News

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

Area Fire/Rescue Emergency Communications Improved

Thanks to a $20,000 grant from the Sherwood Firefighters Foundation, emergency fire radio communications in the region have been significantly enhanced.  Recognizing a deficiency in emergency radio communications, Sherwood Forest Fire District, High Country Fire Rescue, and Ponderosa Fire Departments collaborated with the Foundation to upgrade the local radio system.  The project involved acquiring a dedicated radio frequency from the FCC and installing a new dedicated radio repeater on Bill Williams Mountain.  The system will have a huge positive impact on inter-agency emergency communications which will enhance effectiveness on fire and EMS scenes, and increase safety for fire personnel.  Assisting one another through “Mutual Aid” is common-place and necessary for rural fire departments.  This project will provide more cohesive coordination for that mutual aid.  The total cost of the project was $26,000.

SFEFD Board and SFF Board

Chief Moede received the full approval of the SFEFD Board of Directors to lead the effort and acquire funding.  Each of the three agencies contributed $2000 from their own budgets, and the Foundation provided a $20,000 grant.   The Sherwood Firefighters Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization.  Its purpose is to provide financial assistance to fire agencies in Northern Arizona whose limited budgets often need help for tools, equipment, and resources.  Donations to the Sherwood Firefighters Foundation are tax deductible and can be sent to PO Box 911, Williams, AZ 86046. 

The previous radio communications inadequacies became glaringly apparent when inter-agency communications were severely compromised  during the 2021 San Rafael fire.  That fire burned during June and July of 2021 and consumed nearly 80,000 acres.   The lightning-caused, wind-driven fire threatened residents and homes in Williams, Garland Prairie, Sherwood Forest,  Parks, and other areas.   Fire radio communications and operational effectiveness are now significantly improved through this project.

Chief’s Report – June 2022

CHIEF’S REPORT JUNE 21, 2022

Activity:         

  • Incidents since last Board Meeting:
    • 05/27/2022- Brush Fire, Cancel
    • 05/30/2022- Illegal Burning, Good Lane
    • 06/05/2022- Sick Person, Hwy 64
  • Region Covid report
    • Variant(s) appear to be affecting younger patients.  Covid hospitilzations are at 2.2% (45 deaths this year, down from last year). High degree of protection measures still apply. 
      • Supply of protective equipment remains strong

Equipment:    

  • Apparatus Update
    • Engine 1 (In Service)  Needs siren. New nozzles and adjusted brush packs on board. Headlights changed out
    • FR 10 (In Service)
    • Tender 4 (In Service) Looking to add worklights
    • Tender 5 (In Service),  Welding repair completed and successful, supply gate added to rear of vehicle
    • Brush 6 (In Service) Pump service -ongoing
    • Tender 8 (In Service) Packing leak repaired, damaged quick connect repaired. Rear inside tires leaking (both 2517)
    • Brush 11 (In Service). Dead battery this week, batteries replaced
    • Ford Excursion (In Service)
    • Trailer 10 – (OUT OF SERVICE) Moved to repair shop for quote for axle, lights, brakes, hose, lift and pump (quote attached)
  • Station
    • Emergency power will be priority
    • Drafting plan for free standing fuel station
    • Superior Propane contacted for quote on changing service (attached)
    • Bollards for propane tanks in future
    • Two new trial brush bags enroute
    • New water system functioning well
    • Hydrant repair pending, previous hole filled in
    • Extinguisher project complete.  EXIT signs repair complete, tested cylinders replaced, all vehicles have 5 lbs dry chem
    • Repeater – In place and functioning,  6 portable radios have temp freq on deck 1. Working to integrate older radios into system.  Working with Guardian to produce vehicle identifications
    • Tire project completed
    • Reel and pump on side yard
    • Station clean up project has small area pending
    • CCSO requesting training location (CERT and Dogs)

Training:         Bi-monthly trainings continue.  April 20 – 2 members, 3.5 hours driving training.  April 20 – 4 members, 2 hours pumping orientation.  April 30- 6 members, 4 hours field operations (B6 and E1) and dry chem extinguisher usage. Next training June 22 (6 pm)

District Notes:

  • Fire danger is VERY HIGH with heavy fire activity in the region. Partial forest closures are in effect. Intermittent Red Flag warnings
  • Phone call from Good Lane resident after citation incident
  • Ready, Set, Go door hangers (English and Spanish) obtained from Emergency Management
  • Anne Dudley status
  • Repeater – working on FCC discrepancies
  • FY Report in draft
  • Continuity book development continues

Respectfully Submitted:

John D. Moede, Fire Chief

Chief’s Report – May 2022

CHIEF’S REPORT MAY 17th, 2022

Activity:         

