Category: Public Safety

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Based on significant improvement in forest conditions, the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest rescinded fire restrictions on Friday, July 25, 2025.

Small businesses impacted by fires encouraged to fill out worksheet

by Community Contributor • July 30, 2025 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — Are you a small business owner impacted by the White Sage Fire or Dragon Bravo Fire? If so, the Small Business Administration has an Economic Injury Disaster Loan program that may be able to provide support.

We know the importance of economic recovery following these wildfires. Help us tell your story as we seek recovery opportunities for small businesses throughout Coconino County.

The first step is for Coconino County to establish a need for the program by submitting a packet of Estimated Disaster Economic Injury Worksheets to the Governor’s Office.

The Worksheet is NOT a loan application and filling out the Worksheet does NOT require participation in the program.

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.

Dragon Bravo Fire Daily Update for July 30

by Community Contributor • July 30, 2025 • Comments Off

Highlights: Tuesday’s infrared mapping provided updated acreage as the Dragon Bravo Fire continues its northward push amid extreme fire behavior. Operations focused on holding Forest Road 610, improving indirect lines, and firing operations to protect values at risk. Southwest Complex Incident Management Team 2 is still taking a full suppression approach to the Dragon Bravo, while prioritizing firefighter and public safety.

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.

White Sage Fire Daily Update – July 27, 2025

by Community Contributor • July 28, 2025 • Comments Off

Highlights

Highway 89A has been re-opened to the public. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Arizona Strip District rescinded the fire area closure near Vermilion Cliffs National Monument today due to decreased fire threat and activity related to the White Sage Fire.
The rescission reopens roads that were closed for public and firefighter safety during suppression and repair work along FR 22 and BLM Road 1065 (House Rock Valley). Fire managers are asking for the public’s help to remain aware of fire resources that are continuing suppression and repair efforts along the fire perimeter and roadways. Please travel safely in the vicinity of the fire. Highway 67 south of Jacob Lake remains closed.

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.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 21-25, 2025

by Community Contributor • July 25, 2025 • Comments Off

Message from Ed Keable, Superintendent of Grand Canyon National Park, on the Dragon Bravo Fire Response

On Saturday, July 19, we were honored to host Deputy Secretary Kate MacGregor, Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Kevin Lilly, and Acting NPS Director Jessica Bowron at Grand Canyon National Park. Their visit underscored the Department of the Interior’s and National Park Service’s strong support for our ongoing response to the Dragon Bravo Fire and their commitment to the future of the North Rim.

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.

Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) plans daytime closure of Parks railroad crossing July 25-28 for emergency repairs

by Community Contributor • July 25, 2025 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) has informed Coconino County that it will temporarily close the railroad crossing on Garland Prairie Road in Parks for emergency repair work from Friday, July 25 through Monday, July 28.

Daily closures will be in effect from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the crossing scheduled to reopen each evening.

The emergency work will involve replacing railroad ties and repaving the asphalt crossing surface to ensure safe travel for both motorists and trains.

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.

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.

Dragon Bravo Fire — Firefighters continue to make progress on containment lines ahead of drying weather as containment reaches 18% Morning Update for July 22, 2025

by Community Contributor • July 22, 2025 • Comments Off

Latest Update: Containment increased to 18% on the Dragon Bravo Fire along the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Cloud coverage and humidity aided firefighters yesterday as they continued to strengthen containment lines and protect values at risk, ahead of transition to drier, hotter conditions expected later this week.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Please Give to the Crisis Response Fund

by Community Contributor • July 21, 2025 • Comments Off

United Way of Northern Arizona is working with its agency and government partners in response to the wildfires at the Grand Canyon, which have impacted hundreds of individuals who live and work along the North Rim.

Contributions to UWNA’s Crisis Response Fund can be made HERE and will go towards helping those displaced by the blaze, which has closed the North Rim for the rest of the season. You can also text UWNAZRESPONSE to 41444 to give.

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.

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.”

