Press Coverage June 2020
two very different lakes to choose The east end of the lake is a no-wake Want to rent a from. Watson Lake nestles amid the zone. The west end allows for houseboat, kayak or Granite Dells. The tall cliffs and speedboats to travel in a counter- jumbled boulders are reflected in clockwise direction. Water skiing is other water toy this deep blue water. Hidden coves, permitted on weekdays only in the summer? You can at curving shorelines and a variety of summer. Park admission is $15 per waterfowl add to the allure of this vehicle during the week and $20 on these Arizona lakes popular lake. weekends. Roger Naylor
Special for The Republic Goldwater Lake offers a more Details: 520-287- June 29, 2020 secluded feel. It’s tucked away in the 6965, https://azstateparks.com/pata
ponderosa pines just outside of gonia-lake. To make the most of your summer, town. This is a good place to watch spend at least a few days on the for wildlife as you paddle across teal Fool Hollow Lake water. It’s a great way to maintain green water. social distance while reveling in Prescott Outdoors rents solo kayaks, wide-open spaces and combating the tandem kayaks and canoes hourly rising heat. and by the day at both lakes. Stand-
up paddleboards are available Arizona may be an arid state but it is at Watson Lake. Online reservations sprinkled with lakes. Sure, they’re are encouraged. Rentals are available almost all man-made but that just on Saturdays and Sundays through means they’re placed right where we Sept. 7 at Goldwater Lake. At need them most. They come in a Watson Lake, rentals are offered variety of sizes, starting with the through Oct. 18 (Wednesdays- largest and second largest man-made Sundays in summer; Fridays-Sundays lakes in the nation, Mead and Powell in the fall). respectively, all the way down to some easily navigated ponds. But as Details: 928-925- long as they’re holding water, they 1410, https://www.prescottoutdoors make a perfect summer getaway. .com.
Here are a few Arizona lakes that Patagonia Lake With so many lakes scattered among offer something special for visitors: the White Mountains, Fool Hollow boat rentals. Show up and rent a is easy to overlook. But that’s a big kayak, canoe, pontoon or houseboat, mistake. The 149-acre lake just and for an hour or a day, it feels like outside of Show Low fills a low-lying the whole lake belongs just to you. basing and is ringed by ponderosa
pines and a woodland mix of Reminder: When you're out and junipers and piñon pines, grassy about this summer, be sure to pastures and rocky cliffs. observe mask requirements and other coronavirus-related guidance. The 265-acre lake makes a There is no single vantage point in shimmering oasis in the high desert. the state park that allows you to see Prescott lakes It’s a long, narrow waterway, almost the entire lake. You have to discover fjord-like, tucked away in the rolling it one vista at a time and it gives you grasslands of southern Arizona. A a lot of looks along the way. There’s campground with a collection of big open water, several isolated sites and cabins clings to the south coves, some quiet marshes and long side of the lake in this popular state channels. park. A wide sandy beach features a
roped-off swimming area. In summer, JT’s Wildlife Outdoors
(928-892- You’re already cooling off by the Canoes, rowboats, paddleboats and 9170, http://jtwildlifeoutdoors.com) time you reach Prescott’s higher pontoons are for rent from Lake rents kayaks, canoes and elevations. Once there you’ll have Patagonia Marina (520-287-2804). Page 1
Press Coverage June 2020
paddleboards. They’re near the a $7 fee per vehicle for everyone park's east boat launch ramp. Park visiting Pleasant Harbor Marina. admission is $7 per vehicle Mondays-Thursdays and $10 Details: 623-235- Fridays-Sundays. Camping is 6130, https://pleasantharbor.com. available. Lake Havasu
Details: 928-537- 3680, https://azstateparks.com/fool Forget everything you thought you -hollow. knew about lakes. This long, sinuous body of jewel-like water stretches for Lake Pleasant 186 miles from northern Arizona into Utah. The towering red rock walls of Glen Canyon cradle the
main body of water, leaving When it comes to watery hundreds of miles of craggy playgrounds, Lake Havasu always shoreline accessible only by boat. makes for an enticing getaway. That Wahweap Marina (888-896- may explain why there are so many places in Lake Havasu City to rent 3829, https://www.lakepowell.com) You’ll have plenty of ways to get on just about anything that floats. has a full fleet of houseboats, the water at Lake Pleasant powerboats and personal watercraft Regional Park when you visit Beach Shack Rentals (928-846- rentals available. You’ll also find Scorpion Bay Marina (928-501- 7273, https://www.beachshackrental lodging, restaurants and boat tours. 7368, https://www.scorpionbayaz.c slhc.com) is right on the water and Some amenities might be om). Half-day and daily rentals offers scooters, kayaks, pontoon and temporarily unavailable during the include pontoons, sport boats, ski boats, plus a floating jungle gym pandemic. kayaks and other water toys. known as Beach Shack Island. Reservations must be made in If your route takes you across the advance. Paddleboards and water Havasu Adventure Company (928- Navajo Reservation, be aware of scooters can be rented from Pleasant 680- travel restrictions. The reservation is Water Sports (602-714- 6151, https://www.havasuadventure closed to tourism and periodic 7478, http://www.pleasantwaterspor company.com) has a full line of deck curfews and lockdowns have been ts.com). boats, ski boats and pontoons. A implemented. Get the latest updates cooler and bag of ice are provided at https://www.navajo-nsn.gov. The marina includes a general store with each rental. and the Scorpion Bay Grill. Park Antelope Point Marina (928-645- admission is $7 per vehicle. At Rentals on the Beach (928-453- 5900, https://antelopepointlakepow 8883, https://londonbridgewatercraf ell.com), which is adjacent to the Details: 602-506-2930, ext. t.com) they have everything from Navajo Reservation, is closed. The 2; https://www.maricopacountypark pontoon and fishing boats to kayaks, target reopening date is July 5. Check s.net. paddleboards and scooters, and even the website for updates. one-bedroom bungalows if you want On the southeastern shore of the to enjoy an extended stay. Lake Mead lake outside the park, Pleasant Harbor Marina offers sport boat, Details: For a full selection of rental pontoon and water scooter rentals, a locations, waterside restaurant and daily visit https://www.golakehavasu.com cruises. Go Paddle AZ (602-904- . 0519, https://www.gopaddleaz.com) rents kayaks and stand-up Lake Powell paddleboards. You can even ride the wind when you rent a sailboat from Named for a massive rock Go Sail Arizona (602-882- formation, Temple Bar Marina is 4398, https://gosailaz.com). There is Page 2
Press Coverage June 2020
also known for its 20 mile-long checked or you might not see the Organization Ridge Road, including unobstructed water ski runs. There’s fires. Summerhaven, according to also a seemingly endless stretch of Inciweb. These evacuations were coves and beaches to explore. Rental You can also see an interactive fire ordered at 1:27 p.m. on June 16. options include kayaks, fishing map for the Arizona area, provided boats, open-bow ski boats and 26- by NWCG.gov. An embedded A map of the evacuation regions is foot deck boats. They are available version is below, but click on the below. You can see the full-sized by the hour, day and week. RV link to see a full version. You can map here. facilities, cabins, a motel and café are click on the map below and drag the also on the property, located off U.S. map around to see different An evacuation center is open at 93. locations. Sahuaro High School at 545 N. Camino Seco in Tucson. Large Details: 928-767- Here are the fires currently in animals can be sheltered at Rillito 3211, https://templebarlakemead.co Arizona as of June 16, 2020, Racetrack in Tucson. m. including the Bush Fire. These are in alphabetical order by the fire’s name, Get Pima County emergency if available. alerts here and stay updated here. Arizona Fire Map: The Pima County Sheriff’s 2020 RX Burns Department Facebook is here and Track Fires & These are fires set purposefully to the Office of Emergency Evacuations Near help mitigate damage and contain Management Facebook is here. The Me Today, June 16 unexpected fires later. However, webpage for the fire is here. Share on FacebookShare on prescribed burns are on hold at this TwitterShare via E-mailMore share time because of COVID-19, Inciweb Blue River Fire options notes. By Stephanie Dube Dwilson Updated Jun 17, 2020 at 1:47pm Bighorn Fire in Pima County Near Tucson Wildfires continue to cause issues in Arizona in June, including the Bush Fire that is now as large as Salt Lake City. Read on for details about the fires, their locations, containment size, maps, and more. The biggest news so far for today is the Bush Fire, where more evacuations have been ordered. As news can change quickly, be sure to watch your local news for the latest
