Summit Siren
April 2008 Newsletter
- Thoughts from the Chief
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
- I always appreciate the chance to share some thoughts with you about what has been going on at the Summit
Fire Department. This is the first real winter I remember in a long time and made me think back to the 1980’s and early
90’s. We not only received an above normal amount of snow, it also remained cold for long periods of time. I saw that
this winter is the second longest period in over 100 years of record keeping of having measurable snow on the ground. I
believe it totaled over 90 days beginning in the second week of December. Obviously the wet winter is outstanding for
our forests and for our water table. It also moved the elk and deer further down the mountain as seen by the food
sources they found to eat in my yard. I know that elk love apple and aspen trees and that the deer love our juniper
shrubs. Cold weather also helps to slow down the movement of the bark beetles and gives the trees the opportunity to
build up their resistance. While the bark beetles are always in the trees, cold weather and good moisture allows them to
protect themselves from the onslaught. We surely needed this precipitation and let’s hope that we have more to follow.
We’d like you to know that our Community Room at Station 31 on the corner of Townsend-Winona and
Cosnino Roads has been up and available for community use for about six months. It has proven to be a great facility
for trainings and meetings and it was built to provide a place where members of our community could hold meetings.
The Community Room is used almost every day and has served both the fire department and the community very well.
Our only concern is that although we have three community rooms available at each of our stations, there are still many
times when that’s not enough. We do the best we can to accommodate all of your needs but sometimes we simply run
out of room.
There are several of us that are currently at the Arizona Wildfire Academy. Our staff provides instruction and
management to help the Academy instruct over 900 students. We also have many of our staff taking instruction from
some of the most qualified teachers anywhere. The Arizona Wildfire Academy has been able to provide courses to
people from over 38 states and several different countries. This week we will have a contingent from both England and
India visiting our Academy to see how we manage to teach 900 students in 35 different courses in a one week period.
You can be proud of the personnel of the Summit Fire Department who have taken on this important process of passing
on knowledge and experience and have become well recognized as a quality fire department.
We at Summit are currently working on building on our own “Type 6” fire engine which many of you would
know as a brush truck. We have bought all of the components and are assembling the pieces ourselves. As you are well
aware, fire engines are very expensive. When we are through with this basic brush fire engine, we will have spent right
at $100,000 on its development. If we were to purchase this unit already assembled, it would cost more than $150,000.
It isn’t only the savings in dollars that impacts our department in this project but it is also the ownership of our
firefighters who are working on shift that have made it happen. I am very proud of all of the effort our firefighters have
put into this project as well as a couple dozen more. We think of ourselves as public servants and when we’re not
training or responding to the over 1,200 emergencies we had last year, all of our personnel are involved in their project
work.
We hope that this Spring and Summer are a time when you can get out and enjoy this wonderful place we call
home. Please continue to mow your grasses and thin around your homes and if we can be of service to you, please give
us a call at (928) 526-9537.
Sincerely,
Don Howard, Fire Chief
- New Summit Family Members
Sam Whitted—Deputy Chief
Sam has been involved in public safety and fire for 39 years. He started with the U.S. Forest Service in 1969 and was very
involved in wildland fire. When he left the Forest service in 1976, Sam was red-carded under the Large Fire Organization
System as a Division Boss and as Air Attack Boss Trainee.
From 1972 through 1979, he was a member and officer of the Williams Volunteer Fire department. Sam worked for the
Coconino County Sheriff’s Office from 1976 through 2002. Upon retirement he was the Chief Deputy and the Department
had 256 total employees and a 500 bed jail.
Just prior to retirement, Sam became a member of one of the Southwest Area Type 1 Incident management Teams. He
continues to serve on this team as Liaison Officer. Sam also worked wildland fire assignments in other capacities. Sam is a
PIO2, ICT4 (t), Engine Boss, Class B Faller and has other operational task-books he is working on.
Sam has attended Northern Arizona University, the University of Virginia, Coconino Community College, and Yavapai
Community College. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and has attended numerous other trainings. He is an
Arizona POST certified instructor and Arizona Fire Marshal’s Office Instructor 1.
During the last 39 years, Sam has been involved in many incidents of different types. Hopefully he has learned some things
from those experiences that he can pass on to others.
Sam is married to his lovely wife, Brenda and he has one daughter, Amanda who is married to Josh Christy and one grandson,
Jude.
Sam’s interests are family, woodworking, metalworking, photography, mechanics, hand loading, target shooting, hunting,
fishing, horses and cattle.