  • Assisted local agencies with 4 fires.
    • April 19th, 3 acre wildland fire in Parks
    • April 30th, 1.5 acre wildand fire along I40
    • May 7th, possible structure fire, canceled enroute
    • May 13th, 1 acres wildland fire in Parks
  • One medical call
  • May 6th McDowell responded to an illegal burn out of the district, on Good Lane
  • One training
    • April 30th, 6 members – lessons learned on previous fire, pumping and filling operations

Equipment:    

  • Apparatus Update
    • Tender 5 out of service due to leak.  A possible repair is being investigated
    • Tender 8 in Service
    • Tender 4 in service
    • Brush 11 in service- new rear tires
    • Brush 6, polow removed and in service
    • E1 in service, new nozzles, new rear tires
    • F10 in service
    • Water trailer axle-pending
  • 2 new sets of turnouts have been recieved, washed, and put in service
  • Station
    • The station summer clean up is underway
    • Wildland hand tools have been cleaned and prepped for the season.

Respectfully Submitted:
Matthew McDowell
Assistant Fire Chief

Coconino County LIFTS Stage 3 Fire Restrictions

As of noon, June 28th Coconino LIFTS Stage 3 Fire Restrictions: https://www.coconino.az.gov/2595/Fire-Restriction-Information


As of June 17, 2022 at 3:00 PM, Coconino County is in Stage 3 fire restrictions. For County park and natural areas, the following restrictions apply: 
The following County amenities are closed: Trails, Disc Golf Course, Archery Range, and Bike Park.
• No camping is allowed outside of campground area.
• All campfires are prohibited.
• Charcoal/wood or liquid fuels grills are prohibited.
• Liquid fuels and/or liquid petroleum gas fire rings are prohibited.
• Smoking is prohibited outdoors.
• No vehicle parking and/or driving on grassy, forested, and unimproved/undeveloped areas.
• Chainsaws and other small, motorized equipment are prohibited by park users.
• Previously scheduled events to be approved by Department at least one week prior to the event.
Additional area fire restriction information:
Coconino County
Coconino National Forest
Kaibab National Forest
City of Flagstaff
Arizona State Parks & Trails
Please continue to check back as weather conditions change.

Fire Season 2022

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Beginning May 5, Stage 1 fire and smoking restrictions go into effect on the Williams and Tusayan Districts of the Kaibab National Forest and the entirety of the Coconino National Forest.

The city of Flagstaff and Williams will enter Stage 1 fire restrictions at that time as well.

Under Forest Service Stage 1 restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal and wood stoves are prohibited, except within a developed recreation site. Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building or a developed recreation site. Fireworks are always prohibited on all national forest and state lands.

Using a device that is solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is allowed in areas that are barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the device.

Fire restrictions are implemented to help prevent human-caused fires and to limit the exposure of visitors during periods of potentially dangerous fire conditions. Decisions about fire restrictions are based on a combination of carefully measured factors. Criteria used to determine when to implement restrictions include current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, fire activity levels, enduring drought and available firefighting resources.

Additional restrictions could be forthcoming if conditions warrant. Fire restrictions typically remain in effect until the area receives significant, widespread precipitation.

Violations could result in mandatory appearance in a federal court, fines or jail time.

The public is reminded to always be extra cautious when recreating on public lands, regardless of restrictions.

More information on all Arizona state and federal fire restrictions, including an interactive map, is available by visiting wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions.

Chief’s Report – April 2022

CHIEF’S REPORT APRIL 19, 2022

Activity:         

  • Incidents since last Board Meeting:
    • 03/20/2022 – Structure Fire, 1870 Silver Bear
    • 03/21/2022  – Welfare Check, 73xx Long Bow
    • 03/24/2022 – Train Derailment, 7th Street X Route 66
    • 04/03/2022   – Bee issue, 77xx Knighthood
  • Region Covid report
    • Ominicron cases decreasing in County.  Impact of BA.2 Variant appears to not be causing admissions. Preventive physical measures still apply 
      • Supply of protective equipment remains strong

Equipment:    