evacuation details. Inciweb
Interactive Maps of Arizona Fires This fire is now 14,686 acres in size, Inciweb One of the best interactive maps up from 3,277 acres just five days The Blue River Fire is 85% available right now is Inciweb’s map. earlier. The fire is now 30% contained and eight miles NE of San You can see the full contained as of June 16. It was Carlos, Arizona. It’s 30,400 acres in map here. There’s an embeddable started by lightning on June 5 in the size and close to the Dry Lake Fire. Google Map that includes Inciweb Pusch Ridge Wilderness in the Santa It was caused by lightning. fires which you can see below in Catalina Mountains.
Arizona. Depending on your Inciweb notes: browser, you may need to zoom in Here’s another Bighorn map from Firefighters have been working to using the + button within the map MappingSupport.com. actively suppress the Blue River and or change settings to only show the Dry Lake fires since their Inciweb fires. Make sure that the Evacuations: Evacuations have been discovery after a June 5 Legend on the right, you have ordered in the boundary area of Mt. thunderstorm. Agencies throughout “Inciweb Wildfire Information” Lemmon/Mt. Bigelow north of Page 3
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the southwest have been Management Team 4 on June 11, You can find an updated map from experiencing dry and dangerous 2020. Team 4 assumed command of the USDA here. conditions with high temperatures the fire on June 13, 2020 at 6:00AM. and the concern for the COVID-19 The primary objective for the fire is According to Inciweb, the fire is pandemic thus creating a complex public and wildland firefighter safety. 64,513 acres in size and 0% situation. San Carlos Tribal Forest The management strategy is full contained as of June 16. Resources Program and San Carlos suppression.” Agency have called the Central West Evacuations: Inciweb noted on June Zone Type 3 Incident Management Closures: A temporary closure order 16: “Due to the fire’s growth and Team to assist in addressing the was set on June 10 for some forest movement Emergency Management complexity and assist in resources roads, day-use facilities and a Services in Gila and Maricopa management as it relates to these campground in the area. Highway counties are evacuating the fires. 191 is closed in both directions communities of Punkin Center, between Mile Mark 189 and 225. Tonto Basin and the Sunflower Bringham Fire area.” Inciweb noted on June 10: A map of the current evacuations is The Bringham Fire is situated in below. You can see the full steep, rugged terrain, and these map here. factors resulted in very active fire behavior today, especially along the Inciweb wrote: southwest flanks. Fire crews Danger in these areas is imminent successfully completed structure and life threatening. Residents protection at the Rose Peak lookout should evacuate immediately to a tower facility, and similar work shelter or with family/friends continues at various cabins of which outside of the affected area. some are classified as cultural Residents should avoid close contact resources. with those who are sick and should Preparation for burnout operations practice public health along Highway 191 will include the recommendations when relocating. use of helicopters to keep the fire in If you choose to ignore this check, based on predetermined advisement, you must understand trigger points. The highway is a emergency services may not be able crucial holding feature, or man-made to assist you further. Follow barrier, that incident managers will instructions from emergency utilize to keep the fire contained to personnel, stay on designated the east. To support the planned evacuation routes and avoid closed
burnout operations, crews are setting areas. Inciweb up portable water sources along The Bringham Fire is now 14,625 Highway 191 so that helicopters and Maricopa County noted for the acres (up from 2,700 acres just five crews can have easy access to this Sunflower area: days earlier) as of June 16 and only vital firefighting resource. 5% contained. It started June 10 at Evacuated residents should proceed 9:28 a.m. The fire was caused by Bush Fire north towards Payson. Proceed to lightning and is 22 miles north of A fire burning northeast of Phoenix the Payson Police Department at Morenci, Arizona. grew in size on Tuesday and is now 303 N. Beeline Highway, Payson, Inciweb notes: “The Bringham Fire, more than 100 square AZ. 85541. Drive with care and located 22 miles north of Morenci, miles, Weather.com reported. The follow the directions of emergency AZ, is currently burning on the Bush Fire is now the largest fire in personnel. Evacuees may also call Clifton Ranger District of the the country. The fire started June 13 the American Red Cross at 1-800- Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. at 2 p.m. near Bush Highway an 842-7349 for assistance. The Bringham Fire was caused by a Highway 187. The fire is human- lightning strike on on June 6, 2020. caused and under investigation. The Jake’s Corner is now on “SET” Due to the increasing complexity of map above is provided by mode in the Ready, Set, Go the fire, the Apache-Sitgreaves MappingSupport. evacuation model. National Forests ordered the Southwest Area Type 2 Incident Page 4
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Here’s a look at smoke forecast from Resources Program and San Carlos the fire: Agency have called the Central West Here’s another map, provided by Zone Type 3 Incident Management Mapping Support. Closures: According to Inciweb: Team to assist in addressing the “State Highway 87 is closed from complexity and assist in resources Inciweb notes: near Payson to the Bush Highway. management as it relates to these Incident meteorologists have alerted Highway 188 is closed from fires.” fire managers that fire weather Highway 60 near Claypool to The fire is transitioning back to a conditions will deteriorate Tuesday Highway 87. The best place to get local agency for oversight because of including another red flag warning road information is successful suppression. after 11 a.m. Ridgetop winds are to at http://www.az511.com. The reach 35 miles per hour… Sugarloaf, Four Peaks, Lower East Desert Fire * Sycamore, Pobrecito, Butcher Jones, The East Desert Fire is 1,492 acres Today firefighters will attempt to tie the Rolls, Saguaro Del Norte and 100% contained as of May yesterday’s spot fire near Lefever Recreation Areas and Suguaro Lake 25, the last update from Inciweb. overlook into the perimeter. Jacob are all closed at this time.” The fire is still listed on Inciweb’s Lake structure protection resources map. The fire was caused by human will continue working around the UPDATES: You can stay updated activity and was located four miles community. Around the rest of the on Maricopa County emergency north of Cave Creek Regional perimeter, efforts to secure fire’s alerts here. There’s also a Facebook Park near 24th Street & Desert Hills spread near Little Mountain will page for the Bush Fire here. Some in Cave Creek. continue. Crews will patrol, hold, updates are also being provided by and improve less active sections of the U.S. Forest Service. Mangum Fire the line to the south. Tonto Basin, Jake’s Corner, and Punkin Center residents can get Closures: ” Highway 89A is closed evacuation updates here. from Marble Canyon to Fredonia. Highway 67 from Jacob Lake to the Dry Lake Fire Grand Canyon National Park is also closed. Due to the road closures, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park is presently inaccessible. The U.S. Forest Service has closed the entire fire area to entry.” Follow the U.S. Forest Service – Kaibab National Forest’s Facebook page for updates.
