NoPho Neighborhoods, Schools & Events
An outbreak of wildfires around Arizona today included one along I-17 near Table Mesa Road north of Phoenix that slowed traffic in both directions of the Interstate mid-afternoon, causing miles-long backups in both directions. By 3 p.m. all lanes were reopened but ADOT said to expect ongoing delays.
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Coconino National Forest will temporarily close six large areas to public access beginning Wednesday (May 23) at 8 a.m. due to fire danger. These federal lands include the following areas: San Francisco Peaks/Mt. Elden, Kelly Canyon, Fisher Point and Mormon Mountain.
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For the first time in a dozen years, Arizona has completely closed some state land to recreational use today. The initial closures, mandated by Stage III fire restrictions in two counties in northeastern Arizona, will likely spread to other counties, an official said.
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An extremely dry winter in North Phoenix and around the state, along with a 21-year drought, has prompted officials to institute fire restrictions early and everywhere, even as violations are common and several fires have already broken out.
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The restrictions includes campfires, fire pits and charcoal grills in all county parks. The early ban follows one issued last week for state lands in Maricopa and six other counties.
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Heat, low humidity and an historically dry winter led the state forestry department to issue stringent restrictions today on state-owned and managed lands. Find out what’s prohibited and where.
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Only in Arizona? A homeowner was burning tumbleweeds in his back yard. The fire jumped into an open field. The homeowner called 911 to report the fire. And now he’s been charged with Reckless Burning.
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20-acre brush fire near the I-17 Bumble Bee exit that started sometime around 3 p.m. Friday left a roughly 15-mile backup in the southbound lanes by early evening. Crews have the fire under control.
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Last year, the first significant brush fires around North Phoenix didn’t come until April. Already this February, crews responded to several small grass and brush fires. State and local fire officials say this could be another busy fire season.
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Local firefighter Jay Walter filmed dramatic video revealing the wicked winds, steep terrain and dangerous conditions a wildland firefighter faces. Partway through the video, a helmet cam shows Walter spraying water on a home using a garden hose as flames race up the hillside toward him.
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Firefighter Jay Walter from Daisy Mountain Fire Department was one of several Arizona firefighters and some 47 engines and air resources helping fight wildfires in Southern California this week.
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