Category: Public Safety

Firefighters responding to remote lightning fire south of Sedona

FLAGSTAFF — Firefighters are responding to the lightning-caused Mundy Fire, located in remote terrain about 5 miles south of Sedona.

Resources responding to the roughly quarter-acre incident include a helicopter, two engines and miscellaneous overhead.

Firefighters are responding to the Mundy Fire with a direct extinguishment strategy, and a goal of confining the Mundy Fire to as small a perimeter as possible as quickly as possible.

Stage 2 fire restrictions on North Kaibab Ranger District to begin Thursday, June 18

FREDONIA — Due to increased fire danger and for public safety, the Kaibab National Forest will implement Stage 2 fire restrictions on the North Kaibab Ranger District beginning 6 a.m. Thursday, June 18. 

Stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit the following:

Building, maintaining, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, including charcoal, coal, and briquettes, even in developed recreation sites. This includes smudge pots, pellet grills, and wood stoves. The only exception is using a stove or grill that is solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or pressurized liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: June 8-12, 2026

As part of Grand Canyon National Park’s Conservation K-9 Pilot Project, wildlife staff are asking employees and residents to report any elk observed within designated wildlife exclusion zones.

The five designated exclusion zones are:
El Tovar Complex
Grand Canyon Visitor Center
Maswik Lodge
Mather Campground Services Area
Grand Canyon School

Greater Flagstaff Region seeks public input for its Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update

FLAGSTAFF — There will be a virtual public meeting on Thursday June 25, from 6 – 7 p.m. to solicit public input for the Greater Flagstaff Region Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) update. Attendees should register online in advance. The CWPP is a community-driven planning effort that will assess wildfire risk across the Greater Flagstaff Region and identify strategies to improve wildfire preparedness, mitigation, response coordination, and recovery.

City of Flagstaff — Fourth, Lockett and Cedar Roundabout to close on Friday, June 19 for final striping

During this closure, extensive vehicle and pedestrian detour routes will be in place (as shown in the maps below). Please follow the marked signage to get to your destination. We recommend seeking an alternate route to bypass the closure and give yourself extra time to commute. We appreciate your support, patience and understanding while we work to improve our City’s infrastructure. For questions and additional project information, call the project hotline at (928) 255-5153.

National Park Service approves plan to modernize water system serving the North Rim and Inner Canyon at Grand Canyon National Park

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. –  The National Park Service (NPS) approved a plan today to upgrade the water system that supplies and delivers water between the North Rim developed area and Cottonwood Campground in Grand Canyon National Park. The current water system is old, often breaks down, and requires frequent repairs in difficult and sometimes hazardous conditions.  

NPS Intermountain Regional Director Bert Frost signed a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the North Rim and Roaring Springs Water System Improvements project. This work is part of a project to rehabilitate the North Rim and Roaring Springs Utility Systems funded by the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund.

Grand Canyon National Park launches Conservation K-9 pilot project to reduce human-wildlife conflicts

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park is welcoming a new, four-legged member to the park’s wildlife management team. “Blue,” a trained Conservation K-9, will work alongside park wildlife staff to help reduce human-wildlife conflicts in busy areas on the South Rim. 

The Conservation K-9 Pilot Project, now in its first year of a 3-year pilot, uses dogs to encourage animals who are habituated to humans, such as Grand Canyon’s elk and bighorn sheep, to avoid developed areas where interactions with visitors can be unsafe to both visitors and wildlife.  

City of Flagstaff — Pedestrian Improvements to Begin along Soliere Avenue

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz – Starting the week of June 1, the City of Flagstaff, in partnership with Mountain Line and their contractor, Kinney Construction Services, will begin pedestrian crossing improvements in multiple locations along Soliere Avenue. These improvements are part of the “First Mile, Last Mile Initiative” which aims to add safe pedestrian infrastructure near Mountain Line bus stops throughout the City. Most of these crossings will feature a pedestrian refuge median, meaning pedestrians will only need to cross one lane of traffic at a time.

Get the latest news updates from Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes including ‘Attorney General Mayes Announces Conviction in Empowerment Scholarship Account Fraud Case’

Click below for the latest news updates from the:

Office Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes

City of Flagstaff — Stage 1 Fire Restrictions begin on May 21

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions at 8 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026. 

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 County seeks public input on 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Emergency Management has released the draft 2026 Coconino County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan for public review and comment throughout May.

