Fire Challenges in Coconino County

Flagstaff – Various fires are currently active across the state. One significant event, the White Sage fire, led to the evacuation of areas around Lake Jacob, although those evacuations were lifted on Tuesday. Managing fire emergency responses involves a lot more than just reacting; it requires thoughtful decision-making about evacuations.

Sadly, residents in the highlands are all too familiar with natural disasters like fires and floods. For this reason, Coconino County officials expressed confidence in their preparedness to deliver crucial resources and information.

“I wouldn’t want anyone to hear they need to evacuate when they’re caught in the chaos of fire or flooding,” said Tim Carter, the acting director of Coconino Emergency Management. He emphasized the department’s responsibility to prepare and keep the community informed.

“We’re taking a comprehensive approach to all kinds of hazards,” Carter mentioned. He noted that it’s insufficient to prepare only for specific events like floods or wildfires.

During a major disaster, emergency operations centers are activated to ensure effective resource coordination. This collaboration brings together personnel from various agencies, including the National Weather Service and the Flagstaff Fire Station.

“No single entity can handle these incidents alone,” Carter pointed out. “Whether dealing with a wildfire or a flood, collaboration is essential.”

The process for issuing evacuation warnings begins with first responders assessing the situation on the ground.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office plays a critical role in determining which areas must be evacuated. “They utilize our system to help communicate who needs to be in evacuation status and who should be ready to leave,” Carter explained.

While he acknowledged the importance of their work, Carter highlighted the necessity for residents to be prepared for evacuation at any moment.

“You should be ready for anything,” he advised. “Having your go bag is really important. The ‘Ready, Set, Go’ program is something we all should be familiar with. Preparation is best done when the skies are clear.”

He stressed that go bags should contain essentials like first aid supplies, important documents, medications, phone chargers, and non-perishable food items.

Though managing such vast and challenging areas like Coconino County brings hurdles and long hours, Carter feels it’s essential for safeguarding the community. “Ultimately, it’s about giving back. How can we best serve our residents who depend on us?”