BREAKING State Of Emergency Declared, MANDATORY EVACUATIONS Underway RIGHT NOW!
Source: https://goo.gl/ZvBbjk
PHOENIX — Governor Doug Ducey today declared a State of Emergency in response to the Tinder Fire in Coconino County. This declaration makes available additional state resources for response efforts.
On April 27, the Tinder Fire began burning approximately 1.5 miles northeast of the Blue Ridge Reservoir in Coconino County. The fire has burned an estimated 8,000 acres. Significant fire growth is expected to continue due to strong southwest winds and red flag conditions.
“Public safety is a top priority and we’re grateful for the first responders who continue to battle the Tinder Fire. I’m issuing today’s declaration to ensure that they have the necessary resources to protect the lives, pets and property of Arizonans. We will continue to coordinate with state and local emergency response officials,” said Governor Ducey.
Governor Ducey is authorized under A.R.S. § 26-303(D) to declare a state of emergency, which can be used to reimburse eligible emergency response and recovery costs. The declaration does direct the following actions:
a. Declare that a State of Emergency exists in Coconino County due to the Tinder Fire, effective April 27, 2018; and Directs that the sum of $200,000 from the General Fund be made available to the Director of the Arizona
b. Division of Emergency Management to be expended in accordance with A.R.S. §35-192, A.A.C. R8-2-301 to 321, and Executive Order 79-4; and
c. Direct that the State of Arizona Emergency Response and Recovery Plan be used to direct and control state and other assets and authorize the Director of the Arizona Division of Emergency Management to coordinate state assets; and
The public can contact the Coconino Office of Emergency Management at 928-679-8393. For questions concerning fire activity, the public can call 928-792-1666.
Significant fire growth occurred today prompted evacuations as high winds drove fire into communities to the north and east today.
Structures were lost. No details are available at this time. The fire remains active in these areas and the priority now is providing for emergency responder and public safety. Coconino County will be assessing damages and providing updates as soon as they’re able to do so.
The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office has ordered an evacuation for all Blue Ridge Tinder Fire affected communities north, east and west of Hwy 87. All residents and small animals are being evacuated to the Twin Arrows Casino – 22181 Resort Blvd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004. Large animals are being accepted at the Navajo County you Fairgrounds in Holbrook.
This is currently a wind driven fire. Strong winds will continue through Tuesday. Smoke impacts from the fire in Winslow will continue. Coconino County health officials are encouraging individuals to take precautions to protect themselves from health effects of wildfire smoke. People with pre-existing conditions should avoid exposure to the smoke as much as possible, and consult their physician if they have any questions.
Tonight’s night shift will continue to provide structural protection actions in local communities.
An illegal drone incursion was reported this morning north of the fire, within the Temporary Flight Restriction. This temporarily limited firefighting aircraft’s ability to work in the area. The incidents aircraft were pulled from the airspace over the air until it was deemed safe to reengage in firefighting activities. While no serious impacts occurred in this case, it’s critically important to understand flying drones near wildfires is illegal.
Firefighters will continue efforts to fully suppress the fire where they can do so safely and effectively. Objectives include ensuring emergency responder and public safety, protecting structures, facilities and infrastructure in local communities including Starlight Pines 1 & 2, Tamarron Pines Phase 1-5, Blue Ridge Estates Units 1 & 2, Mogollon Range Unit 1 & 2, Clear Creek Pines 8 & 9, Moqui Ranchettes and Ponderosa Pines, and Camp Colley, protecting sensitive natural and cultural resources, and minimizing prolonged smoke impacts.
The Incident Management Team is working on arrangements for the next community meeting. Details on the time and location will be announced as soon as they are available.
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Visit the Arizona Emergency Information Network at www.EIN.az.gov for official emergency updates, preparedness and hazard information, and multimedia resources.