This comprehensive plan identifies natural hazards that pose risks to communities across Coconino County and outlines strategies to reduce long-term vulnerability to those hazards. Developed through a collaborative process, the plan includes participation from Coconino County; the cities of Flagstaff, Page and Williams; the towns of Tusayan and Fredonia; and Northern Arizona University, along with other stakeholders and partner agencies.

City of Flagstaff — Section of Cedar Avenue to close from May 29 – 31 for final roadway striping

FLAGSTAFF — Cedar Avenue will close to all traffic, from West Street to the Fourth/Lockett roundabout, from Friday, May 29, through Sunday, May 31, to allow crews to safely perform final roadway striping. Cedar Avenue and the Fourth/Lockett roundabout will reopen on Monday, June 1.

This closure will allow crews to safely perform final roadway striping along Cedar Avenue and within the Fourth/Lockett roundabout, as the striping that was completed last fall was temporary for the winter months. This striping effort will be the final work along Cedar Avenue as part of the Spruce Wash Suite of Projects.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Addressing Misinformation: Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045

City of Flagstaff voters,

There’s a lot of misinformation being spread in our community, on social media and by word of mouth, about ratifying the Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045.

F3 would like to directly address this misinformation by providing direct answers to specific misinformation. The questions and answers below are taken directly from the City of Flagstaff’s Regional Plan 2045 website FAQs.

Does the Regional Plan 2045 require that all new homes must be electric?

No, there is no policy that directly states that all new homes should be all electric. There is an action item in Chapter 10 to “Update the City Sustainable Building Resolution and Sustainable Residential Building Incentives to further implement net-zero energy standards.” The incentives could include points or options for all electric homes.

North Kaibab Trail access changes begin Oct. 15 for Transcanyon Waterline Project Work

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Beginning Oct. 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., a section of the North Kaibab Trail in Grand Canyon National Park will close to all public access for critical pipeline rehabilitation work on the Transcanyon Waterline. The closure area will be between Redwall Bridge (2.5 miles north of Manzanita Rest Area) and the northern end of Cottonwood Campground.

This hard closure will remain in place through approximately February 2027. There are no alternative routes or detours available through this section of trail. This closure is necessary to ensure the safety of both visitors and work crews operating in a narrow corridor with heavy equipment and active construction.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Rio de Flag Invasive Plant Removal this Saturday, May 2

One of F3’s board members was awarded a Flagstaff Sustainability Office neighborhood grant to remove invasive plants in the section of the Rio de Flag that runs along Thomas Elementary school and reseed with native flowers and grasses.

The second of three plant pull events is happening this Saturday from 9am – noon. Meet at the east entrance to Bushmaster Park.

National Park Service (NPS) — Grand Canyon National Park — South Rim Firewise Cleanup Extended through Sunday, May 3

We need your help in preventing wildfire severity! The 2026 Firewise Residential
Cleanup will occur April 18-May 3, 2026.
Please pile all pine needles and woody debris along your residential road in an
area accessible to vehicles for the crew to pick up. Park staff will begin hauling
debris the week of April 27.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Public Meeting: Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update to be held April 23

The Greater Flagstaff Region is hosting a public meeting on April 23 from 5:00-8:00 p, at the Flagstaff Aquaplex for the community to learn about the current process to update the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).

Attendees will be able to visit with staff from local fire departments, talk with subject matter experts, and provide comments to inform the CWPP’s development, as well as learn about wildfire risk reduction recommendations for the forest and for homes.

APS may initiate Public Safety Power Shutoff in the Flagstaff area Wednesday, April 22

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff has been informed that Arizona Public Service (APS) may initiate a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) in parts of the Flagstaff area tomorrow, Wednesday, April 22 as early as 9 a.m. Some areas on the east side of Flagstaff may lose power during this PSPS event. Customers who are impacted have been directly notified by APS. If your home is impacted, you should begin preparing for 12-24 hours without power.

To prepare for a PSPS:

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Public invited to attend remaining Public Safety Citizen Committee meetings on April 22, 29; May 6, 13

Members of the public are invited to attend a series of meetings of the Public Safety Citizen Committee (see schedule below). This Committee is tasked with advising the Mayor and Council on potential ballot measures for the November 2026 election, including funding for Fire, Police, Aircraft Rescue, Wildland Firefighting, and Emergency Management.

