SHERIFF CLARK TURNS UP HEAT ON FIRE PREVENTION ~Zero Tolerance for Violations of Stage 1 Restrictions - Violators Will Be Cited~ SHOW LOW, AZ (May 20, 2014) – Residents and visitors to the White Mountains are going to see a substantial enforcement presence from law enforcement in the coming days and weeks as low levels of moisture and high fire danger become a growing concern for public safety officials. Navajo County Sheriff KC Clark is continuing to taking the issue very seriously as summer officially kicks off this week, and he is turning up the heat on those who violate the law. “We want people to enjoy their activities in the forest and in locations across our region,” said Sheriff Clark. “But when it comes to the illegal use of fire, we have a zero tolerance policy. There is just no reason for these communities to go through another human caused fire. The Rodeo-Chedeski and the Wallow were completely unnecessary. Those fires cost this region a million acres of beautiful forest, hundreds of millions of dollars to fight, and all because people were careless. We have laws in place to reduce the risk of these catastrophes, and we are very serious about enforcing them.” To that end, the Sheriff and his office have been working very closely with other agencies in the State to enhance their ability to patrol for illegal fires. For the next several weeks, two fixed wing aircraft will be patrolling the skies over the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest and portions of Navajo County to identify fires. In addition, the Navajo County Sheriff’s Auxiliary Volunteers (SAVs) and Sheriff’s Deputies will be patrolling forest roads and other areas to identify violations of the Stage 1 Restrictions. “On Tuesday, April 22, 2014 the Navajo County Board of Supervisors declared all unincorporated areas of Navajo County under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. On, or very near to that date, Apache County, the United States Forest Service, and the State of Arizona all declared Stage 1 Fire Restrictions as well,” said Supervisor Sylvia Allen of District 3. “There have been numerous press articles, public service announcements on the radio and television to let people know what is and what is not allowed. We really do want people to come to the area and enjoy some of the greatest destinations that Arizona has to offer, but we ask that people follow the law and help us preserve our beautiful forests.” Sheriff Clark commented further, “There are multiple jurisdictions up here, and they each have their own ordinances, but those ordinances are very, very similar. If you don’t know what the law is for a certain area, go to 311info.net and act accordingly. It is everyone’s responsibility to be informed. If you violate the law, you will be cited.” Detailed fire restriction and emergency information for all agencies and jurisdictions of northeastern Arizona can be found at 311info.net, by dialing 311 from a cell phone, or (928) 333-3412 from a landline. Residents and visitors in the region are highly encouraged to utilize these resources to obtain details about the ordinances that affect the various jurisdictions. 311info.net
Posted on: Tue, 20 May 2014 22:55:15 +0000
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