Author: annedudley1

Chief’s Report – December 2021

CHIEF’S REPORT DECEMBER 21, 2021

Activity:         

  • Incidents since last Board Meeting:
    • 11/26/21 – Reported structure fire, 17XX E. Sage Brush , False
    • 12/02/21 – Injury, 66XX N. Hwy 64
    • 12/08/21 –  Ill Person, 71XX Robin Hood
    • 12/13/21 –  Cardiac Issue, 72XX E. Knighthood
    • 12/15/21 –  Sick Person, 74XX E. Jolly Rogue
    • 12/19/21 –  Structure Fire, 9XX 3 Bears Loop
  • Region Covid report
    • Ominicron is in Arizona (Yavapai County).  Preventive physical measures still apply as well as booster shots. 
    • Supply of protective equipment still strong

Equipment:    

  • Apparatus Update
    • All vehicles water tags added.  Identify codes to obtain water from Bearizona and Wagon Wheel Water
    • Engine 1 (In Service)  Needs siren, FLIR wiring requested
    • FR 10 (In Service) New battery tender installed
    • Tender 4 (In Service) Fill tube leak  
    • Tender 5 (In Service), Radio work pending
    • Brush 6 (In Service) Plow on.  DFFM equipment recieved
    • Tender 8 (OUT of SERVICE) Instalation of dump valve and water level indicator completed. Returned from Flag Truck running well but rust identified in the fuel tank.  New Steers. 
    • Brush 11 (In Service) New Steer Tires added. Radio frequency work is still pending
    • Ford Excursion (In Service) Radio work pending and new tires pending
    • Trailer 10 – New wheels purchased, projects pending – axle, lights, brakes,hose and pump
  • Station
    • Weather
    • Water leaks continue inside building 1 water system.  Investigation continues
    • SCBA Project – MES in quarters to referb 4 SCBA packs.  Moving away from Draeger’s to SCOTTS. 
    • Repeater – In place and functioning,  working on frequency download to Kenwoods, SOG pending, keeping both phone/pager and radio dispatch
    • 2 Sets of Turnouts ordered, invoice attached
    • 3 new Pulse Oximeters recieved and placed into service
    • Emergency power project continues with site visit from Catapiller vendor.  Scheduling meeting with Ironhorse
    • Station expansion quotes still in progress
    • Station inspection for fire resiliency completed, contracted for tree work

Training:         Bi-monthly trainings continue.  November 17 training consisted of 2 members SCBA and Thermal Camera X 1 Hour, December 4 Training consisted of 3 members, Facemask, FR 10 review, driving 3 vehicles and monthly checks overview X 2 hours.  Next month training January 8         (9 am) and Jan 19 (6 pm)

District Notes:

  • Fire danger is Moderate.  No Fire Restrictions
  • Sherwood Firefighter Grants approved.  Both Apron Project and Repeater Projects.  Reimbursement pending for repeater
  • Board Resolution for annexation of State Land was submitted
  • Press Release reference Reapeater Project, Grants were approved
  • After action of Rafael Fire continues
  • Region Winter Preparedness Meeting Nov 23

Respectfully Submitted:

John D. Moede, Fire Chief

New radio repeater helps Williams and Parks area first responders

SFEFD Station, Building 1 and RAT (Rapid Attack Truck)

as seen in the Tuesday, November 23, 2021, Williams – Grand Canyon News

WILLIAMS, Ariz. — To help with communication efforts for first responders, a new radio repeater has been established on Bill Williams Mountain.

The repeater was made possible through the cooperative work of High Country Fire & Rescue, Ponderosa Fire and Sherwood Forest Estates Fire District, along with the support of the Sherwood Firefighters Foundation,

“This repeater will dramatically increase emergency radio coverage which will improve efficiency and safety for our residents” said John Moede, fire chief of Sherwood Forest Estates Fire District. “Our agency will be able to have direct communication with our dispatch center, Guardian Communications.”