The Public Safety Citizen Committee started meeting late last year. F3 is represented on the Committee by Michele James, Executive Director. The Committee has four meetings remaining before its scheduled to submit a recommendation to City Council. The Committee is exploring a potential sales tax increase and a city bond to provide a yet-to-be-determined amount of needed funding that cannot be covered by the City’s General Fund.

Grand Canyon National Park to gradually ease water conservation measures beginning April 17

— Grand Canyon National Park, in northern Arizona, encompasses 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. Located on the ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Tribes, Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world—unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors on the rim. Grand Canyon National Park is a World Heritage Site. The National Park Service cares for the special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.

UPDATED — See more local media coverage. More than 100 NAU students protest in front of new ICE office in Flagstaff on Friday

Also see: 

• Arizona Daily Sun (subscription) — Gallery: Northern Arizona University students protest outside ICE office in Flagstaff

FLAGSTAFF — More than 100 Northern Arizona University students took part in a march and protest from the campus to the newly-leased U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office on Plaza Way, just to the east of Home Depot.

The students, some of whom identified themselves as members of the new NAU Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) organization, carried a variety of protest signs, shouted slogans and held a rally directly across the street from the new ICE office, who officials said may serve as a center for their Northern Arizona operation.

As the students protested, nearly a dozen police vehicles could be seen scattered on both sides of the street to monitor the situation. Most of the vehicles appeared to be Flagstaff Police Dept. units. More unidentified law enforcement units could also be seen directly behind the building at 1585 S. Plaza Way. 

National Park Service / Grand Canyon National Park announce 2026 South Rim Firewise Cleanup — April 18-26, 2026

We need your help in preventing wildfire severity! The 2026 Firewise Residential Cleanup will occur April 18-26, 2026.

Please pile all pine needles and woody debris along your residential road in an area accessible to vehicles for the crew to pick up. Park staff will begin hauling debris the week of April 27.

Bilingual report — City of Flagstaff reports ICE signs lease for office space on Plaza Way

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff announced on Thursday, April 9 that it has received confirmation that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO) has signed a lease for office space at 1585 S. Plaza Way in Flagstaff. The property is near the former Suddenlink/Optimum customer service building.

Two City of Flagstaff Police Dept. patrol units could be seen parked in front of the location on Thursday evening.

Keep Flagstaff Together, a project of the Catch Fire Movement, has stated on its Facebook page to “Stay away from 1585 South Plaza Way, Suites 150 & 160. Call 928-395-6330 to request witnesses for support and to record a suspected encounter with immigration law enforcement.”

Please see:

• Arizona Daily Sun — City of Flagstaff, Flagstaff Police Department announce ICE has signed lease for South Plaza Way office space
• Great Circle Media — ICE Enforcement And Removal Operations Signs Lease For Office Space In Flagstaff
• KNAU — Flagstaff activists claim ICE office to open on Plaza Way
• Coconino County Sheriff’s Office — U.S. Immigration and Customs Presence in Coconino County (March 26)

Indivisible NAZ April 15th Community Gathering & Candidate Forum

Join us for our monthly community gathering! DOORS OPEN at 5:00 pm and the meeting will begin promptly at 5:30.

We will continue our candidate forum series with CD2 Candidate Jonathan Nez. Learn about his platform, followed by Q & A.

The Protect Ed petition will be discussed.

There’s lots to talk about and I expect a packed meeting and registration is required.

Please bring a non-perishable food donation to benefit Flagstaff Family Food Center. Our neighbors need our help.

Registration is required so that we can have enough chairs set up.

Flagstaff protesters line the streets in force during national ‘NO KINGS III rally on March 28

NEXT PLANNED STEPS BY ORGANIZERS — Coalition-wide Mass Call on Tuesday night, national day of economic disruption on May 1, 2026

By MosaicNAZ.org

FLAGSTAFF — A crowd rivaling a previous anti-Trump administration rally packed into downtown Flagstaff on Saturday, March 28, 2026 for the NO KINGS III protest around the Flagstaff City Hall.

They were part of a national protest that topped 8 million this year.

That number exceeded the 7 million protesters nationwide for the No Kings II rally on Oct. 18, 2025, with Flagstaff’s protest on Saturday exceeding 4,000-plus protesters in October. The actual number of protests worldwide also grew on Saturday, with more than 3,300 events registered this year, up from the more than 2,700 last October.

