Author: annedudley1

Moonset Pit Open 2023

Moonset Pit Green Waste Disposal to begin May 20

Open every other Saturday through September 9, 2023

Williams, Arizona, May 10, 2023 — The Kaibab National Forest, in cooperation with the communities of Parks and Sherwood Forest Estates is re-opening Moonset Pit on May 20, 2023 for residents to dispose of green waste materials from private property.

The pit will be open every other Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. until September 9, 2023. Moonset Pit is located just west of the Parks community, east of Spitz Springs on the north side of old Route 66.

Local area residents are encouraged to take advantage this free opportunity as they make their private property defensible against the threat of wildfire this season.

Users may discard natural woody debris such as logs, limbs, branches, brush, needles, and leaves while staff is present. Stumps/roots must be clear of dirt and rocks.

No bagged substances, lumber, construction material, household garbage or any other items can be deposited at the site.

This service would not be possible without the volunteers who have helped manage the site over the last 15+ years. in particular, Kathie Krushinsky, Sue Hamilton, and Joanie Raetzel have contributed a great deal of time and effort coordinating this program.

Kaibab NF News Release
Media Contact: SM.FS.KaibabPAO@usda.gov Brienne Pettit, Forest Public Affairs Officer, 928-310-6035

OPEN on May 20, June 3 & 17, July 1, 15 & 29, August 12 & 26, September 9.

Mooonset Flyer-2023Download

Brought to you by the Kaibab National Forest and the communities of Parks and Sherwood Forest Estates.

Message from the Chief

Wind & Fire

As our winter seems to be ending we look forward to summer, however with the amount of water we have received the summer fire season may be aggressive (https://mohavedailynews.com/news/145924/state-braces-for-wildfire-season/). We live and work in the “wildland interface”.  This is defined as an area where fire wildland fuels affect homes and buildings.  For Sherwood and Mountain Rose Estates our goal is to reduce ignitability of our structures.  This is done by raking pine needles, trimming trees growing close to homes and removing dead plants and debris.  This type of clearance is very important when considering the impact of embers.  Researchers are reporting an increase of urban conflagrations caused by ignitions from embers landing around homes.  They have also noted the increase of home-to-home ignitions.  A lot of this is caused by the wind. 

Wind is a direct driver of fire behavior.  The faster the wind, the faster the fire moves.  Some research is now suggesting that 90% of ignitions of structures are affected by wildland fires.  (Note UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute’s effect of wind on fires in structures at https://fsri.org/search?keyword=wind+driven+fires).

Property owners who understand that good property maintenance (fire resistive maintenance) likely will have a better outcome if their property is impacted by fire. 

The Fire District is working to obtain financial aid and workers for residents that want help with trimming trees.

Fire Chief John Moede

SFEFD Snow Removal Policy

Due to the heavy snow recently, the Sherwood Forest Fire District (SFEFD) has been receiving a number of calls asking for snow removal.  After consulting with our insurance provider, it has been confirmed that the SFEFD does not have insurance coverage for snow removal.  It will be the policy of this fire district NOT to assist with snow removal from private property. 

Listed below, in no specific order, are local contractors listed on social media that are in the area stating they provide snow removal.  The SFEFD does not sponsor, endorse, or receive any financial compensation from these entities.

I have directed our fire personnel that if they are going to help residents with snow, they will not have liability or injury coverage.  All agreements will be between the residents and the off-duty personnel.

John D. Moede, Fire Chief
Sherwood Forest Estates Fire District

  • Dirty Deeds Landscaping – 928-550-2064                             
  • JLR Dirt Works – 928-890-4226
  • JMZ Excavating – 928-853-0405                                            
  • Jordan Shaffer – 928-707-2424
  • Eric Eikenberry – 928-200-7909                                              
  • Joaquin Zabala – 928-853-2194
  • MTS – 928-699-0177                                                             
  • Jose Hernandez – 928-221-7470
  • Richard Bo Adarne – 928-890-8000                                        
  • Patrick Borman – 928-606-4278
  • Tim Milner – 928-308-3618                                                    
  • Gavino – 928-403-1877

Board Meeting Canceled

We are not having the board meeting scheduled today, January 17, 2023, due to  weather conditions.

The next meeting will be February 21,2023 at 5:00 pm.

If you have any questions, please give me a call.