Tara Paprocki— Firefighter
Tara was born and raised in the small town of Warren, Pennsylvania. She went to college in Ohio at Kent State University
where she got a bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education. After graduation, she moved to Colorado and worked as a
Nanny for a year before she began her teaching career in Phoenix, Arizona.
Tara was a second grade teacher for three years on the west side of Phoenix. During the three years she lived in Phoenix, she
met her husband, Dennis. Their love for the outdoors and the mountains brought them to Flagstaff on a regular basis to train,
ride their bikes, hike and go camping. They decided to take the plunge and make the move to the beautiful town of Flagstaff in
2001.
Once they moved to Flagstaff, Tara got a job teaching Kindergarten at South Beaver School. She was working on her masters
degree during her three years as a kindergarten teacher, and for a number of reasons, decided she wanted a different career
path and began working towards her fire science degree.
Tara has been working as an EMT for Guardian Medical Transport for the last two years and helping Dennis run their
business “The Coffee Pedaler”.
When Tara is not at the Coffee Shop or out here at Summit, she can be found out on the trails running, riding her mountain
bike or in a kayak somewhere getting ready for the next adventure race that she and Dennis are competing in.
Summit Fire Board Members
- Chairman William Dunlap Sr.
Clerk Gary Selig
Member Dan Atkinson
Member Randy James
Member Rich Parker
The Board meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:00 pm at Station 32 at 8905 North Koch Field Road.
The public and residents of the community are encouraged to attend. For more information, call (928) 526-9537.
Fire Departments don’t succeed, people do.
- 7th Annual Summit Car Show and Poker Run
The Summit Firefighters Local 1505 will hold their 7th Annual Car Show and Poker Run on September 19 and 20. The show
is a charity event which raises money for the union charity fund. Union Charity funds help support youth programs and people
in need in our fire district.
Mark your calendars now and watch for more information.
Blood Drive
Summit Fire Department is having a Blood Drive on July 22nd from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Summit Fire Station 33 on North
Highway 89 (6050 E. Firehouse Lane) and on November 20th from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Summit Fire Station 32 on 8905
North Koch Field Road.
To make an appointment, please call 1-877-448-GIVE (4483) or go to www.bloodhero.com and type the zip 86004. You can
also call the fire station at (928) 526-9537.
Only one in twenty people regularly give blood. For every person in need of blood, the simple act of giving is heroic. Please
give blood and be a Hero!
- Free Child Safety Car Seat Inspections
Is Your Child’s Seat Installed Correctly?
Did You Know That Approximately 9 Out Of 10 Car Seats Are Improperly Installed? The Summit Fire Department offers free
child safety seat inspections. If you would like to have your child’s car seat checked, please call (928) 526-9537 to schedule an
appointment.
Your child’s safety depends on it.
Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Volunteers Needed!
The Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs are needed in the Doney Park area in Flagstaff, Arizona. Seniors
age 60 and over who are on low fixed incomes and need extra cash may want to call the Senior Corps Programs of Northern
& Central Arizona. By volunteering your time and talent to help children or visit homebound seniors, you can receive a
stipend of $2.65/hr tax free, meal and mileage reimbursement, annual physical exam, secondary insurance and formal
recognition for the important work you do.
- If you are interested in finding out more about the Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs, please contact Amy
Websdale at (928) 523-1082.
- Change your Batteries
- Working smoke detectors can alert you to a fire in your home in time for you to escape, even if you are sleeping. Test
detectors each month, following the manufacturer's directions, and replace the batteries at least once a year, or whenever a
detector "chirps" to signal low battery power. Never "borrow" a smoke detector's battery for another use - a disabled detector
can NOT save your life.
- Stop, Drop and Roll
Everyone should know this rule: If your clothes catch fire, don't run. Stop where you are, drop to the ground, cover your face
with your hands to protect your face and lungs, and roll over and over to smother the flames.
Coconino County Updates
Supervisor Liz Archuleta, District 2
Supervisor Deb Hill, District 4
We are hoping this Newsletter finds you all well and that winter has not been too hard. Spring is showing it’s happy face with
birds singing and flowers beginning to break ground. We want to share a few things that will be happening in your area this
Spring.
Immunization Clinic: Coconino County Health Department offers free vaccines for children up to age 19. Adult vaccines are
available on a sliding scale. Travel immunizations are full cost. Appointments are recommended to avoid waiting time. Please
bring your immunization record.