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 14-18, 2025

by Community Contributor • July 17, 2025 • Comments Off

Message from Superintendent Keable on Dragon Bravo Fire

The recent Dragon Bravo Fire has profoundly impacted our Grand Canyon community, particularly for our colleagues on the North Rim who have bravely faced this devastating event. Many have experienced traumatic conditions, with some losing their homes and cherished belongings. The challenges have not been limited to our North Rim team; South Rim employees and the Grand Canyon community in and out of the park have felt the weight of this fire, as many have deep personal connections to the North Rim.

The destruction wrought by the fire is hard to fathom, and we acknowledge the emotional toll it has taken on all of us. In response to this crisis, we are adjusting our park management structure to better serve the needs of our affected employees, and the complex demands of the Grand Canyon. I continue to focus my efforts as the Agency Administrator of the Complex Incident Management Team (CIMT), comprised of skilled professionals who are dedicated to addressing the ongoing fire.

To further stabilize our response, we have assembled a regional Incident Management Team that is focusing on vital areas such as coordinating mental and physical health resources and planning for the ongoing needs of those affected.

As we navigate this difficult time, we are bolstered by the strength, resilience, and dedication that defines the GRCA community. Together, we will overcome these challenges.

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.

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.

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.”

Coconino County extends support to Grand Canyon National Park

by Community Contributor • July 14, 2025 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — Grand Canyon National Park is a natural wonder of the world, geological storyteller, sacred cultural site and economic driver for Coconino County communities.

The loss of infrastructure at the North Rim from the Dragon Bravo Fire, including the lodge and visitors center, has a profound impact on residents and visitors alike and breaks our communities’ hearts.

In addition to the Dragon Bravo Fire, the White Sage Fire burning near Jacobs Lake has also led to evacuations and impacts on local communities who rely on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management have assisted with emergency efforts including road closures, evacuations and operations. The fires grew exponentially due to high winds and dry conditions on the ground.

Northern Arizona groups planning to join ‘Good Trouble Lives On National Day of Action on July 17

by Community Contributor • July 11, 2025 • Comments Off

By Indivisible

In one week, on July 17, people all across the country will gather together in honor of the late Rep. John Lewis to participate in the Good Trouble Lives On National Day of Action.

With MAGA Republicans continuing their ghoulish campaigns to terrorize communities, crush dissent, and tear families apart, it’s more important than ever that we stand up, speak out, and make some good trouble.

What’s good trouble?

Coined by civil rights leader Congressman John Lewis, “good trouble” means coming together to take non-violent action to challenge injustice and create meaningful change. That could look like a candlelight vigil, a community event, a rally, or any other creative way you can think of to stand up and remind the world that we will continue to fight back against this authoritarian regime.

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.

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

by Community Contributor • July 11, 2025 • Comments Off

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.

Crews responding to small wildfire near A1 Mountain west of Flagstaff

by Community Contributor • July 10, 2025 • Comments Off

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.

Prairie Dog Die-Off reported in the Townsend Winona area

by Community Contributor • July 8, 2025 • Comments Off

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.

Coconino County response to EMS service disruption in Fredonia

by Community Contributor • July 7, 2025 • Comments Off

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.

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

by Community Contributor • July 3, 2025 • Comments Off

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes news updates for June 2025

by Community Contributor • June 30, 2025 • Comments Off

Office Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes

Hutton Ranch Road – Rio de Flag Crossing Project completed

by Community Contributor • June 27, 2025 • Comments Off

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.

Firefighters to begin work on fuelbreak project to help protect community in Oak Creek Canyon

by Community Contributor • June 27, 2025 • Comments Off

SEDONA — Firefighters will begin a hand thinning fuelbreak project tomorrow around the community of Indian Gardens in Oak Creek Canyon which will complement previous fuels treatments in the area and increase defensible space around public and private land.

This shaded fuelbreak project will help fire managers establish control lines for future fire management decisions and expand the areas between homes and vegetation. In turn, this will help reduce the threat of a wildfire damaging or destroying homes and allow firefighters to safely defend the Indian Gardens community.