According to Moede, the repeater project came about because of spotty radio coverage which hampered emergency response and effectiveness.

“We have had particular problems with coverage to the north and west of Parks,” said Lee Antonides, fire chief of Ponderosa Fire District. “This repeater system provides for increased communications interoperability for all regional public safety agencies.”

High Country Fire and Rescue Fire Chief Robert Trotter agreed.

“This project is also providing the opportunity for several agencies to work on one channel if a large scale incident occurs,” he said. “The collaboration of our agencies along with the Sherwood Firefighters Foundation provided an opportunity to purchase and install the repeater system. The generous financial support of the Sherwood Firefighters Foundation allowed us to fund the project.”

Information provided by Sherwood Forest Estates Fire District

Chief’s Report – November 2021

CHIEF’S REPORT NOVEMBER 16, 2021

Activity:         

  • Incidents since last Board Meeting:
    • 11/13/21 – Reported structure fire, MM 196 x Hwy 64, False
    • 11/14/21 – Vehicle rollover Bucky Ranch Rd (74), Assessment and transport (POV) to FMC
  • Region Covid report
    • By zipcode 47.3% of population is vacinated (lowest % in county), High level of transmition in county, new vacine sites for children identified
    • Supply of protective equipment still strong

Equipment:    

  • Apparatus Update
    • Vehicles ordered not to spend the night outside until futher notice
    • Engine 1 (In Service)  Needs siren work, FLIR wiring requested
    • FR 10 (In Service) New battery tender installed
    • Tender 4 (In Service) Fill tube leak  
    • Tender 5 (In Service)
    • Brush 6 (In Service) Plow on
    • Tender 8 (OUT of SERVICE) Instalation of dump valve and water level indicator completed. Upon return possible fuel restiction issue and taken to Flag Truck Center
    • Brush 11 (In Service) New Steer Tires added. Radio Frequency work is still pending
    • Ford Excursion (In Service) Radio work pending
    • Trailer 10 – New wheels purchased, projects pending – axle, lights, brakes,hose and pump
  • Station
    • Electrical Reel Project- Completed
    • SCBA Project – Moving away from Draeger’s to SCOTTS.  Limited ecomonic impact using used equipment.  Refurbishment will be needed
    • Repeater – In place and functioning,  working on frequency download to Kenwoods, SOG pending, keeping both phone/pager and radio dispatch
    • 2 Sets of Turnouts vendor submitting order, invoice to follow
    • Emergency power project continues with site visit from Catapiller vendor.  Ironhorse bid attached
    • Station expansion quotes still in progress
    • Station inspection for fire resiliency completed, seeking quotes for tree work
    • Visitation by DFFM

Training:         Bi-monthly trainings continue.  October 20 training consisted of 4 members, 1.5 hours on SCBA exercises.  November 13 training consisted of  4 members, 1 hour, testing pumps and station updates. Next training November 17 (6 pm). Next month training December 4 (9 am)

District Notes:

  • Fire danger is Moderate.  No Fire Restrictions
  • Purchased 2 combo CO/Smoke detectors for trial
  • Board Resolution for annexation of State Land being submitted
  •  Resolution for County Attorney submitted to County
  • Press Release reference Reapeater Project, attached, MOU Drafted
  • After action of Rafael Fire continues
  • Region Winter Preparedness Meeting 23rd
  • Surgery (22nd)
  • Anne

Respectfully Submitted:

John D. Moede

Fire Chief

Chief’s Report – October 2021

CHIEF’S REPORT OCTOBER 19, 2021

Activity:         

  • Incidents since last Board Meeting:
    • No Activity to Report
  • Region Covid report
    • Delta Variant
    • Supply of protective equipment still strong

Equipment:    