The free clinic is offered on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:00-11:30 am and 1-4 pm. The clinic is located at 2625 N.
King Street. For more information or to make an appointment call (928) 679-7222 or (877) 679-7272.
Neighborhood Watch News: Coconino County Sheriff Bill Pribil and District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta would like to invite
residents of the Timberline-Fernwood community to attend the monthly Neighborhood Watch meeting the first Tuesday of
each month. The meetings begin at 6:30 pm at Summit Fire Station #33 on Highway 89A. Refreshments will be served. Call
Theresa Thomas at (928) 779-6578 for more information.
Coconino County Sheriff Bill Pribil and District 4 Supervisor Deb Hill would like to invite residents of the Doney Park
community to attend the monthly Neighborhood Watch meeting the first Thursday of each month. The meetings are from 6:00
to 8:00 pm at Cromer School, 7150 N. Silver Saddle Road. Call Elaine Beyal at (928) 779-6644 for more information.
Friends of Peaks View County Park is a partnership with the Sheriff’s Office Neighborhood Watch Program. This group’s
purpose is to assist the County Parks and Recreation Department to maintain a safe and healthy environment for park users.
The group helps to keep Peaks View Park, local trails and recreation facilities clean and green. Contact Regina Szal at (928)
679-8027 for more information.
Picture Canyon Historic Site: Coconino County Supervisor Deb Hill welcomes all residents to the unveiling of the Picture
Canyon Historic Site monument. The dedication ceremony of Picture Canyon will be on April 29, 2008 from 10:00 am – 1:00
pm at Picture Canyon near the El Paso Compressor Station. The Ceremonial recognition of Picture Canyon’s National Historic
Site status will be followed by lunch, educational tours of the Canyon, and a discussion of on-going efforts to further protect
Picture Canyon.
Rabies Clinic: Coconino County Environmental Services will host a rabies clinic on May 10, 2008 from 1-4 pm at the
Coconino Humane Association located at 3501 E. Butler. The cost for a rabies shot is $6.00. Licensing is also available at the
clinic, $10 for spayed and/or neutered pets or $20 for pets not neutered/spayed. Call (928) 679-8756 or 1-877-679-7272 for
more information.
8th Annual Picnic in the Park: Supervisors Archuleta and Hill are pleased to once again co-sponsor this annual event. The
picnic will be held on August 23, 2008 at the Peaks View Park. Plan on good food, good conversation, entertainment and door
prizes.
Senior Property Valuation Protection: If you are at least 65 years of age and the owner/occupant of your home, you may
qualify for the Senior Property Valuation Protection. The Protection Act provides for the “freezing” of the valuation of your
primary residence. More information and the application to file for protection can be found at http://www.coconino.az.
gov/assessor.aspx?id=77. The exemption specialist at the County Assessors office are Cindy Winquest at (928)-679-7976 or
Lucinda Meza at (928)-679-7906.
Happy Spring and please do not hesitate to contact either of us with questions about your neighborhood or the county.
Supervisor Liz Archuleta, 779-6578
Supervisor Deb Hill, 779-6696
Burn Permits
You are required to have a burn permit before burning any weeds or branches. The burn permits are FREE and have no
expiration as long as you own the property.
If you do not have a burn permit, please call before driving to the station. You can get a permit at any of our three stations:
- Station 31 6425 N. Cosnino Road 526-0344
Station 32 8905 N. Koch Field Road 526-9537
Station 33 6050 E. Firehouse Lane 526-1724.
Please make sure that you read your copy of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) rules and regulations
for there are some things that you are not allowed to burn. Burn times are 9:00 am to 4:00 pm April through September. Please
abide by the burning times and call Station 32 at (928) 526-9537 before you burn.
Friends and Family CPR Classes
CPR has been a proven tool that can save the life of someone experiencing a heart attack. The Summit Fire District conducts
regularly scheduled CPR classes.
The next Friends and Family CPR classes are scheduled for May 12th and July 14h. Classes are from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at
Station 32 at 8905 North Koch Field Road.
For more information or to register for this class, contact Brian Walsh at (928) 526-9537.
- Note: This class is NOT for certification purposes.
Want to Quit Tobacco?
Sign up NOW for a FREE quit tobacco support group at your Coconino County Health Department. It meets one hour a week
for six weeks beginning Tuesday, April 1st, at 6:00 pm. Provides free counseling, materials, support,
and discounts on nicotine replacement therapy to make quitting MUCH easier.
