safety threats in Coconino County,” Patrice Horstman, Chair of the Flood Control District Board of Directors said. “Forest Restoration, such as what is underway in the Upper Rio de Flag Watershed, is the best way to proactively address these threats.”

Dragon Bravo Fire Update for July 28, 2025

by Community Contributor • July 28, 2025 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • July 25, 2025 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • July 25, 2025 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • July 25, 2025 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • July 25, 2025 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • July 24, 2025 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • July 24, 2025 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • July 23, 2025 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • July 22, 2025 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • July 21, 2025 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • July 21, 2025 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • July 21, 2025 • Comments Off

“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

by Community Contributor • July 17, 2025 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • July 17, 2025 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • July 17, 2025 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • July 16, 2025 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • July 16, 2025 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • July 16, 2025 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • July 15, 2025 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • July 15, 2025 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • July 14, 2025 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • July 14, 2025 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • July 14, 2025 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • July 11, 2025 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • July 11, 2025 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • July 11, 2025 • Comments Off

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

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