  • Apparatus Update
    • Engine 1 (In Service)  Needs siren, additional hose and FLIR wiring requested. Straps on backboard. Tires pending
    • FR 10 (In Service)
    • Tender 4 (In Service) Looking to add worklights
    • Tender 5 (OUT OF SERVICE), Radio installed. Air Generator replaced (120 PSI), water leak found underneath needs welding – pending
    • Brush 6 (In Service) Plow slated to come off soon
    • Tender 8 (In Service) Fuel leak repair looks good.  Filled with water and equipment. Pump leak repair on hold
    • Brush 11 (In Service). Tires pending
    • Ford Excursion (In Service) Windshield replaced, Radio installed
    • Trailer 10 – Wheels done. Projects pending – axle, lights, brakes, hose and pump
  • Station
    • Brush tool prep/clean up, getting ready for season
    • New water system functioning well.  5K water tank moved, Hydrant repair pending
    • Extinguisher project started, waiting for cylindar testing
    • Repeater – In place and functioning,  6 portable radios have temp freq on deck 1. Still looking into discrepancies on frequencies.  Looking to exchange portables for new frequency download.  All apparatus now have red channel on radios.  Working with Guardian to produce vehicle identifications
    • Emergency power project continues
    • Hose purchase plan, nozzles
    • Tire project 2 vehicle remaining ( E -1 and B 11) $5,200.00 (est)
    • Small engine vendor found, plan for future
    • Looking for home for reel and pump on side yard
    • Draft plan for diesel fuel tank on side of station

Training:         Bi-monthly trainings continue.  March 31, 2 members driving training x 2 hours (spontaneous). April 2, 4 members, E – 1 pumping and hoseline operations, Tender 5 support and filling operations, new radio testing. X 4 hours. Next training April 20 (6 pm). May 7 change of training to April 30 (9 am)

District Notes:

  • Fire danger is Moderate.  No Fire Restrictions (Red Flag warning at Rim on Saturday)
  • Fire season planning includes meeting of regional partners (4/16/22).  Meeting  (3/25/22) with CCSO reference evacuation planning.  Working with Kaibab Prevention Officer for future  interaction. CWPP – no follow up. Reached out to Emergency Management
  • Time away

Respectfully Submitted:

John D. Moede, Fire Chief

Chief’s Report – March 2022

CHIEF’S REPORT MARCH 15, 2022

Activity:         

  • Incidents since last Board Meeting:
    • 03/05/2022 – Structure Fire, 367 East Tank Street
  • Region Covid report
    • Ominicron cases decreasing in County.  Preventive physical measures still apply 
      • Supply of protective equipment remains strong

Equipment:    

  • Apparatus Update
    • Engine 1 (In Service)  Needs siren, FLIR wiring requested.
    • FR 10 (In Service)
    • Tender 4 (In Service) Looking to add worklights
    • Tender 5 (In Service), Radio work for non functioning radio in process, looking to add work lights
    • Brush 6 (In Service) Plow on.
    • Tender 8 (OUT of SERVICE) Fuel leak repaired, pending fuel tank observation and pump leak.  Invioice attached
    • Brush 11 (In Service)
    • Ford Excursion (In Service) Radio work pending
    • Trailer 10 – Wheels receiving tires now. Projects pending – axle, lights, brakes,hose and pump
  • Station
    • Weather impact on Station and apparatus
    • Water system in station overhauled.  New system functioning well.  Quote pending for 5K water tank movement
    • Quote requested for hydrant repair
    • Extinguisher project started with all extinguishers being exchanged, tested , repaired or purchased.  Exit signs bulbs and batteries being replaced
    • Repeater – In place and functioning,  6 portable radios have temp freq on deck 1.  Multiple discrepencies found still working on verifying them.  Phase 2 to exchange portables for new frequency download.  Phase 3 is the apparatus radios (Ford and Tender 5 need Red channel)
    • Completed work with Verizon and Guardian to upgrade EMAG phone and dispatch process.  Tones did work for 2/7/22 incident, process continues
    • Emergency power project continues
    • Station expansion quotes still in progress
    • Small engine plan being changed, looking for new vendor
    • Looking for location for reel and pump on side yard

Training:         Bi-monthly trainings continue.  March 5 training consisted of 3 members, Review of radio frequency progress, overview of lessons learned from structure fire, SCBA practice and issues update X 1.5 hrs. Next training March 16 (6 pm)

District Notes:

  • Fire danger is Low.  No Fire Restrictions
  • Fire season planning includes meeting of regional partners (tentative date April 16).  Working with CCSO reference evacuation planning.  CWPP follow up pending. Reached out to Emergency Management

Respectfully Submitted:

John D. Moede, Fire Chief

Chief’s Report – Feb. 2022

CHIEF’S REPORT FEBRUARY 15, 2022

Activity:         

  • Incidents since last Board Meeting:
    • 01/19/2022 – Structure Fire, 138xx E. Keith Drive, False
    • 02/04/2022 –  Vehicle roll over, Hwy 64, MM 188
    • 02/07/2022 –  Abdominal Pain, 74xx E. Jolly Rogue
    • 02/08/2022 –  Sick Person, 71xx E. Long Bow
  • Region Covid report
    • Ominicron cases decreasing in County.  Preventive physical measures still apply 
      • Supply of protective equipment still strong

Equipment:    

  • Apparatus Update
    • Engine 1 (In Service)  Needs siren, FLIR wiring requested.