Ocotillo Fire Inciweb This fire is 980 acres and now 100% The Dry Lake Fire is 4,370 acres as contained as of June 2. It was 1.3 of June 10, according to Inciweb. It’s miles northwest of Cave Creek and now 90% contained. It was caused Inciweb is still listed on Inciweb’s map. by lightning and is 22 miles This fire grew from about 800 acres northeast of Bylas, Arizona. to 29,689 acres in just five days. As Range Fire Inciweb notes: “Firefighters have of June 15, it’s 26,689 acres in size The Range Fire is 3,286 acres and been working to actively suppress and only 3% contained, according to now 100% contained as of June 1. the Blue River and the Dry Lake Inciweb. The cause is under The cause is unknown. The fire was fires since their discovery after a investigation and the fire began on located six miles north of Florence June 5 thunderstorm. Agencies June 8 at about 3 p.m. The fire is 9 at the National Guard Firing Range. throughout the southwest have been miles SW of Jacobs Lake at Mangum It’s still listed on Inciweb’s map. experiencing dry and dangerous Springs. conditions with high temperatures Sawtooth Fire and the concern for the COVID-19 Red flags conditions are making the pandemic thus creating a complex fire worse. situation. San Carlos Tribal Forest
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Eleven Maricopa County regional parks have been affected by the fire ban: Lake Pleasant Regional Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, Adobe Dam Regional Park, Buckeye Hills Regional Park, Estrella Mountain Regional Park, Hassayampa River Preserve, San Tan Mountain Regional Park, Usery
Mountain Regional Park, McDowell The Maricopa County Parks and Mountain Regional Park, Cave Creek Inciweb Recreation Department initiated Regional Park, and Spur Cross This fire is now 85% contained and its annual fire ban May 11. Now, the Ranch Conservation Area. 24,729 acres as of June 10 at 11:22 department is taking additional steps a.m., the latest update from Inciweb. to protect park visitors and resources Call 602-506-2930 or visit The fire was caused by lightning in due to the extremely dry conditions. maricopacountypars.net. the Superstition Mountains, two miles northeast of Peralta Trailhead, Effective Monday, June 1, smoking Tonto National Forest. Minimal fire in Maricopa County’s regional parks Officials talk activity is now being observed and is prohibited, except within an evacuations, the fireline has been restored to a enclosed vehicle or at developed more natural state, according to recreation sites such as parking lots prevention in wake Inciweb. You can stay updated and campsites. The restriction comes of fires on Tonto National Forest’s on the heels of increased wildfire June 11, 2020 Facebook page. activity throughout Maricopa By CONNOR DZIAWURA County. Foothills Focus Staff Writer Tortolita Fire This fire is 3,140 acres and now “Last week, we had wildfires in two A little over a week after the East 100% contained, according to of our regional parks and along the Desert Fire burned 1,492 acres, Inciweb. It started on June 10 by Maricopa Trail,” stated R.J. Cardin forcing some 130 homes to evacuate lightning in the Tortolita Mountains, Maricopa County Parks and in the Cave Creek area, the town north of Oro Valley. Recreation Department Director, found itself reeling from yet another “which resulted in park visitor fire. Inciweb noted: “Tortolita is now evacuations and damage to the 100% contained as of Thursday, parks. To better protect park visitors Dubbed the Ocotillo Fire, the blaze June 11, 2020. Final acreage is 3,140 and lessen the chance of human- was contained by firefighters at 980 and that is due to better, more caused wildfires, we are adding acres June 2—but not before it accurate mapping. The fire started smoking restrictions in our annual burned down eight homes and 12 last Friday by a lightning strike after fire ban. Individuals who smoke in outbuildings, according to the a thunderstorm rolled over the the designated areas are also being Arizona Department of Forestry and Tortolita Mountains, north of Oro asked to please make sure all Fire Management. Valley. One engine remains to patrol materials are fully extinguished and monitor containment lines.” before leaving the area.” In response to the two emergencies, fire and city officials held a public The usual restrictions, which include meeting after containment June 2 to Fire restrictions banning the use of all campfires, fire provide the community with increased at pits, and the use of charcoal in grills information and answer questions. or any other manner, are still in Maricopa County effect; however, it is acceptable to The Ocotillo Fire started the regional parks use gas/propane grills in designated afternoon of May 30 along Ocotillo Sun City Independent areas. Violation of Park Rule R-113 Road, roughly 1.3 miles northwest of Posted Friday, June 12, 2020 2:47 may result in a citation. A date to lift Cave Creek, but grew rapidly, pm the fire ban has not been established. forcing the evacuation an estimated 500 homes, or up to 860 people, according to the Arizona
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Department of Forestry and Fire and its downed power lines, create a “defensible space” of at least Management. The evacuation was compromised propane tanks and 30 feet to stop fires from reaching partially lifted May 31 and fully June other issues, like generators and solar homes. Cave Creek CBO Mike 2. systems backfeeding. Plus, he Baxley later even suggested reiterated at one point, fires can stretching the defensible space to The Ocotillo Fire was determined to change direction quickly. “It was a 100 feet. be human caused and is under very hazardous scene.” investigation, as is the East Desert But Wilson said of both fires, still a Fire. During the Q&A session, one problem was “spotting,” or the The latter started in the area of 24th woman, who didn’t identify herself, projection of embers by wind. That Street and Desert Hills, 4 miles suggested more frequent wind, he said, can spread these north of Cave Creek Regional communication with residents in embers “up to 100 feet, sometime Park, on May 17. situations such as these. 100 yards in these conditions.” Attic fires were caused this way, he Roughly 130 homes were evacuated Stein, however, is one of several recalled. overnight, Tiffany Davila, a Forestry personnel who argued it’s not that and Fire Management easy, as he said there are various “We are up against a major challenge spokeswoman, previously told responding agencies that all have to in your town,” Wilson said bluntly, Foothills Focus. Residents were provide and approve information again highlighting the importance of allowed home May 19. The fire was before it can be released. Not to defensible spaces. “I can’t sugarcoat contained May 22. mention rapid changes in the it. You should be a bit frightened. situation that can quickly render This could happen again and Much of the June 2 public meeting information stale. probably will. … I’m not trying to was focused on evacuation protocols scare you, but I am in a sense, and notifications as well as the Stein and others pointed to the Red because this is big and could happen reason residents were urged to leave Cross shelter at Cactus Shadows again. their homes, which officials noted High School as well as various was a point of contention. Some internet channels through which “And it doesn’t discriminate against residents refused to evacuate, which information is funneled, though what home when the dense fuel a few officials called dangerous and a Stein did say the town is working on loading is between the homes and hindrance to response. improving in the future. the embers are flying.”