For more information or to sign up, call (928) 679-7266.
Electrical Fires
Most electrical fires in the home are caused by appliances such as coffee makers, hair dryers, stoves, clothes dryers, extension
cords and power strips. Currently, there is a huge number of appliances under recall. These recalls are not usually well
publicized but a good site to check your appliances is recall.com.
Also, another big problem is extension cords and power strips made in China. Sometimes the label says “made in China”, or
“made in Mexico”, and sometimes it won't say anything. Usually there will be several spelling errors on the package. They are
selling extension cords and power strips that are very cheaply made. They may be labeled 14 or 16 gauge, but they have a
size or two smaller wires. They cannot handle the advertised loads.
They are also labeling the cords and strips with well known companies names, such as “'Woods”. The power strips and surge
protectors have fusible links that are overheating and not tripping to break the circuit, and causing fires. The only way to be
sure about an extension cord is to buy one with see through ends, so you can see the size of the wires.
Please check your appliances and extension cords. We don't want to be at your house at 2:00 am investigating a fatal fire.
Help us help you!
- you to HELP US HELP YOU!!!
- property and in our neighborhood. After completion of a property inspection, we discuss our recommendations with the
property owner. Most of our recommendations are based off of national standards developed by FireWise.
- Summit Fire District
8905 N. Koch Field Road
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
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Property Assessment Form
If you are interested in having your property checked, please fill out this form. Mail or bring this form to any of the three
fire stations.
Name: _____________________________________
Address: ___________________________________
Phone: _________________ mail to: 8905 N. Koch Field Rd.
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Best time to call: _________
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Is That Mold?
- Flagstaff has seen a cold, wet winter this year that has led to an increase in mold growing in homes, garages, sheds, even dog
houses. If you have noticed a strange smell in your home or an increase in allergies lately, it could be mold. Below is a brief
overview of mold, health problems associated with mold, and how to deal with mold. For more information go to http://www.
epa.gov/mold/moldguide.html, or contact a specialist.
Why is mold growing in my home?
Molds are part of the natural environment. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye
and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet.
There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.
Can mold cause health problems?
Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the
potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in
some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions
in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin
rash (dermatitis). Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold
exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Avoid breathing in
mold or mold spores.
How do I get rid of mold?
It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in
house dust. The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean
up the mold with detergent and water, allow drying completely and fixing the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but
don't fix the water problem, then, most likely the mold problem will come back. Long gloves that extend to the middle of the
forearm, eye and respiratory protection are recommended.
Practice Candle Safety
The popularity of candles as home decorations has resulted in an increase of candle related fires. To help prevent fires, follow
these simple rules:
- Never leave a lit candle unattended in any room of the house.
Do not allow children to keep candles or incense in their rooms.
Never leave candles burning when you go to bed.
- Never use candles near combustible materials such as curtains, drapes, bedding and cabinets.
Always use stable, candle holders made of material that won’t catch fire, such as metal, glass, etc.
Always blow out candles when adults leave the room.
- Grilling Safety
To make sure your next barbecue doesn't go up in flames, here are a few simple rules to follow:
- Designate the grilling area as a "No Play Zone" keeping kids and pets well away until grill equipment is completely cool.
Before using, position your grill at least 3 feet away from other objects, including the house and any shrubs or bushes.
Only use starter fluid made for barbecue grills when starting a fire in a charcoal grill.
Check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line to be sure it is working properly and not leaking.
Never use a match to check for leaks. If you detect a leak, immediately turn off the gas and don't attempt to light the grill
again until the leak is fixed.
Never bring a barbecue grill indoors, or into any unventilated space. This is both a fire and carbon monoxide poisoning
hazard.
Have a happy and safe Spring and Summer.
- Cinco de Mayo
- Mark your calendars now!
The Summit Fire Auxiliary is having a Cinco de Mayo celebration on Saturday, May 3rd at Summit Fire Station 33 on
Highway 89N (on the right just beyond the Second Chance Animal Shelter). There will be a Taco dinner from 5:00 to 8:00 pm
with raffle drawings at 7:00 pm. If you are interested in helping, please call Joann or Peggy at (928) 526-9537.
The Summit Fire Auxiliary is always looking for new members and fresh ideas. If you are interested in joining, the Auxiliary
meets on the second Wednesday of each month at Summit Fire Station 33 at 7:00 pm. Come and join us. We would love to
hear from you!