Commander Cathy Allen announces retirement from Coconino County Sheriff’s Office

by Community Contributor • June 27, 2025 • Comments Off

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office announces the retirement of Commander Cathy Allen, effective June 25, 2025, following a distinguished 39-year career in public service and administrative leadership.

Commander Allen began her tenure with the Sheriff’s Office in 1987 as a Financial Management Analyst and steadily advanced to become the Commander of Administrative Services. In this role, she provided oversight to civilian teams in Support Services and Administrative divisions and led major initiatives including grant administration, intergovernmental agreements, contract law enforcement in outlying communities, and budget development. Her leadership contributed to a nearly 200% increase in the civilian workforce, significantly enhancing the department’s operational support functions.

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

by Community Contributor • June 27, 2025 • Comments Off

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.

City of Flagstaff — Beulah Boulevard Roundabout to close for striping operations

by Community Contributor • June 26, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and their contractor, Eagle Mountain Construction, along with the Arizona Department of Transportation, are set to begin striping operations along Milton Road, University Drive, University Avenue (future Fresquez Avenue) and the new roundabout along Beulah Boulevard starting Monday, June 30. On Wednesday, July 2, and Thursday, July 3, the new roundabout along Beulah Boulevard will be fully closed to all traffic to allow crews to perform striping operations. The roundabout will reopen by Friday, July 4.

City of Flagstaff flood control project receives national and statewide recognition

by Community Contributor • June 24, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff received three awards last month from national and Arizona state organizations for the Schultz Creek Drainage Improvements Project at US Hwy 180. The project, which was completed in Fall 2024, saw the installment of a box culvert under US Hwy 180 and was the last piece of post-wildfire mitigation in the Schultz Creek corridor, an area that received over seven floods in 2022 after the Pipeline Fire. The full suite of projects has completely mitigated the post-wildfire flash flood threats in the impacted watershed, protecting over 200 homes, an elementary school, and critical facilities.

Protesters crowd downtown Flagstaff as part of nationwide ‘No Kings Day’ rally

by Community Contributor • June 20, 2025 • Comments Off

Editor’s note — Story / photos courtesy of www.MosaicNAZ.org

See more photos at www.MosaicNAZ.org:

• Protesters crowd downtown Flagstaff as part of nationwide ‘No Kings Day’ rally

• ‘No Kings Day’ — Signs of the Time

FLAGSTAFF — With some local media reporting a crowd topping 3,000, Flagstaff residents and Northern Arizona visitors alike turned out in mass for one of the largest rallies in the city in recent memory during the “No Kings Day” mass protest held Saturday, June 14 in front of Flagstaff City Hall.

The large crowd came in spite of near mid-summer temperatures approaching 90 degrees, and added personal safety vigilance as a result of deadly political violence earlier in the day in Minnesota. The protest nationwide was organized by the 50501 movement with the local effort hosted by Indivisible Northern AZ.

Opponents of the Trump administration crowded the sidewalks from starting at Wheeler Park and Humphreys Street along Route 66 around the curve to Milton Road, filling the grassy area up to the Flagstaff City Hall sign. A sizable crowd of protestors also filled the opposite side of the street up to the Flagstaff Train Depot. When they were’t waiving signs, soliciting supportive horns from passing vehicles, the protesters joined in drum performances, chants and listened to speeches from local political leaders.

“No Kings Day is one of the largest days of protest in American history,” Indivisible Project national leaders stated in a media release. “From deep red small towns to our largest cities, millions of people turned out to make clear that the American people will not bow to fascism.

Bill Williams Mountain watershed (closed as of June 18)

by Community Contributor • June 19, 2025 • Comments Off

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 Comprehensive Plan 60-day review open through July 18, 2025

by Community Contributor • June 19, 2025 • Comments Off

Reminder! Add your comments by July 18, 2025
The 60-day review is at the halfway point! There are still opportunities to attend an open house, visit with staff, and join a webinar. See the schedule below.

Coconino County to Enter Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Wednesday

by Community Contributor • June 17, 2025 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • June 17, 2025 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • June 17, 2025 • Comments Off

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.