Organized nationally by Indivisible and the 50501 Movement, planned locally by Indivisible Northern Arizona and supported by a variety of local groups, opponents of the Trump administration crowded the sidewalks from Wheeler Park and Humphreys Street (video) along Route 66 around the curve to Milton Road, filling the grassy area up to the Flagstaff City Hall sign.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: March 30-April 3, 2026

Grand Canyon Water Update – April 2, 2026

The park is currently under Stage 3 water restrictions as crews continue work to restore pumping following a recent break.

Utility staff and contractors completed a key pipeline repair earlier this week. Flushing is expected to resume today (Thursday), with re-pressurization beginning early tomorrow (Friday). If successful, water sampling will follow, with results expected within 24 hours. The current estimate for restoration of service to the South Rim is late Saturday or early Sunday.

Pine needle drop off beginning April 3 in Railroad Springs, additional neighborhoods to follow

FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff Fire Department and the City of Flagstaff Public Works Division are facilitating the placement of roll off dumpsters in neighborhoods around the City to allow residents to dispose of pine needles near their homes. This project follows the success of last year’s initiative. The Flagstaff Fire Department recommends that residents remove excess pine needles from their yards and areas near their homes to lower the risk of catastrophic wildfire.   

Grand Canyon National Park announces increased water restrictions effective April 1

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – Beginning April 1, Grand Canyon National Park will implement Stage 3 Water Restrictions due to a break in the water pipeline along the North Kaibab Trail. Until park staff repair the break and water in storage tanks reaches sustainable levels, the park will remain in conservation mode.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Good news on Data Centers!

Yesterday, March 25, the Flagstaff Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-3 in favor of  recommending the adoption of Proposal #2 to City Council as an amendment to the city zoning code. This proposal specifically excludes land use for data centers except as ancillary to another primary land use.  

City Council is scheduled to discuss and vote on the proposed zoning code amendment at the Public Hearing scheduled during their next meeting on April 7. Both Proposal #1 and #2 are currently included in the Draft Council Agenda located online here.

Flagstaff prepares to join nationwide ‘NO KINGS III – Flagstaff’ Protest March 28 at the Flagstaff City Hall

FLAGSTAFF — Thousands of local residents and visitors are expected to take part in the national NO KINGS III protest from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2026 at the Flagstaff City Hall, 211 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff.

Some past events at the Flagstaff City Hall have exceeded more than 4,000 protesters.The event is being organized nationally by Indivisible and supported locally by Indivisible Northern Arizona.

“There are 3267 events worldwide, 78 of which are in Arizona!,”Indivisible Northern Arizona reported Friday.

Some other Arizona cities that have already scheduled events include Anthem, Casa Grande, Chandler, Cottonwood, Goodyear, Maricopa, Phoenix, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Sedona, Show Low and Tempe, according to the national protest map created by Indivisible.

Prescribed burns planned across Coconino NF next week

FLAGSTAFF — With favorable predicted weather conditions, the Coconino National Forest is planning to conduct several prescribed burns next week in areas around Flagstaff to reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.

The following prescribed burns are pending approval and as weather conditions allow:

Kaibab National Forest plans prescribed fire this spring on North Kaibab Ranger District

FREDONIA — The Kaibab National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations on the North Kaibab Ranger District as early as March 17, 2026, pending all required approvals. The four possible units, totaling 6,136-acres, are in the Jacob Lake vicinity and north of U.S. Route 89A, east of Forest Road 248 and west of Forest Road 487. Fire managers will look for opportunities to implement this burn from March 17 to May 15, as weather conditions allow. A broadcast burn is when fire is applied across a defined area or boundary to reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires. This is a maintenance burn, which refers to a low to moderate intensity prescribed fire conducted to keep surface fuels reduced and continue to build a fire resilient ecosystem.

Greater Flagstaff Community Wildfire Protection Plan undergoing update

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and its partners have launched a process to update the Greater Flagstaff Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). The City received a grant in 2025 to update the Plan and hired SWCA Environmental Consultants to lead the update. The primary goal of this effort is to develop an actionable plan that communities can use to feel empowered in protecting themselves, their loved ones, and their property.