Town Marshal Adam Stein said Cave “We realize that this system is not a Globe chamomile, also called Creek officials make evacuation perfect system, folks,” Stein “stinknet,” is a notable form of fuel decisions based on what they are acknowledged. “We also realize that to which much of the meeting was told by fire officials. And when an we’ve learned from things, and we’ve dedicated. Town spokeswoman Tara evacuation is deemed necessary, as it definitely put on the list that we are Alatorre, who said it is easy to spot was in the case of the East Desert going to have a single point of because it smells “vile,” said the and Ocotillo fires, those in charge contact for the town of Cave town will compile a dedicated page are careful to clear a large enough Creek.” of resources regarding the invasive area to account for rapid changes. and flammable plant on its Much of the meeting was also spent website—and she noted ongoing “We understand it’s an on fire hazards. efforts of the town, residents and inconvenience for people to have to other agencies to address it. leave their homes, but again, we’re Dave Wilson, assistant chief of the out trying to save lives and we’re out Daisy Mountain Fire Department, “It’s very imperative that we, as trying to save your property,” Stein cautioned that fuel loads are 600 a community, try and manage this explained. times higher than normal this year. weed before it flowers, because once it flowers and goes to seed, you’re In regard to people who were “These fires are unique, they’re spreading it community-wide,” wondering why they couldn’t return challenging to begin with, but we’re Alatorre cautioned. home sooner, Stein said just facing some new challenges in this “because people can’t see fire day and age that we’ve never faced In response to a submitted question doesn’t mean the danger was any before,” Wilson said, urging about passing an ordinance to less,” pointing to the Ocotillo Fire residents to clear their yards and enforce private property
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maintenance, officials remained even suggested driving through the Arizona. Depending on your uncertain. intersection of Spur Cross and browser, you may need to zoom in Fleming Springs roads, where he said using the + button within the map “I think one of our challenges is a residence to the north has a good or change settings to only show many of the communities that have example; but across the street, on Inciweb fires. Make sure that the these ordinances in place are in a the southeast, he said, there are Legend on the right, you have different climate that we are,” Baxley structures that didn’t survive. “Inciweb Wildfire Information” responded, moments later adding, checked or you might not see the “We need to find some way to look “Seriously, go around and look at fires. at things that may be a hybrid of some of those houses and it’ll amaze other jurisdictions. I don’t know of you how just that little bit of effort You can also see an interactive fire any personally that take in account can really protect the entire town,” map for the Arizona area, provided the unique topography and Kraetz said. by NWCG.gov. An embedded vegetation that we do have here.” The fire that burned down the version is below, but click on the historic Black Mountain Feed Store link to see a full version. You can But other communities that have on June 1 was also addressed, click on the map below and drag the enacted ordinances, Stein added, though no updates were provided. map around to see different have a “different mindset (and Kraetz said that one remains under locations. density) than what we have in Cave investigation as well. Creek.” Here are the fires currently in To watch the full archived meeting, Arizona as of June 11, 2020, “Unfortunately, when we talk about visit https://youtu.be/8aaCK7uACb including the Bighorn Fire near these things, we have to look at the 0. Tucson. These are in alphabetical big picture. I’m a big fan of the order by the fire’s name, if available. defensible areas that all the chiefs have spoken about,” he continued, Arizona Fire Map: 2020 RX Burns saying that if anyone can’t pay to Track Fires & These are fires set purposefully to have stinknet removed from their help mitigate damage and contain property or even do it themselves, Evacuations Near unexpected fires later. However, then they should contact the town Me Today, June 11 prescribed burns are on hold at this for potential solutions. Share on FacebookShare on time because of COVID-19, Inciweb TwitterShare via E-mailMore share notes. Though Stein and other present options officials repeatedly championed By Stephanie Dube Dwilson Bighorn Fire in Pima County defensible spaces, local resident Bill Updated Jun 11, 2020 at 3:43pm Near Tucson Basore, standing at the podium, This fire is 3,277 acres and 10% posed a challenge: Officials should Wildfires continue to cause issues contained as of June 10. It was provide annotated images explaining in Arizona in June, including a new started by lightning on June 5 in the what does and doesn’t work. fire reported in the Tucson region. Pusch Ridge Wilderness in the Santa Read on for details about the fires, Catalina Mountains. “To you, ‘defensible space’ is a very their locations, containment size, clear term. But to me, it’s not,” maps, and more. The biggest news Evacuations: Evacuations have been Basore stressed. “You know, I’m not so far for today is the Bighorn Fire ordered in Pima County in the a professional at this.” near Tucson, where evacuations northern part of the Catalina have been ordered. As news can Foothills between Alvernon Way Fire officials took turns offering change quickly, be sure to watch and 1st Avenue, north of Ina resources, which include brochures your local news for the latest Road, Inciweb noted on June 11. at the fire station in Carefree, as well evacuation details. as information accessible at Inciweb notes: “Move south away cavecreek.org, carefree.org, One of the best interactive maps from the Catalina Mountains. Do daisymountainfire.org and available right now is Inciweb’s map. not delay leaving the area. The Pima maricopa.gov. You can see the full County Sheriff’s Department will be map here. There’s an embeddable going door to door to make contact And earlier in the meeting, Rural Google Map that includes Inciweb with those affected residents who Metro Fire Chief John Kraetz had fires which you can see below in may not have received the message.
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A cooling shelter is available at CDO Arizona. You can see the full the Dry Lake fires since their High School, 25 W Calle Concordia, map here. discovery after a June 5 in Oro Valley.” thunderstorm. Agencies throughout This evacuation order was sent at Inciweb notes: “The Bringham Fire the southwest have been 9:15 a.m. Here are two maps of the was ignited by lightning on the experiencing dry and dangerous evacuation order. Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests’ conditions with high temperatures Clifton Ranger District on June 6, and the concern for the COVID-19 Pima County Sheriff’s Office noted 2020. Objectives for the fire is public pandemic thus creating a complex that this is a “significant danger.” and wildland firefighter safety. situation. San Carlos Tribal Forest Strategy is full suppression, with Resources Program and San Get Pima County emergency confine and containment.” Carlos Agency have called the alerts here and stay updated here. Central West Zone Type 3 Incident The Pima County Sheriff’s Closures: A temporary closure order Management Team to assist in Department Facebook is here and was set on June 10 for some forest addressing the complexity and assist the Office of Emergency roads, day-use facilities and a in resources management as it relates Management Facebook is here. The campground in the area. Highway to these fires. webpage for the fire is here. 191 is closed in both directions between Mile Mark 189 and 225. East Desert Fire Blue River Fire The East Desert Fire is 1,492 acres he Blue River Fire fire is 0% Inciweb noted on June 10: and 100% contained as of May contained and eight miles NE of San The Bringham Fire is situated in 25, the last update from Inciweb. Carlos, Arizona. It’s 30,242 acres in steep, rugged terrain, and these The fire is still listed on Inciweb’s size and close to the Dry Lake Fire. factors resulted in very active fire map. The fire was caused by human behavior today, especially along the activity and was located four miles Inciweb notes: southwest flanks. Fire crews north of Cave Creek Regional Firefighters have been working to successfully completed structure Park near 24th Street & Desert Hills actively suppress the Blue River and protection at the Rose Peak lookout in Cave Creek. the Dry Lake fires since their tower facility, and similar work discovery after a June 5 continues at various cabins of which Mangum Fire thunderstorm. Agencies throughout some are classified as cultural This 793-acre fire is 2% contained as the southwest have been resources. of June 11, according to Inciweb. experiencing dry and dangerous Preparation for burnout operations The cause is under investigation and conditions with high temperatures along Highway 191 will include the the fire began on June 8 at about 3 and the concern for the COVID-19 use of helicopters to keep the fire in p.m. The fire is 9 miles SW of Jacobs pandemic thus creating a complex check, based on predetermined Lake at Mangum Springs. situation. San Carlos Tribal Forest trigger points. The highway is a Resources Program and San crucial holding feature, or man-made Inciweb notes: “Smoke is visible Carlos Agency have called the barrier, that incident managers will from both the north and south rims Central West Zone Type 3 Incident utilize to keep the fire contained to of Grand Canyon National Park, Management Team to assist in the east. To support the planned Jacob Lake, Highway 67, Highway addressing the complexity and assist burnout operations, crews are setting 89A, Fredonia, Kanab and Page.” in resources management as it relates up portable water sources along to these fires. Highway 191 so that helicopters and Closures: “A temporary closure is in crews can have easy access to this effect along approximately 7 miles of Recent lighter winds have allowed vital firefighting resource. Forest Road 22 between roads 462 for more progress in suppression. and 429 in order to allow for active Dry Lake Fire firefighting operations. Temporary Bringham Fire The Dry Lake Fire is 3,900 acres as road detours and closures are The Bringham Fire is now 2,700 of June 10, according to Inciweb. It possible in the immediate fire area.” acres and 0% contained. It started was caused by lightning and is 22 June 10 at 9:28 a.m. and is estimated miles northeast of Bylas, Arizona. Firefighters were able to gain some to not be contained until June 20. ground on this fire yesterday. The fire was caused by lightning and Inciweb notes: is 22 miles north of Morenci, Firefighters have been working to Inciweb noted: “The fire is being actively suppress the Blue River and suppressed utilizing a full
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suppression strategy using tactics they can be available for new starts Summers tend to bring extreme heat, that minimize impacts to important and other incidents.” with average highs in June, July, and values at risk. Firefighter and public August approaching the 110-degree safety remain the highest priority.” mark. Phoenix To Lake While the beaches and boating are Follow the U.S. Forest Service – Havasu City: A Road the main draws of Lake Havasu, the Kaibab National Forest’s Facebook trip there from Phoenix yields many page for updates. Trip To Arizona’s other traveling pleasures as well. West Coast Ocotillo Fire CINDY BARKS Phoenix This fire is 980 acres and now 100% JUN.8.2020 With nearly 5 million people living contained as of June 2. It was 1.3 within its sprawling mass, miles northwest of Cave Creek and Due to changing advisories, please the Phoenix metro area has a is still listed on Inciweb’s map. check local travel guidelines before virtually inexhaustible choice of visiting. things to do, places to dine, and Range Fire hotels and resorts at which to stay. The Range Fire is 3,286 acres and Think of Arizona, and you’ll likely now 100% contained as of June 1. envision some variation of saguaro If you’re heading northwest to Lake The cause is unknown. The fire was cacti, rugged canyons, and blistering Havasu, I suggest staying in one of located six miles north of Florence sun. Phoenix’s West Valley communities: at the National Guard Firing Range. But white sand beaches? In land- Glendale, Peoria, or Litchfield Park. It’s still listed on Inciweb’s map. locked Arizona, could there be such There, you will be close to an array a thing? As any visitor to the state’s of entertainment and recreation Sawtooth Fire Colorado River Corridor knows, options, such as the State Farm This fire is now 85% contained and beaches are real in Arizona, and they Stadium where the NFL’s Arizona 24,729 acres as of June 10 at 11:22 are fabulous. Cardinals play football, the Gila a.m. The fire was caused by lightning River Arena where the NHL’s in the Superstition Mountains, two In fact, take the 200-mile road trip Arizona Coyotes play hockey, and miles northeast of Peralta Trailhead, from the megalopolis of Phoenix to the beautiful White Tank Tonto National Forest. Minimal fire Lake Havasu City on Arizona’s Mountain Regional Park where a activity is now being observed and western border, and you will not host of hiking opportunities await. the fireline has been restored to a only experience the state’s cacti, more natural state, according to canyons, and sun, but also beaches For a sumptuous resort with an old- Inciweb. You can stay updated that border the startlingly aqua-hued time feel, check out Litchfield on Tonto National Forest’s waters of the mighty Colorado. Park’s The Wigwam Resort. The Facebook page. resort dates back a century or so, The region, known as Arizona’s and it features 440 lushly landscaped Tortolita Fire West Coast, is not exactly a hidden acres. Sprinkled throughout the This fire is 3,321 acres and 60% gem, though. Thousands of college- lovely adobe-and-timber complex contained, according to Inciweb. It age spring breakers flock to the are numerous swimming pools, started on June 10 by lightning in the community to party amidst a parade tennis courts, lawn games, and three Tortolita Mountains, north of Oro of speedboats and pontoons, music adjoining 18-hole championship golf Valley. thumping. courses. The resort also has a number of on-site restaurant and Inciweb noted: “There has been no Unless you are into the party scene, bars, including the charming change in acreage on the Tortolita March and April are probably not courtyard-style Wigwam Bar. Fire and firefighters have 60% the months to visit Lake Havasu containment. Firefighters will City. It’s better to go in the winter, For a bustling shopping and continue to patrol and monitor the when average highs range from the entertainment scene, interior checking for hotspots and high 60s to the low 70s, or in the fall Glendale’s Westgate Mall offers a ensuring the stability of the fire line.. when November is at a mild 75 range of convenient chain hotels, There is no threat to nearby degrees and October averages in the countless restaurants, a 20-screen communities or values at risk. Some high 80s. May is also a good option, multiplex theater, and close resources will start being released so with its average highs in the mid-90s. proximity to the community’s pro sports scene.
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to a few days relaxing and exploring For NASCAR lovers, the Phoenix at a dude ranch. Raceway is also in the West Valley. And history lovers should make a Yarnell point to check out the bungalows- A half-hour detour from turned-specialty-shops in Historic Wickenburg will get you to the high Downtown Glendale. desert town of Yarnell, billed as the spot “where the desert breeze meets Plan to spend at least a day or two in the mountain air.” Along a series of the West Valley to take in the main hairpin turns on Highway 89, you’ll attractions. have a number of vantage points for excellent sweeping views of the vast Surprise desert terrain. About 20 minutes northwest of Glendale along Highway 60 is the Wickenburg While Yarnell is home to several rapidly growing community For Arizona history at its finest, a antique shops and rustic restaurants, of Surprise, where baseball and golf stop in the town of Wickenburg is a its main attraction is the Granite lovers could spend weeks reveling in must along the road trip to Lake Mountain Hotshots Memorial State the numerous choices. Havasu. Park, a somber reminder of the wildfire that took the lives of 19 elite The community makes for a great With a population of about 8,000, firefighters in June of 2013. Located first stop on your road trip, or a base Wickenburg embraces its small-town 2 miles south of Yarnell, the park for your Phoenix stay. With a atmosphere. I love strolling through offers a strenuous, rocky hike along population of just under 150,000, the restored downtown, past the the route that the Hotshots took on Surprise retains the feel of a smaller colorful Western-themed mural that their last stand in fighting the fire. city, but with the amenities of a welcomes you, and along the Jail There is no water along the 7-mile major population center. A 45- Tree Walkway and Outlaw Avenue, round-trip hike, and it is best done minute drive will get you to the where a tree and sculpture mark the in the cooler winter months. Plan for middle of lively downtown Phoenix. spot where outlaws were once a 4-hour-plus hike and an emotional chained. journey along the steep trail. In March, Surprise hosts two major league baseball teams, the Kansas Numerous open-air cafes and bars Wenden, Salome, Hope, And City Royals and the Texas Rangers, offer refreshments. Among the Quartzsite for spring training at the Surprise choices are the sidewalk tables After doubling back to Wickenburg, Stadium -- one of many in the at Anita’s Cocina and the Western continue on Highway 60 through the Phoenix area’s Cactus League. fare at the Rancho 7 Bar. lonely desert terrain and the small Golf and other outdoor activities towns of Wenden, Salome, and also take center stage in Surprise. For the real deal in Western art and Hope. The area boasts eight golf courses history, stop by the downtown- that are open to the public, as well as area Desert Caballeros Western Because of the region’s mild winters the Wildlife World Zoo with its Museum. that offer refuge to winter-weary adjoining aquarium and safari park. As the dude ranch capital of the residents of the Northern United Surprise is close to the gorgeous world, Wickenburg offers many States, this is RV country. Plenty of cactus-studded shores of Lake options for Western lodging, RV parks are sprinkled along the Pleasant, too. including the Rancho de los route, and a 30-minute detour from Caballeros, the Flying E Ranch, and Hope will get you to Quartzsite, the Kay El Bar Guest Ranch. A dude where thousands of vendors gather ranch stay comes at varying price in the wintertime to showcase wares points, but all offer horseback riding that include rocks, gems, jewelry, through the high desert terrain, apparel, home decor, and more. peaceful hikes, and a get-away-from- These little desert towns are good it-all atmosphere. for a quick fuel refill or snack as you head toward the Colorado River. Plan to spend anywhere from a few hours exploring the downtown area Parker
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As you approach the river, you will Riverside accommodations are visitors and resources due to the pass through the town of Parker, plentiful in Lake Havasu City -- extremely dry conditions. with its rows of palm trees and everything from the London Bridge variety of fast-food restaurants and Resort located right in the middle of Effective Monday, June 1, smoking gas stations. Parker also offers it all on the Bridgewater Channel to in Maricopa County’s regional parks several spots for river access, cabins and campsites at Lake Havasu is prohibited, except within an including the Bureau of Land State Park. enclosed vehicle or at developed Management’s River View Day Use recreation sites such as parking lots Area, Buckskin Mountain State Park, The dining options are equally and campsites. The restriction comes and River Island State Park. All have numerous. I recommend heading to on the heels of increased wildfire limited space, so an early arrival is the Island Mall & Brewery, where activity throughout Maricopa essential. Riverside camping spaces you can sit on an outdoor patio and County. are available at the two state parks. watch boats drift beneath the arches of the London Bridge, or “Last week, we had wildfires in two Accommodations are also available the Javelina Cantina on the other of our regional parks and along the at Parker’s BlueWater Resort & side of the bridge that features Maricopa Trail, which resulted in Casino, which has a magnificent margaritas and big views of the river park visitor evacuations and damage setting on the Colorado River. and the surrounding mountains. to the parks. To better protect park visitors and lessen the chance of Lake Havasu City Plan to spend at least a day or two human-caused wildfires, we are Along with its beaches, Lake Havasu exploring Lake Havasu City and adding smoking restrictions in our City is best known for the historic taking in the riverside sights. annual fire ban. Individuals who London Bridge, which was smoke in the designated areas are purchased from London by an Pro Tip: Regardless of when you also being asked to please make sure Arizona developer and recreated visit, parking is likely to be scarce all materials are fully extinguished over a Colorado River channel in the near the London Bridge. I before leaving the area,” said R.J. 1960s. The Bridgewater recommend heading to the Cardin, Maricopa County Parks and Channel area should be your first pretty Rotary Community Park, Recreation Department Director. destination on a visit to Lake Havasu where you’ll find numerous parking City. lots, picnic areas, and playgrounds, The usual restrictions, which include as well as a 2-mile walking and banning the use of all campfires, fire There, you are likely to find jogging trail. From there, you can pits and the use of charcoal in grills thousands of visitors clustered along easily walk along the flat concrete or any other manner, are still in the shores of the stunning Colorado. boardwalk to the London Bridge effect; however, it is acceptable to The bridge attracts more than a area. use gas/propane grills in designated million visitors a year, so you will areas. Violation of Park Rule R-113 likely be sharing the area with family may result in a citation. A date to lift groups cooking hot dogs over a Fire danger remains the fire ban has not been established. charcoal grill, young people dancing a concern on pontoons, and people strolling Jun 5, 2020 Eleven Maricopa County regional along the boardwalk. Fountain Hills Times parks have been affected by the fire ban including McDowell Mountain The area features 60 miles of Park adjacent to Fountain Hills. navigable waterways, and water Other parks include Lake Pleasant sports reign supreme. Plan to rent a Regional Park, White Tank boat, pontoon, or jet ski at one of Mountain Regional Park, Adobe the numerous rental spots, such Dam Regional Park, Buckeye Hills as Arizona WaterSports. Or just Regional Park, Estrella Mountain saunter along the boardwalk taking it Regional Park, Hassayampa River all in. Along the way, be sure to Preserve, San Tan Mountain check out the series of 27 small After initiating its annual fire ban on Regional Park, Usery Mountain lighthouses -- all replicas of famous May 11, the Maricopa County Regional Park, Cave Creek Regional lighthouses around the U.S. Parks and Recreation Park, and Spur Cross Ranch Department has now announced Conservation Area. additional steps to protect park
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Anyone with questions may call the intensity. Dry grass and The upcoming “Creature Feature” Maricopa County Parks and shrubs are fuel for wildfire. takes on tortoises 25 minutes Recreation Department at 602-506- • Don’t let debris and lawn southwest of Sun City at Estrella 2930 or cuttings linger. Dispose of Mountain Regional Park, 14805 W. visit maricopacountyparks.net. these items quickly to Vineyard Ave., Goodyear. reduce fuel for fire. Private property • Inspect shingles or roof The next event goes 10 to 11 a.m. The conditions that present a tiles. Replace or repair Friday, June 26. dangerous fire situation are also a those that are loose or concern for local firefighters in the missing to prevent ember Learn about the world of tortoises in protection of residential property. penetration. this 45-minute presentation. Guests Fountain Hills Rural/Metro Fire will meet a Sonoran Desert Tortoise Department Assistant Chief/Fire For additional information regarding up close and learn how to protect Marshal Mike Winters offered preparing homes for wildland fire these desert dwellers. department advice to homeowners visit firewise.org. wanting to protect their property. “Did you know the Sonoran Desert Those living adjacent to wash Tortoise can go a full year without property and along the town Meet a desert water?,” Estrella Mountain Regional boundaries may be particularly Park asks in an event news release. vulnerable. tortoise at Estrella “Join us as we explore the challenges Mountain Regional and triumphs in the life of a desert “After a wet start to the year, things Park dweller. Bring your curiosity and have dried out considerably here in ‘Creature Feature’ takes closer look questions. Meet in the Nature the desert,” Winters said. at desert dweller Center.” “Everything I have read points to a Posted Wednesday, June 3, ‘normal’ monsoon this summer. 2020 11:00 am Call 602-506-2930. Sun City Independent “As we head into the hottest months of the year, here are a few tips for Ready, set, go – homeowners to reduce the risk to election season is their homes.” • Clear leaves and other here for Cave Creek By Gary Schmitt debris from gutters, eaves, June 3, 2020 porches and decks.
• Remove dead vegetation Important town choices – Dig and other items from under deep before August 4 a deck or porch, and within This week is noted in history with 10 feet of the house. the tragic Ocotillo Fire last weekend • Remove flammable [SUBMITTED PHOTO] and the approach of local elections, materials (firewood stacks, Cera, a Sonoran Desert Tortoise, handles the hot along with the COVID-19 propane tanks) within 30 weather with a cool summer snack at White Tank Mountain Regional Park. Shutdown…. feet of the home’s foundation and IF YOU GO Now, 40 cities are under mass outbuildings, including What: “Creature Feature” demonstrations, the White House garages and sheds. If it can When: 10 a.m. Friday, June 26 being assaulted and the U.S. catch fire, don’t let it touch Where: Estrella Mountain Regional Attorney General designating Antifa the house, deck or porch. Park, 14805 W. Vineyard Ave., and other far left organizations as • Wildfire can spread to Goodyear terrorist organizations under Federal trees. Prune trees so the More Information: 602-506-2930 Statutes. lowest branches are six to Estrella Mountain Regional Park These are very serious times, which eight feet from the ground. 14805 W. Vineyard Ave. makes it much more important to be • Keep lawns hydrated and Goodyear, AZ involved in the Town Community maintained. If it is brown, Process, and know the voting cut it down to reduce fire records of each candidate. As former
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Speaker Tip O’Neill aptly stated, can you think GREEN? That “All Politics is local.” Election Overview: assumes the fact it even needs So, this election has seven people modernizing in the first place, which So, focusing in on local issues, what running for six council seats and it doesn’t. What is wrong with hikers kind of front is being put up by Ernie is being challenged for the that come up seeking a rugged Town Hall and the swoon of mayor’s seat by former Sonoran Desert experience only to candidates running for another set of Councilwoman Eileen Wright. Ernie find Cave Creek put in Four Seasons chances to vote again for every has served 16 years on Council. caliber restrooms? What’s next? It’s Spending measure they or the town Eileen Wright served one term on an ancient cemetery for goodness staff puts in front of them. I will council two years ago and also sake. review each candidate’s key votes as served as a Planning and Zoning we move forward. Commissioner. She ran last time and Bike Week now in October lost by only 80 votes. (Where was Bike week has been rescheduled for You see, in the mind of a free the voting box for two days)? Ron October. How did each council spender-council person, it is so easy Sova is also re-running for council. member vote for permits last time or to vote ‘yes’ when it is not their make changes to help resolve noise money. As British Prime Minister So it will be great if Cave Creek issues and hugely congested traffic? Maggie Thatcher famously stated, voters would jump in and see who If all we see is inaction, will we have “Socialism is great until you run out has done a good job so far this term, the same Wild West Bike Show as of everyone else’s money.” how they have voted on key issues the last few years brought for 10 would be a good start. days. It’s really a big issue in town A couple of short examples right and should be. Cave Creek can do a now: Since the last election we’ve seen better job of injecting themselves Only Bob Morris voted “no” 1 year votes on the Sandwich Sign into the event, at least enough to ago on an outrageous $30M dollar Ordinance which was quite a prevent chaos. Bike Week is a big budget. tempestuous issue. Importantly, the deal for a town whose middle name council voted for a Sandwich Sign should be “Quiet.” That’s why The council just approved a salary Ordinance in which the existing people came to a little town with just increase to $220K for the Town enforcement provision was over 5K people. So, how did the Manager. This is for the Leader of removed, so now it’s a worthless council deal with these issues? Was the Town Staff which only work 4 law. So, why would a council person there any leadership from the days a week. vote for it if there is no enforcement mayor? Did the mayor and council of it in any way? Lip service? seek a summit with the bar owners Council also approved monies for to work out a compromise? Make the Appraisal for Harmony Hollow Also, I think it was significant that your list of issues, ask the candidates and others totaling 94 acres. That’s the Management of Spur Cross how they voted or visit the town crazy, we already have 8,000 acres of Ranch, the County Park Manager, website (www.CaveCreek.org) and Preserved Land in and around Cave announced at Cave Creek Council find out. Creek, which includes 2,200 in the on May 20, 2019 that the county Spur Cross Recreation Conservation wants to drill a well and run Ask candidates before Area. Why would we spend many electricity all the way out to the August 4 millions more in the midst of the ranger’s station, all to modernize the How are council members going to largest economic collapse in Cave bathroom with lights for a be key in improving water quality? Creek history? Timing is everything. conservancy which closes at dark. The town has still not shared the In context, in 2016, the Cave Creek What sense does that make? What is latest water test results with its own budget was $16M. Last year they the council’s position on this? water advisory committee. What’s up raised it to $30M. Now, they are with that? Safe water is a super proposing $35M for fiscal 20/21, an Councilman Tom McGuire serious issue for all communities, increase of 120% in 4 years. applauded the modern bathrooms especially in Cave Creek since test on an 800-year-old Hohokam results from the State of Arizona for Plus, town revenues were down settlement. Cave Creek show the presence of almost 90 percent in April and May carcinogens. A Big damn deal!! due to COVID-19 closures. This is a Instead of running electricity all the Demand truth not platitudes. huge hit to the town’s incoming way out there, what’s wrong with a revenue stream. couple of solar panels and batteries – Now, if the town so far lost roughly
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1/6 of is annual sales tax revenue, they were all about Cave Creek Creek Regional Park and Spur Cross where do council members say the Community. Why not take a little Ranch Conservation Area. shortfall is going to come from? And time and effort to stay involved to By Amanda Savage, Patch Staff to correct a common misconception make sure it stays open and Jun 1, 2020 6:52 that Sprouts Farmers Market democratic, honest and accountable. am MT|Updated Jun 2, 2020 12:48 brought huge new sales tax revenue am MT to Cave Creek, not true. Food items If I may suggest, although it doesn’t are not subject to sales tax. Food is sound exciting, the town’s website the bulk of the daily sales at Sprouts. has all previous council meetings on video and meeting minutes are The COVID-19 shutdown hugely posted, so go on and delve in. See impacted the restaurants and comments from Cave Creek Town businesses in the prime of the annual Council and how each voted for snowbird season and no one is important issues that may concern talking about the huge impact on the you and your community. Cave Creek Business Community. Even today the Governor restricts In closing, in the wake of the huge restaurants to 50% capacity. Wildfires have become an unfortunate part of the destruction, 8 homes and 12 other already scorching summer season in Arizona. It seems structures, from the Ocotillo Fire, they creep closer to the Phoenix metro every So, again, as the Cave Creek election obviously made worse from the year. (Getty Images) swings into action, we don’t know noxious globe chamomile, where in quite yet if public forums will be the world is the leadership of the PHOENIX — Saturday afternoon a permitted or if candidates will have town on dealing with the globe brush fire started in the Town of to use other, less personal means of chamomile issue? Though I hate to Cave Creek forcing hundreds to campaigning. ‘Virtual’ is not nearly say it, Cave Creek needs an evacuate. According to the latest as good as looking a candidate in the ordinance recording globe media release from the town, 20 eye. It is the window to the heart. chamomile as a noxious weed; structures have been destroyed. property owners could be fined if Eight of these properties were Keep your eyes wide open this globe chamomile is not eradicated primary residencies. The fire is being Election on August 4, just two each spring. The State of Colorado referred to as the Ocotillo Fire. months away. Ask tons of questions does this with Russian Thistle. about big issues in Cave Creek, spending, Bike Week, and especially Further, there was virtually no safe drinking water! communication from the mayor or town manager about evacuations, or When I founded and led the huge permission to return home or task of preserving Spur Cross, anything. From what we’ve learned resident participation was absolutely the town was more or less silent. pivotal to the successful community That’s hugely irresponsible during a effort. Hundreds of people fire that burned nearly 1,000 acres. volunteered to Preserve Spur Cross Ranch, in the trenches, week by We need some REAL Leadership! week, by week. Gary Schmitt You have to be engaged. You can’t Founder, President just meander though a busy life and Friends of Spur Cross Coalition not be involved in the town in which you chose to live your life! You have to protect and be watchful of the What To Know freedoms you have and who you About The Ocotillo vote for. Who will continue to perpetuate and make solid steps to Fire In Cave Creek return Cave Creek government to Arizona open and transparent? The The fire is located in between volunteers were involved because popular recreation hiking spots Cave
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evacuation order. This included the areas of Rancho Manana and School The Ocotillo Fire is only one of House Road. MCSO also reduced many fires that erupted over the the hard closure areas north of Spur weekend. Crossing and Grapevine and west of 60th street and Fleming Springs. The Sawtooth Fire in the The areas still under evacuation will Superstition Wilderness was remain closed for at least the next reported Saturday evening ear 72-hours due to hazards like down Coffee Flat east of Apache Junction power poles and lines and propane and eight miles east of Gold Canyon. tanks are leaking. These areas The fire currently covers 3,500 acres include: and is 5% contained, according to DDFM. • Everything north of East Cave Creek Road to the Tonto According to Tonto National Forest, National Forest where the fire is located, the fire • Everything east of 38th Street started when lightning struck two
• Everything north of New River miles east of beloved hiking trail, the Road Peralta Trailhead. The fire seems to be burning in the footprint of • Everything west of North Cave 2019's Woodbury fire. Creek Road to 38th Street
• The Red Cross has set up an Additionally, the Sunset Fire along evacuation shelter at Cactus the east side of 1-17 near Bumble Shadows High School at 5802 Bee (north of Black Canyon City) E. Dove Valley Road. has burned just over 4,500 acres and caused the highway to shut down Updated map for the #OcotilloFire over the weekend. The Arizona evacuation area Department of Transportation As of the evening of May 31, the reports that the 1-17 has been human-caused Ocotillo Fire has partially reopened. burned 1,216 acres in North Phoenix and is 10% contained. The Range Fire in Pinal County has also burned thousands of acres. By 5 p.m. June 1, the Town of Cave There were also dozens of small Creek will notify those residents wildfire incents across the state. impacted with structure loss.
"Public safety remains our top priority and we must work as safely, yet as quickly as possible to begin the reentry process. We understand your frustration and we know you want to get back into your homes. However, we must mitigate all hazards before allowing residents to return," said Incident Commander Darrell Willis of the Arizona 24 Department of Forestry and Fire 7:02 PM - May 30, 2020 Management (DFFM) in a statement Twitter Ads info and privacy to the media. 15 people are talking about this As of 5 p.m. May 31 the DFFM and the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Fires break out in the deserts (MCSO) lifted portions of the surrounding Phoenix metro.
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