Children’s Action Alliance — (Resources) Protecting immigrant, citizen and mixed status families

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2025 • Comments Off

Children’s Action Alliance envisions Arizona as a state where all children and families thrive. When children live in fear, we are failing our children.

As federal immigration enforcement operations deploy tactics that raise legal, constitutional, and moral concerns, Children’s Action Alliance encourages partners to be informed and resourced to support the well-being and safety of immigrant, citizen, and mixed-status children and families in Arizona.

In preparation and response to federal actions, families and allies can seek and share valuable resources, including the following:

City of Flagstaff to begin repaving Flagstaff Urban Trails System (FUTS) trails in late June

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The City will be repaving and repairing asphalt-surfaced segments of the Flagstaff Urban Trails System (FUTS) from late June through September. The work will require the impacted FUTS trails to be fully closed while crews complete the work. Specific dates for the closures of individual trails will be shared once the information is available.

Impacted FUTS trails:

Update – Nighttime road closure at Riordan Dr. & Riordan Ranch St. scheduled for June 16 – 19

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The intersection of Riordan Dr and Riordan Ranch St will be closed overnight from June 16 – June 19, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. Roads will remain open during the day from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., with no daytime construction. Access to businesses in the area will be maintained throughout the project.

Basin Fire northwest of Flagstaff 54% contained; firing operations complete and resources demobilizing

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The 9,145-acre Basin Fire, a lightning-caused wildfire located 20 miles northwest of Flagstaff, is 54% contained following several days of firing operations and securing.

Fire crews spent Wednesday finishing smaller firing operations on the interior of the fire. Several resources began the demobilization process Wednesday night as the fire winds down. Firefighters will continue patrolling the fire’s perimeter (on Thursday).

“We’re pleased with the results of the Basin Fire on the landscape,” said District Ranger Matt McGrath. “This kind of fire works to reduce the risk of catastrophic fire and post fire-flooding to our surrounding communities and resources.”

City of Flagstaff — Lake Mary Road water leak update

by Community Contributor • June 10, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — At around 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 8, the City began receiving reports of water bubbling up out of Lake Mary Road in an area near Heckethorn Rd and the Sandy Canyon trailhead. There are two underground pipelines in the area; water from Upper Lake Mary and water from the Lake Mary well field. The City is working to determine the exact source and location of the leak.

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

by Community Contributor • June 10, 2025 • Comments Off

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.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3)’s 30th Anniversary Auction: Items ready to view

by Community Contributor • June 6, 2025 • Comments Off

Celebrate F3’s 30th Anniversary by bidding on our online auction!

Help us continue our work by bidding on our exciting, diverse, and unique items including special experiences (from guided tours to personal luxuries), gift baskets (from personal care to gardening) and gift certificates (from design services to doggy day care). Bid on food, wine, jewelry, and more.

Everything is donated by local shops, businesses, restaurants, and individuals who generously contributed to this auction.

Help us kick-off of our next 30 years of community work in Flagstaff!

U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) news updates for week of June 2, 2025

by Community Contributor • June 6, 2025 • Comments Off

Gallego Supports Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Obesity Epidemic ••• Gallego Fights to Protect Key Consumer Protection Agency ••• Gallego, Baldwin Introduce Bill to Prevent Companies from Ripping Healthcare Away from Striking Workers ••• Gallego Fights for Program That Saves Arizonans Hundreds on Their Utility Bills ••• Gallego, Colleagues Call for Additional Funding to Keep Communities Safe

FCD Director Lucinda Andreani earns award from American Society of Civil Engineer

by Community Contributor • June 4, 2025 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — Flood Control District Director Lucinda Andreani will be presented with the Centennial Celebration Impact Award in Public Safety from the Northern Arizona Branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) on Saturday, Jun. 7 at Lowell Observatory.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to have worked with civil engineers on so many public safety projects for our communities,” Andreani said. “We have a remarkable team, and the success of our post-wildfire flood mitigation projects and our Forest Restoration Initiative is in great part due to the expertise and commitment of our civil engineers.”

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