Roadwork to begin on Butler Ave and Lone Tree Road as part of Lonetree Overpass Project

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and its contractor, Ames Construction, will begin the next phase of the Lone Tree Overpass project on Monday, March 2. The project area is Butler Ave. between O’Leary St. and Lumber St. and Lone Tree Rd. between Butler Ave. and Sawmill Rd. The work entails roadway reconstruction, installation of water line, sanitary sewer, and storm drains, improvements to concrete curb and gutters, sidewalks, and driveways, and re-alignment to add bike lanes and multi-use travel paths. The work is expected to be completed in December 2026.

City of Flagstaff — Flock Safety cameras removed

FLAGSTAFF — The City received confirmation on Feb. 19 that all Flock Safety cameras covered under the City’s contract have been physically removed. 

The Flagstaff City Council voted in December 2025 to terminate the City’s contract with Flock Safety for automated license plate recognition technology. Following that decision, all cameras covered under the contract were immediately turned off and stopped collecting data.

Coconino National Forest — Pile burns planned (Feb. 16) and this week

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino National Forest is planning pile burns today and this week, pending all required approvals and favorable weather conditions. Pile burns are a type of prescribed fire used to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.

Pile burns planned for the area include:

Coconino County Unidentified Remains Task Force announces successful identification

The Coconino County Unidentified Remains Task Force has confirmed the identity of a previously unidentified decedent located in Navajo County in 2023.

The case was referred to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office for identification. We are happy to announce that in conjunction with Navajo County Sheriff’s Office (DR# 2309-0332) and the Navajo County Medical Examiner’s Office this individual has been identified and returned to his family.  Out of respect for the decedent and his family, his identity is not being released.

The NAU Review — Puppy love + a new drone that can help rescue POWs

BARKING NEWS: At CHS, the dogtor is in

Do you need a moment to decompress? Is life getting a little ruff? We have an important pupdate: High Country Humane and Health Promotion have once again pawrtnered to bring puppies to campus for a little cuddle time. Come to the Health and Learning Center every other Wednesday, where you can sit, stay and play. (And won’t somebody boop that snout already?) It’s a paws-itively perfect way to spend an afternoon.

Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett shares statement on AZDPS helicopter crash. See related news

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett said “I am so proud of the men and women of the Flagstaff Police Department for their heroic actions last night. Their work to protect our community and detain an active shooter saved many lives. 

City of Flagstaff provides update on removal of Flock Safety cameras

FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff City Council voted in December 2025 to terminate the City’s contract with Flock Safety for automated license plate recognition technology. Following that decision, all cameras covered under the contract were immediately turned off and have not collected any data since.

Grand Canyon National Park plans adaptive reopening of North Rim in summer 2026

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park is preparing an adaptive approach for the seasonal reopening of the North Rim, evaluating potential impacts from winter weather to park infrastructure after the Dragon Bravo Fire. The park aims to open popular points of interest, including the North Kaibab Trail, on May 15, weather and conditions permitting. 

Park officials emphasize that the guiding principle for the upcoming season is: “We will open what we can, where we can, when we can.” This approach prioritizes visitor safety, resource protection, and operational readiness. Park officials are aware of the challenges of local communities, businesses and our visitors in planning for the 2026 season and are committed to providing specific details about the 2026 North Rim season no later than April 1, 2026. 

New County roadway safety action plan survey

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County is launching a new Roadway Safety Action Plan and inviting residents, workers, businesses and visitors to help improve safety on County roads by sharing their experiences and concerns through a brief online survey

“Improving roadway safety is a shared priority for County leadership, our residents and everyone who travels our roads,” said Christopher Tressler, Coconino County Public Works Director. “The Roadway Safety Action Plan gives us a clearer, data-driven way to identify, evaluate and prioritize needed improvements—bringing us closer to our goal of eliminating traffic-related fatalities on Coconino County roads. Public input is essential, and we encourage everyone to participate in the online survey.”

City of Flagstaff announces Flock Safety/ Automated License Plate Recognition Technology update

FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff City Council voted to cancel the City’s contract with Flock Safety for automated license plate recognition technology in December 2025. The cameras included in the City of Flagstaff’s contract were deactivated at that time. 

As of January 2026, City staff and Flock Safety representatives are working to facilitate the physical removal of the cameras as soon as possible.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: January 12-16, 2026

Waterline Repairs Continue After Multiple Failures in the Inner Canyon

This week, a series of three pipeline breaks along the North Kaibab Trail has temporarily disrupted water service in the inner canyon. Two of the breaks occurred within 50 feet of each other just north of the Box, with a third near the Xanterra mule corral at Phantom Ranch. 