E-1 has recieved first radio with repeater frequency (2/7/22), testing complete

  • FR 10 (In Service)
    • Tender 4 (In Service) Looking to add worklights to all tenders
    • Tender 5 (In Service), Radio work pending
    • Brush 6 (In Service) Plow on.
    • Tender 8 (OUT of SERVICE) currently in shop for rust removal from fuel tank
    • Brush 11 (In Service) Radio frequency work is still pending
    • Ford Excursion (In Service) Radio work pending and new tires onboard
    • Trailer 10 – Projects pending – axle, lights, brakes,hose and pump
  • Station
    • Weather.  Impact on Station and apparatus
    • Potential water leak being watched
    • Quote requested for water tank movement and hydrant repair
    • Repeater – In place and functioning,  6 portable radios have temp freq on deck 1.  Multiple discrepencies found still working on verifying them.  Phase 2 to exchange portables for new frequency download.  Phase 3 is the apparatus radio’s (E-1 was first one to recieve Red Channel)
    • Completed work with Verizon and Gurardian to upgrade EMAG phone and dispatch process.  Tones did work for 2/7/22 incident, process continues
    • Emergency power project continues
    • Station expansion quotes still in progress
    • Fire Extinguisher project pushed back due to scheduling
    • Small engine plan will be changed
    • Heater in building 2 functioning well

Training:         Bi-monthly trainings continue.  February 5 training consisted of 4 members, Review of basic wildland terminology, Review of how to fill apparatus with water, review of each vehicle procedure for filling, orientation on T 5 filling E 1, and SCBA practice X 2.5 hours.  Next training Feb 16 (6 pm)

District Notes:

  • Fire danger is Low.  No Fire Restrictions
  • Repeater meeting held 2/1/22
  • County meeting on 2/4/22 reference possible funding for Community Wildfire Protection Plan.  Requested list of contractors for possible clean-up project and structure protection planning
  • After action of Rafael Fire continues

Respectfully Submitted:

John D. Moede, Fire Chief

Chief’s Report – Jan. 2022

CHIEF’S REPORT JANUARY 18, 2022

Activity:         

  • Incidents since last Board Meeting:
    • 01/03/2022 – Welfare check at XX Long Bow
    • 01/06/2022 – Welfare check at XX Long Bow
    • 01/17/2022 – Assist the Invalid, XX Minstrel Lane
  • Region Covid report
    • Ominicron cases increasing in County.  Preventive physical measures still apply as well as booster shots. 
      • Supply of protective equipment still strong

Equipment:    

  • Apparatus Update
    • Follow up on water from Bearizona and Wagon Wheel Water
    • Engine 1 (In Service)  Needs siren, FLIR wiring requested
    • FR 10 (In Service)
    • Tender 4 (In Service) Looking to add worklights to all tenders
    • Tender 5 (In Service), Radio work pending
    • Brush 6 (In Service) Plow on.
    • Tender 8 (OUT of SERVICE) pending review of rust in fuel tank.  Follow up invoice for Water Tank Indicator Level attached
    • Brush 11 (In Service) Radio frequency work is still pending
    • Ford Excursion (In Service) Radio work pending and new tires onboard
    • Trailer 10 – New wheels purchased, projects pending – axle, lights, brakes,hose and pump
  • Station
    • Weather.  Impact on Station and apparatus
    • Water leak has slowed but has continued. Investigation continues
    • Repeater – In place and functioning,  6 portable radios have temp freq on deck 1.  Multiple discrepencies found attempting to verify them.  Phase 2 to exchange portables for new frequency download.  Accountability form to be filled out.  Phase 3 is the apparatus radio’s
    • Working with Verizon and Gurardian to upgrade phone and dispatch process
    • Emergency power project continues
    • Station expansion quotes still in progress
    • Tree project for station completed.  Invoice attached
    • Fire Extinguisher project begining
    • Small engine plan

Training:         Bi-monthly trainings continue.  January 15 training consisted of 6 members, SCBA bottle changes/practice and exercise, ORE’s on each vehicle, overview of radio changes and monthly start of small engines X 2.5 hours.  Next training Jan 19 (6 pm)

District Notes:

  • Fire danger is Moderate.  No Fire Restrictions
  • Assisted High Country Fire Rescue with Memorial Jan 8, 2022
  • Received bill for radio channel purchase not sure of origin, reviewing.  Reimbursement pending for repeater
  • MD&A draft completed
  • After action of Rafael Fire continues
  • 2020 and 2021 Incident Summary attached
  • New member and full time neighbor Chris Cleland

Respectfully Submitted:

John D. Moede, Fire Chief