  • Apparatus Update
    • Engine 1 (In Service)  Needs siren work, Equipment plan
    • Tender 4 (In Service) Fill tube leak  
    • Tender 5 (In Service)
    • Brush 6 (In Service) Bumper pending/plow this week
    • Tender 8 (Out of Service) Instalation of dump valve and water level indicator
    • Brush 11 (In Service) Frequency work is still pending
    • Ford Excursion (In Service) Radio work pending
    • Trailer 10 – Is home, projects pending – axle, new wheels, lights, brakes,hose and pump
  • Station
    • Apron Project – Completed.  Reimbursement complete
    • Office Painting Project, on hold
    • Repeater Update – In place and functioning, frequency change done, SOG pending, keeping both phone/pager and radio dispatch, MOU draft in progress
    • Pump 2 repairs, no update
    • Emergency power process research continues
    • Station expansion quotes still in progress
    • Station inspection for fire resiliency completed, one tree tagged, 20 foot limb removal and ground clearing

Training:         Bi-monthly trainings continue.  October 2 training consisted of 2 members, 1.5 hours ORE’s (fire extinguisher prop, AED simulation, oxygen application and ERG. Next training October 20 (6 pm). Next month training November 6 (9 am) and November 17 (6 PM)

District Notes:

  • Fire danger is Moderate.  No Fire Restrictions.
  • Board Resolution for annexation of State Land follow up
  •  Resolution for County Attorney follow up
  • Area collaboration with HCFR, WMS, Ponderosa, CCSO, and Forest Service continues
  • After action of Rafael Fire continues
  • David Dudley’s retirement aft 20 years of service

Respectfully Submitted:

John D. Moede

Fire Chief

Chief’s Report – September 2021

CHIEF’S REPORT SEPTEMBER 21, 2021

Activity:         

  • Incidents since last Board Meeting:
    • 8/23/2021 – Sick Person, Friar Tuck Road
    • 9/4/2021 – Vehicle Crash, Sherwood Forest Road
    • 9/20/2021- Sick Person, Friar Tuck Road
    • 9/21/2021 – Trailer Fire, South Amherst
  • Region Covid report
    • Delta Variant
    • Supply of protective equipment still strong

Equipment:    

  • Apparatus Update
    • Engine 1 (In Service)  Equipment plan
    • Tender 4 (In Service) Fill tube leak  
    • Tender 5 (In Service)
    • Brush 6 (In Service) Bumper pending
    • Tender 8 (Out of Service) Instalation of dump valve
    • Brush 11 (In Service) Frequency work is still pending
    • Ford Excursion (In Service) Radio work pending
    • Trailer 10 – Coming home this week
  • Station
    • Apron Project – Completed.  Reimbursement in process
    • Office Painting Project, on hold
    • Repeater Update – Phase 1 and 2 complete with reimburesment. Phase 2 has begun.  Possible completion date this week
    • Pump 2 to repairs
    • Emergency power process research continues

Training:         Bi-monthly trainings continue.  September 18 training canceled. Next training September 22 (6 pm). Next month training Oct 2 (9 am) and Oct 20 (6 PM).

District Notes:

  • Fire danger is Moderate.  No Fire Restrictions.
  • Board Resolution for annexation of State land in packet
  •  Resolution for County Attorney in packet
  • Area collaboration with HCFR, WMS, Ponderosa, CCSO, and Forest Service continues
  • After action of Rafael Fire pending
  • Ceremony for Firefighter Burdikoff

Respectfully Submitted:

John D. Moede

Fire Chief

Chief’s Report – August 2021

CHIEF’S REPORT AUGUST 17, 2021

Activity:         

  • Incidents since last Board Meeting:
    • 7/21/2021-  Tree Fire on Beacon Hill, False
    • 7/24/ 2021 –Reported Structure Fire, xx N. Hwy 64, False
    • 7/29/2021 – Tree Fire, Hwy 64 X MM 198, False  
    • 8/12/2021 – Lightning Strike, Knighthood Lane, Investigated
  • Region Covid report
    • Delta Variant
    • Supply of protective equipment still strong

Equipment:    

  • Apparatus Update
    • Engine 1 (In Service) New Steers next  
    • Tender 4 (In Service) Fill tube leak still pending   
    • Tender 5 (In Service)
    • Brush 6 (In Service) Newer bumper purchased
    • Tender 8 (In Service) Slow air fill issue.  Following up with dump shoot
    • Brush 11 (In Service) Frequency work is still pending
    • Ford Excursion (In Service) Radio work pending
    • Trailer 10 – Still at Wicked for pipe work
  • Station
    • Apron Project – Completed.  Milling process completed follow up for drainage improvement
    • Third emergency egress process ongoing
    • Office Painting Project, ongoing
    • Repeater Update – Phase 1 complete with reimburesment. Phase 2 has begun.  Possible completion date September 1
    • Emergency power process research continues
    • Facility Requests process ongoing
    • NAU Civil Enviornmental Engineering contact

Training:         Bi-monthly trainings continue. August 7 training included 7 members (2 hours) and consisted of a simulated fire on Sherwood Forest Road. Next training Aug 18 (6 pm). Next month training Sept 18 (9 am) and Sept 22 (6 PM).

District Notes:

  • Fire danger is Moderate.  No Fire Restrictions.
  • Board Resolution for annexation of State land is delayed. Needs signature from State Land Commission
  •  Resolution for County Attorney is delayed.
  • Area collaboration with HCFR, WMS, Ponderosa, CCSO, and Forest Service continues
  • SFEFD assited with WFD funeral of Firefighter Jeff Pettit

Respectfully Submitted:
John D. Moede
Fire Chief

Chief’s Report – July 2021

CHIEF’S REPORT JULY 20, 2021

Activity:         

  • Incidents since last Board Meeting:
    • 6/19/2021 – Smoke in District
    • 6/19/2021 – Smoke in District
    • 6/19/2021 – Command Post for Rafael Fire
    • 6/22/2021 – Medical Incident 73xx Longbow
    • 6/25/2021 – Illegal Burning 75xx Tulip Lane
    • 6/26/2021 – Smoke in the District
    • 6/30/2021 – Train vs Pedestrian, Williams
    • 7/2/2021 – Rollover, HWY 64
    • 7/6/2021 – Fire, 79xx Jolly Rogue
  • Region Covid report
    • County and region seeing increase in Delta Variant
    • Supply of protective equipment still strong

Equipment:    

  • Apparatus Update
    • Enigne 1 (In Service) New Steers. New firefighting lines on front and passenger side used on fire response 7/16
    • Engine 2 (No longer in fleet) transfered back to State Fire
    • Tender 4 (In Service) Fill tube leak still pending. New Steers.
    • Tender 5 (In Service) PM completed
    • Brush 6 (In Service) Fire pump work on carb completed. Used for patrol during Rafael Fire. New tires
    • Tender 8 (In Service) Possible air issue.  Following up
    • Brush 11 (In Service) Frequency work on radio is still pending
    • Ford Excursion (In Service) Brakes and tire rotation complete
    • Trailer 10 – Still at Wicked for pipe work (expected home soon)
  • Station
    • NEPA Permit process completed (see attached).
    • Niles repaired base station radio
    • Apron Project – Pouring completed, add ons completed. Will need follow up for future removal of 4 to 6 inches of millings
    • Third emergency egress process continuing
    • DFFM process.  Thining continuing to south land and thinning for home owners on hold
    • Office Upgrade Project, attempting to locate flooring person
    • VFG Grant process complete
    • Repeater Update – two other frequencies have been purchased.  Construction has begun
    • Third quote for emergency power completed

Training:         Bi-monthly trainings continue. June 16 training included 6 members July 3 training had 6 members and consisted of review of Brush 6 capabilities/upgrades (2 hours).  Next training July 21 (6 PM). Next month training August 7 (9 am) and August 18 (6 PM)

District Notes:

  • Fire danger is Moderate.  Rains have helped.  All Fire Restrictions rescinded
  • State Land Commission approved annexation of State land.  Next phase involves a Board Resolution and submission to County
  • Coconino County requesting resolution for legal representation
  • Wood Subdivision follow up (Requested pause in consolidation)
  • Potential new members, applications from Randy Rask and John Sebranos
  • Area collaboration with HCFR, WMS, Ponderosa, CCSO, and Forest Service continues

Respectfully Submitted:

John D. Moede

Fire Chief

Some of Kaibab Reopens and Returns to Stage Two Restrictions

Kaibab National Forest reopens to public entry

Fire restrictions and area closures remain in place

Williams, Arizona, July 6, 2021 — As of today the Kaibab National Forest has rescinded the full forest closure.  Although most of the forest is now open to public entry, Stage II Fire Restrictions and the Bill Williams Mountain closure will remain in place. In addition, an area closure is in place for the Raphael Fire.

The majority of the Kaibab has received enough rain in the last month to increase live fuel moisture levels that, combined with the recent cooler temperatures, the risk of severe fire behavior has been reduced. 

However, the persistent drought means fire danger is still very high, and the forecast calls for warm and dry weather with isolated thunderstorms bringing dry lightning.  The public is reminded to remain vigilant while visiting the National Forest – abide by the restrictions and closures and refrain from any behavior that may accidentally start a wildfire. Drivers should avoid dragging chains and driving vehicles over dry vegetation.  Stay informed of forest conditions before and during your visit. 

Stage II Fire Restrictions

Under Stage II restrictions, fires (including charcoal and briquettes) are prohibited on all National Forest lands.  Smoking is also prohibited forest-wide except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material. 

The following acts are prohibited from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.: Operating a generator, chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine; using an explosive; blasting, welding, or operating any acetylene or other torch with an open flame. 

Stoves or grills that are solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or pressurized liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels are allowable.  Generators with approved spark arresting devices are also permitted in areas that are barren or cleared of any flammable material at least 3 feet around the generator. 

Bill Williams Mountain Closure Area

The Bill Williams Mountain Closure consists of all National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the area bordered by County Road (CR) 73, Old Route 66, Forest Road (FR) 122, FR 108 and, Interstate 40, as depicted in Exhibit A of Order Number 03-07-21-13.  This includes the following trails: Bill Williams Trail, Clover Spring Trail, City of Williams Link Trail, Bixler Saddle Trail, Benham Trail, and Devil Dog Mountain Bike Loop.   

Raphael Fire Closure

For public safety, an area closure is in effect for the Raphael Fire in and around Sycamore Canyon. On the Kaibab National Forest, the closure area is generally bordered by Forest Roads 125, 105, 12, 109, and 13 as depicted in Order Number 03-09-00-21-281.  Included in the closure area are the following popular locations: JD Dam, Yew Thicket Trailhead (TH), Deadman TH, Pomeroy Tanks TH, Sycamore Falls TH, Sycamore Rim TH’s, Canyon Overlook Trail (#70), Sycamore Rim Trail (#45), portions of the Overland Road Historic Trail (#133), and roads to Sycamore Point.  Roads bordering the closure area are open. White Horse Lake and Campground are also open. The public should refer to the Coconino and Prescott National Forests for their Raphael Fire closures.

All Kaibab National Forest Orders can be found online at www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/kaibab/alerts-notices.  Additional information about the Kaibab National Forest is available through the Fire Information Hotline, 928-635-8311 ,   or by following @KaibabNF on Twitter and Facebook.

Brienne Pettit
Public Affairs Officer
Forest Service Kaibab National Forest
c: 928-310-6035
brienne.pettit@usda.gov
800 S. 6th St.
Williams, AZ 86046
www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
 Caring for the land and serving people