National Park Service — Drinking water advisory for Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Effective immediately, the National Park Service (NPS) is issuing a drinking water advisory for all water in the vicinity of Bright Angel Campground and Phantom Ranch of Grand Canyon National Park. This includes the Phantom Ranch Canteen, Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Delta Restroom, and Phantom Boat Beach.

All drinking water in these areas should be treated or boiled. These processes should be applied to water for any consumptive use including drinking, making ice, preparing food, brushing teeth, and washing dishes. All other park drinking water is safe for consumption.  

Coconino County and City of Flagstaff announce Violent Offender Program

COCONINO COUNTY — County Attorney’s Office (CCAO), County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), and Flagstaff Police Department (FPD) announce the launch of a Violent Offender Program, an initiative to identify, track and respond to individuals who repeatedly engage in violent conduct.

The Violent Offender Program establishes a unified, countywide strategy to ensure violent offenders are recognized early and prosecuted with heightened oversight to prevent further harm.

“Violence in our community requires a proactive, collaborative response,” Coconino County Attorney Ammon Barker said. “The Violent Offender Program strengthens the partnership between our offices and ensures that people who demonstrate a pattern of violence are identified quickly and handled with the seriousness they warrant. Our goal is straightforward, protect the public and prevent future victims.”

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Council vote on the renewal of controversial Flock camera contract on Dec. 16

F3 believes that there are too many concerns and questions at this time for the City Council, in good faith, to approve an amended contract with Flock. There is ample evidence around the country of misuse of the data and extremely lax security measures to protect people’s privacy. We will be urging the City Council, as we did prior to the Flock discussion in October, to stand against this type of surveillance, cancel the contract with Flock and remove all cameras leased by the city. Please read our summary of the issue below and consider writing or speaking to the council in opposition.

Volunteers needed for 2026 Point in Time Count

COCONINO COUNTY — The 2026 Point-in-Time Count is almost upon us, and my amazing team of fellow organizers and community partners wanted to pass along a little bit of information regarding what we know so far and what to expect going forward!

If you are unfamiliar with the Point-in-Time Count, it is a survey conducted across the nation that aims to survey people experiencing homelessness and ask them where they were staying on one particular night during the week of the survey (whether that be a shelter, Safe Haven, in a place not meant for habitation, etc.).

Grand Canyon National Park to temporarily close overnight hotel accommodations beginning Dec. 6

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – Grand Canyon National Park will implement additional water restrictions on the South Rim starting Saturday, December 6, due to a series of significant breaks in the 12½ mile-long Transcanyon Waterline that supplies water from the canyon for use in the park. Since mid-November, the park has faced challenges with water supply, and currently, no water is being pumped to the South Rim. 

While the park remains open to visitors, the following measures will be enacted for the foreseeable future: 

Kaibab National Forest prepares for pile burns on Williams and Tusayan ranger districts

WILLIAMS — The Kaibab National Forest is planning prescribed fire pile burns on up to approximately 9,000 acres on the Williams and Tusayan ranger districts, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through the winter as weather conditions allow.

Pile burning is meant to treat slash, like branches, piled by thinning crews in hand piles and after the completion of timber projects, with the aim of reducing flammable fuels. The decision to proceed with each pile burn will depend on multiple factors, including snowpack, air quality, ventilation, forecast weather and wind, and resource availability. We use prescribed fire to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.

City of Flagstaff launches short term rental map with emergency contact information

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff has launched aninteractive map showing the location of short-term rentals throughout the City and the emergency contact information for each rental. This information allows members of the public to easily locate contact information for the owners of a short-term rental property in the event of a concern or emergency. The map and other information about the regulation of short-term rentals in Flagstaff can be viewed at Flagstaff.az.gov/STR.

City of Flagstaff launches Wildfire Resilient Homes Initiative Free home assessments now available to help residents reduce wildfire risk

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is proud to announce the launch of the Wildfire Resilient Homes Initiative (WRHI), a collaboration between the Flagstaff Fire Department and the Flagstaff Sustainability Office aimed at helping residents protect their homes and neighborhoods from the threat of wildfire.

Through WRHI, homeowners, renters, and property managers can take simple, effective steps to reduce wildfire risk with support from three program offerings: