Tinder Fire Re-entry Packet For Blue Ridge Area Residents Stage 1 May 3, 2018 Art Babbott District 1 May 3, 2018 Elizabeth C. Archuleta Dear Blue Ridge Area Resident, District 2 We all are affected by the Tinder Fire tragedy in one way or another. We must now, as a community, come together to rebuild and move forward. However, in Matt Ryan District 3 that process, know that you are not alone. On behalf of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, I want you to know that all Coconino County resources are here to help with re-entry and rebuilding. This packet contains information to: 1) Jim Parks prepare you to visit your property once evacuation orders are lifted; 2) link you with District 4 key support services; and, 3) identify the initial steps toward clean-up and recovery. Lena Fowler District 5 Communication is critical to smooth and successful recovery processes. Please call the Coconino County Call Center at 928-213-2990 to provide your contact information. We want to communicate directly with you. If you have not already done so, then please sign-up for emergency notifications at www.coconino.az.gov/ready for updates related to this incident and future emergencies. Information will also be posted to the Tinder Fire Recovery web page at www.coconino.az.gov/tinderfirerecovery. Also “like” Coconino County on Facebook for additional updates. I understand that this is a difficult time for you and your family. It is normal to feel vulnerable, sad and uncertain. Coconino County staff and supporting agencies are available to help you navigate this recovery process. The recovery process requires patience and tenacity; thankfully, our communities and residents are resilient and will bounce back. We will heal and rebuild together. Coconino County will be with you, hand and hand, throughout this lengthy recovery process. In closing, I hope that you will join me in thanking the hundreds of men and women who contributed--at great personal risk--to fight the Tinder Fire, and to ensure your safety through the evacuation efforts. They are heroes in every sense of the word. Committed to you, Tinder Fire Recovery Resources www.coconino.az.gov/tinderfirerecovery Jim Parks Supervisor, District 4 928-213-2990 219 East Cherry Avenue, Flagstaff, AZ 86001-4695 ▌Phone: 928.679.7144 ▌800.790.1990 ▌Fax 928.679.7171 ▌coconino.az.gov HAZARD ADVISORY YOU ARE ENTERING A HAZARDOUS AREA - ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK Your safety is important to us. Please take extreme precautions when re-entering your neighborhood and visiting your property. Be aware of the dangers associated with burned areas. In these areas you will encounter dangerous conditions and will be exposed to toxic materials that may include but are not limited to: • Embers and hot ash • Hazardous materials, including: ash, asbestos, heavy metals, oils, fire retardants, pesticides and other • Toxic substances • Puncture hazards, including: broken pipes, exposed nails, rebar, broken glass, damaged structural elements • Potential explosive hazards including: propane tanks, ammunition, and solvents • Slippery surfaces and uneven ground • Toxic airborne particles • Unstable structures • Displaced wildlife, include snakes and insects in rubble, garbage and wood piles Property owners should exercise caution and use proper protective equipment if they choose to handle any ash or debris on their property. Improper handling and disposal can be harmful to property owners, children and the general public. While small scale sifting through ashes will not impact your ability to receive financial assistance, it is discouraged for health reasons. If your property has a red tag, you are advised not to enter. Tinder Fire/Blue Ridge Re-Entry Schedule Our priority is to get people back into their homes as soon as possible and as safely as possible. Before the evacuation order will be lifted, the Sheriff’s Office needs information from the Fire Incident Management Team and utility providers (including propane, electricity, and water) that hazards have been identified/mitigated. Teams are in the area making those hazard assessments. Date to be determined based on hazard assessment/mitigation Once Date is determined, the re-entry will occur in a one-day staged process: o 8:00 am – noon Residents who have lost their homes (those approximately 47 who have been pre- contacted and advised of loss of their structures) o Noon – 2:00 pm Residents on the East Side of SR 87 (all other residents on the east side of SR 87: communities of Tamarron Pines, Blue Ridge Estates and Ponderosa Pines, Mogollon Ranch, Clear Creek Pines Units 8 & 9, Starlight Ranchettes, Moqui Ranch and Moqui Ranchettes) o 2:00 – 7:00 pm Residents on the West Side of SR 87 (all of residents on the west side of SR 87: communities of Clear Creek Pines Units 3 & 7, Clear Creek Pines Units 4, 5 & 6, Pine Canyon, Fisher) o Sunset All public access - road blocks will be lifted 1 For public safety purposes and consideration of those people who have suffered losses in this disaster event, we ask that the public and other residents in the area limit their travel to and through these communities during the recovery process. What to Expect During Re-Entry Road blocks / Check points will still be in effect during the staged re-entry o Lake Mary Road / SR 87 at Long Valley o Milepost 293 / SR 87 o Milepost 311 / SR 87 Clear Creek Pines 8 & 9, Starlight Ranchettes, and Moqui Ranchettes will only be open to residents of those communities until the road blocks are lifted. Deputies will be monitoring community access points at: o Enchanted Lane (Clear Creek Pines 8 & 9 communities) o Moqui Rd (Starlight and Moqui Ranchettes communities) Residents re-entering are limited to two vehicles until the 7 pm lifting of roadblocks During the staged re-entry, residents are asked to bring only personal vehicles to limit congestion. You may bring other larger vehicles or equipment after the final road blocks have been lifted. Residents should be prepared to provide identification, which will be used to cross reference with property owner listings. If your identification does not show your property address in the affected area, then please be prepared to show confirmation using a utility bill, vehicle insurance or similar document confirming your address. Law Enforcement will mark vehicles with flagging allowing those vehicles / occupants to enter their designated residential areas. They will not be allowed to enter other residential areas until all road blocks are lifted. Law enforcement will continue to provide enhanced roaming security patrols in the area during the first several days of re-entry. The Public’s Continued Cooperation during this Staged Re-Entry is Key to Maintaining Public Safety and Traffic Safety and is Greatly Appreciated 2 Returning to Your Neighborhood Visiting your property for the first time since the evacuation will be an emotional experience and we want you to know that you are not alone—there are many people and agencies here to help you. This loss of a physical home, a shelter, a place of security, filled with memories, is difficult to bear. For many, a sense of home comes from neighbors and from the wider community. The building you called home may be gone, but your community is with you to help you recover and rebuild. We extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family and we want you to know that we are committed to assuring you have access to the services and support you need. Please familiarize yourself with the information in this packet. It contains important details about the hazards of entering an area that has been in a fire. What Has Occurred in Your Neighborhood since the Fire Crews have assessed safety hazards and removed utility lines and environmental hazards. Utility providers have gone through to shut off gas, electrical and water services. What to Expect When You Arrive in Your Neighborhood Once evacuation orders are lifted, you will need to get an entry pass. Entry passes will be distributed at check in locations. Once you have received an entry pass you may enter your neighborhood through the official entry point. Taking Care of Yourself and Your Family Know that You Have the Right to Privacy: The media has helped us stay connected and informed during these devastating fires; part of that coverage has included personal stories about how people’s lives have been impacted. You and your family are under no obligation to consent to be interviewed, photographed or filmed. If approached by a member of the media (reporter, camera person, photographer), you have the right to request your privacy. As you return to your property our focus will be on providing you with safe, secure, and private time to evaluate your situation. We have asked that the media be respectful of this highly personal and difficult time, as you return to your neighborhood and reunite with friends and neighbors, evaluate your losses, and determine next steps. Looking Through the Remains of Your Property: Sifting for valuables is permitted but not recommended for health reasons. If you choose to search through the remains of your home, wear proper protective equipment and take the following precautions: • Wear sturdy shoes, long sleeve shirts and long pants. • Wear protective gear such as gloves, protective masks and googles. • Keep children and pets away. • Anything with ash should be sanitized and cleaned. • Asbestos, heavy metals, by-products of plastic combustion and various other chemicals may be present in your home and neighborhood. • Walk around the perimeter before entering, noting any debris and structure that could fall. Emotional Support is important for all who experienced this disaster.