County urges people to sign up for emergency notifications
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Following the Copley Fire, which occurred April 8, County officials are encouraging all residents to sign-up to receive emergency notifications at coconino.az.gov/ready. Emergency Notifications have proven to save lives.
The fire started in the area of North Copley Dr., an unincorporated area of Coconino County, east of Flagstaff, Ariz. According to the Summit Fire Department, the Copley Fire reached approximately 80 plus acres. Several structures were lost and approximately 75 residents were evacuated during the fire. “This could be a very active, long and dangerous fire season,” said Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Matt Ryan. “The Copley Fire is a reminder of the crucial importance of emergency notifications during wildfires and when evacuations are enacted. We strongly ask everyone in the County to sign up for these important alerts.”
During an emergency, the County’s notification system sends calls, emails or text message alerts directly to people’s mobile device or landline if they have signed up. “The best way to help ensure the safety of all our constituents during a wildfire or other emergency, is for people to sign up for our emergency notification systems,” said Coconino County Emergency Management Director Todd Whitney. Despite the Red Flag Warning issued that day by the National Weather Service (NWS), the Copley Fire was suspected to have started due to illegal burning. Prior to any burning, citizens are reminded to pay attention to weather warnings and to contact their local fire district or the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality for burn permits. Burning is not allowed on Red Flag Days, which are announced on the NWS page, www.weather.gov/fgz.
Residents are also encouraged to follow the Ready, Set, Go! program including keeping gutters and yards clear of debris, creating a defensible space around your home and by keeping grass mowed short, and trimming vegetation. For more information on emergency preparedness go to coconino.az.gov/207/Emergency-Management. Visit ein.az.gov to learn more about hazards in the state and how to prepare.