Thank you,

Steve Diefenderfer

SFEFD Chair

Chief’s Report – December 2022

CHIEF’S REPORT DECEMBER 20, 2022

Activity:         

  • Incidents since last Board Meeting:
    • 11/19/22 – Medical/XX S. Friar Tuck
    • 11/23/22- Tree Down/7399 Knighthood
    • 11/24/22- Tree Down/7777 Long Bow
    • 12/07/22- Medical/XX Jolly Rogue
    • 12/11/22- Structure Fire/3736 Scenic Loop
    • 12/14/22- Structure Fire/389 N. Laramy Lane (Tender)
  • Region Covid report
    • Covid at LOW level.  Protective measures still apply.
      •  Influenza cases have dropped (Covid Measures)

Equipment:    

  • Apparatus Update
    • Engine 1 (In Service) Needs ground lights and siren. Carbide chain for chain saw
    • FR 10 (In Service)
    • Tender 4 (In Service) Horn not working, uknown battery date, needs water tube replacement and worklights
    • Tender 5 (In Service) Batteries changed
    • Brush 6 (In Service) Plow has been working
    • Tender 8 (In Service) Water site tubes need replaced
    • Brush 11 (In Service) Front shocks leaking oil, alternator questionable
    • Ford Excursion (In Service). 
    • Trailer 10 – (OUT OF SERVICE) Returned to station, pending pump resolution
    • Preventative Maintenance plan developed and plan for pump testing identified
  • Station
    • Emergency power follow up.  Waiting for generator
    • Air Compressor has been replaced
    • Repair to rear heater B1 completed
    • Superior Propane tanks delivered and functioning well
    • Suburban Propane tanks have been removed
    • Repair to west fire hydrant complete (not tested yet), bollards to recieve reflective tape
    • Base station radio power back up battery pending
    • Radios – Looking at next generation of radios
    • Driveway repair completed (Fuller Dirt Works) follow up grading will be done
    • Diesel fuel station options continue to be examined

Training:         Bi-monthly trainings continue.  December 3, 5 members, 2.5 hours.  Station update, monthly tests-chainsaws and pumps, vehicle road course (3 vehicles), radio checks and hand signals. Next training January 14, 9 am

District Notes:

  • Fire danger is LOW with wind, snow and rain in the region
  • FCC reconciliation on Dec 7 reported to be complete and our radio frequency is legal
  • Radio repeater may be moved to adjacent building follow meeting for cost comparison
  • Continuity book development continues
  • New vehicle search continues
  • I will be out of district December 27 to January 7, coverage obtained
  • Participation in Fire Chief interviews with City of Williams for Fire Chief

Respectfully Submitted:

John D. Moede, Fire Chief

Chief’s Report – November 2022

CHIEF’S REPORT NOVEMBER 15, 2022

Activity:         

  • Incidents since last Board Meeting:
    • No incidents
  • Region Covid report
    • Covid at LOW level.  Protective measures still apply.
      • Emphasis being placed on Influenza

Equipment:    

  • Apparatus Update
    • Engine 1 (In Service) Needs ground lights and siren. Carbide chain for chain saw
    • FR 10 (In Service)
    • Tender 4 (In Service) Horn not working, uknown battery date, needs water tube replacement and worklights
    • Tender 5 (In Service) needs interior light
    • Brush 6 (In Service) Plow is on and ready for use
    • Tender 8 (In Service) water site tube needs replaced
    • Brush 11 (In Service). Front shocks leaking oil, alternator questionable
    • Ford Excursion (In Service). 
    • Trailer 10 – (OUT OF SERVICE) Still at Outlaws
    • Preventative Maintenance plan developed and plan for pump testing identified
  • Station
    • Emergency power follow up.  Waiting for generator
    • Air Compressor has been replaced/pending oiler/water seperator/ floor and storage clean up accomplished
    • Repair to rear heater B1 pending
    • Superior Propane tanks delivered and functioning well
    • Suburban Propane tanks still here
    • Repair to west fire hydrant complete (not tested yet), bollards to recieve reflective tape
    • Base station radio power back up battery pending
    • Backyard clean up continues
    • Radios – Looking at next generation of radios
    • Sinkage in driveway primary priority,  K. Perkins unavailable . Have contracted with Fuller Dirt Works
    • Deisel fuel station being re-examined (quote attached)

Training:         Bi-monthly trainings continue.  October 19, 2 members, 2 hours.  November 5, 3 members 2 hours, Pressure bandages, TQ application, AED practice, inventory review.  Next training November 16, 6 pm

District Notes:

  • Fire danger is LOW with wind, snow and rain in the region
  • Regional Winter Prep meeting (equipment and comms process)
  • NOAA Weather Prediction Meeting
  • FCC reconciliation process ongoing
  • Firewise update submitted, 2023 process
  • PFAC meeting Nov 9 (Sherwood rotation)
  • Medical training Nov 11 meeting (HCFR)
  • Continuity book development continues
  • New vehicle search continues
  • Station Power outage November 13/14
  • PROP 310 has failed

Respectfully Submitted:

John D. Moede, Fire Chief

Openings On Your Fire District Board

With no candidates running for the Sherwood Forest Estates Fire District Board in this year’s mid-term elections, there are two vacancies to be filled.  Normally when vacancies occur, the board elects residents of the fire district to temporarily fill them until the next county election (ARS 48-805.B.1).

The board is made up of five residents that are elected to the office and consists of a Chairperson, a Treasurer, a Secretary and two Members-at-Large.  The board meets every 3rd Tuesday of the month and the meetings generally last for about 30 minutes, with an occasional special meeting called for matters when time is of the essence. 

If you would be interested in one of these two vacancies, please email the board Secretary at:

SFEFDBPaul@yahoo.com

A “show-of-interest” form will be sent/delivered to you and picked up when you have completed it.  Both positions will be filled at the November 15, 2022 board meeting which will be held at the fire house at 6:00 PM.

Please help us support our fire department.

Chief’s Report – August 2022

CHIEF’S REPORT AUGUST 16, 2022

Activity:         

  • Incidents since last Board Meeting:
    • 07/19/2022- Medical Call, 73xx Long Bow
    • 07/22/2022- Tree Fire, 25xx Spring Valley
    • 07/28/2022- Tree Fire, Minstrel X Road 102
    • 08/01/2022- Fall, 138xx Ravenwood Road
    • 08/04/2022- Structure Fire, 16xx E. Vernon
    • 08/10/2022- Traffic Accident, 52xx Hwy 64
  • Region Covid report
    • Covid admissions are 2.6% of the population.  Case numbers are low in the Williams area.  RSV cases are still up and Monkey Pox is being watched. Protective measures still apply. 
      • Supply of protective equipment remains strong

Equipment:    

  • Apparatus Update
    • Engine 1 (In Service) Needs siren. New brush pack and extension pack on board.
    • FR 10 (In Service)
    • Tender 4 (In Service) Looking to add worklights
    • Tender 5 (In Service)
    • Brush 6 (In Service) Pump service -ongoing
    • Tender 8 (In Service)
    • Brush 11 (In Service).
    • Ford Excursion (In Service).  Water leak from roof
    • Trailer 10 – (OUT OF SERVICE) Currently at Outlaws for axle, lights, brakes, hose, lift and pump work
    • All vehicles Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) numbers
    • Future planning for all vehicles Preventative Maintenance and pump testing for E-1 and T-4
  • Station
    • Emergency power process continues, station visit and follow up planned
    • Quote for free standing fuel station (500 gal) attached
    • Quote for Superior Propane change of service attached
    • Quote for Bollards for propane tanks and repair to westside fire hydrant attached
    • Base station radio power upgrade plan
    • Repeater – In place and functioning, looking to add 4 handheld radios. 5 new chargers have arrived, waiting for batteries
    • SBA contractor was paid
    • Working on dispatch process (radio tone, vehicle DFFM numbers and reminder signage)
    • Station clean up project continues, West side raked

Training:         Bi-monthly trainings continue.  July 7, 4 members 2 hours, July 26, 2 members 3.5 hours, July 29, 2 members, 2 hours, Aug 6, 2 members 1 hour. Next training  Aug 17, (6 pm).  Two members attending State Fire School (Sept 7-11)

District Notes:

  • Fire danger is LOW with isolated heavy rain in the region
  • Emergency Response Funding (State) paperwork in process (due first of month).  Seeking funding for MSA Altair Portable Gas Detector
  • Repeater – Work on FCC discrepancies continues
  • Continuity book development continues
  • VFIS Renewal Questionnaire completed.  Possible impact of building value (emergency power and bollards) and value of water trailer
  • Status of Repeater 20 K check

Respectfully Submitted:

John D. Moede, Fire Chief