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Thoughts from the Chief—Opportunity
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As we once again look forward to Spring and Summer, I’m thinking back to our last newsletter. Since that time there has been a lot that has impacted all
of us. When I look back, I search to understand how all of this has impacted us. We had an incredible amount of snowfall this year and as I write this, it
is still falling. We’ll end up with about 160 inches. While many of us had a lot of heartache over having to shovel and clean driveways, the moisture we
received will help to support our community and forest in a much needed way.
At the State level, government is taking on a new complexion. The fire service in the State has been impacted by the removal of the entire Training
Division that came out of the State Fire Marshal’s Office. It is now a group of volunteers who have their full time jobs, that are picking up the slack for
training and certification of training. Arizona is now the only state in the Union that does not provide firefighter certification through their State Fire
Marshal’s Office. While this has a negative impact on many levels, it has given us the opportunity to work closer together with our colleagues and to
strengthen who we are.
Several months ago, the country of Haiti was devastated by an unprecedented earthquake. We in the fire service deal with devastation whether on a
small or large level frequently. We understand that bad things are going to happen but when they do, we as humans are given the opportunity to come
together and solve issues. It has always done my heart good to see how people come together in crisis. In this life we are given the opportunity to choose
how we are going to deal with challenges. I’m so glad to be able to see firsthand how most people come together. When I watch the news on TV, it
seems like we have very little in common; but in reality, we are so much more similar with each other than we are different. While it sometimes takes a
crisis for us to understand these dynamics, I hope when we get back to our “normal” lives, we are able to take what we learned with us so we can speak
civilly with each other over our differences. As a nation we are less than 6% of the world’s population so it behooves us to make sure we take care of
each other.
On a more personnel note, one of our firefighters had a heart attack a few months ago at a very young age. While no one wants to have a heart attack, in
this case, it probably saved his life because his tests showed that he had an abnormality that could be dealt with. If he was out in the middle of the forest
when this happened, he wouldn’t be with us today. But it happened within the fire district and we were able to provide one of our own with immediate
care; and as a result of that, he is back to work with us and will be with us until he retires.
My point today in writing this is that we never know when opportunity will present itself and we always need to be open to its possibilities. There are bad
things that can happen in our lives but as they say, “Every cloud has a silver lining.” We hope that this finds you well and ready for an active summer. If
there’s ever anything we as a fire department can do for you, please give us a call. Thank you for your support.
Don Howard, Chief
Page 2 Summit Siren
Summit Fire Board Members
Chairman Jim Doskocil
Clerk Gary Selig
Member Dan Atkinson
Member Jerry Loynachan
Member Rick Parker
The Board meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm. On the even months, the meetings are held at Station 32 and on
the odd months, meetings
are held at Station 37.
Meeting Dates for Station 37
5500 N Fort Valley Road
May 19, 2010
July 20, 2010
September 21, 2010
November 16, 2010
Meeting Dates for Station 32
8905 North Koch Field Road
June 15, 2010
August 17, 2010
October 19, 2010
December 21, 2010
Notices and Agendas of such meetings will be posted at the following locations:
All five Summit Stations
Ski Lift Lodge, 6335 Highway 180
Mountain View Market, 6869 Lumberjack Blvd.
Silver Saddle Store, 9001 Highway 89
Chevron, 11230 Highway 89
Peak View Country Store, 3400 Fort Valley Rd.
The public and residents of the community are encouraged to attend. Meeting dates, times and location may change due to unforeseen
circumstances so please call the Administrative Office at 928-526-9537 if you have any questions or for more information, check our website at:
http://www.summitfiredepartment.org
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Burn Permits
You are required to have a burn permit before burning any weeds, paper or branches. The burn permits are FREE and have
no expiration for as long as you own the property.
If you do not have a burn permit, please call before driving to the station to get your permit. You can get a permit at any of
our five 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
Station 36 8015 Wing Mountain 213-0935
Station 37 5500 N Fort Valley Road 213-5299
Please make sure 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 such as plastic.
Burn times are:
9:00 am to 4:00 pm April through September
9:00 am to 3:00 pm October and March
10:00 am to 2:00 pm November through February
Please abide by the burning times and call Station 32 at (928) 526-9537 before you burn.
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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 July 12th, September 13th and November 8th. 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 or Matt Gibbs at (928) 526-9537.
Please Note: This class is NOT for certification purposes.
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Please remember to change the batteries
in your Smoke Detectors!
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Page 3 Summit Siren
Thoughts from Blaze & Squirt
It's a beautiful day — the sun is shining, the birds are chirping. What could be more perfect than a bike ride? But wait! Before you pull your bike
out of the garage, let's find out how to stay safe on two wheels.
You Need a Helmet! First, let’s make sure you have a bicycle helmet that fits you properly. Make sure it isn’t too big or too small. You should
wear it so it is level and covers your forehead. And of course make sure your straps are fastened and that they are snug enough that you can’t pull
or twist the helmet on your head.
Be Seen, Be Safe! Wearing brightly colored clothes and putting reflectors on your bike can help you to be seen and stay safe. Also make sure that
nothing can get caught in your bike chain like loose clothing, backpack straps, or your shoe laces. Wear the right shoes when you bike ride –
sneakers, and never ride barefoot. Although you like listening to music never wear headphones when you ride. You won’t be able to hear what is
going on around you to stay safe.
Road Rules. If you are allowed to ride on the road please follow these rules.
* Always ride with your hands on the handlebars.
* Always stop and check for traffic in both directions when leaving your driveway, an alley, or a curb.
* Ride on the right-hand side of the street, so you travel in the same direction as cars do. Never ride against traffic
* Don't ride too close to parked cars. Doors can open suddenly.
* Stop at all stop signs and obey street (red) lights just as cars do.
* Ride single file on the street with friends
Don’t have a bike? There are lots of other ways to get outside away from the TV, computer, and video games and GET SOME EXERCISE!
* Go for a hike or a walk around your neighborhood.
* Go to the park
* Play Frisbee
* Jump rope
* Play tag or hide and go seek
* Have running races with your friends
The possibilities are endless…use your imagination. Just get out side, enjoy the weather, and stay active!
Blaze & Squirt
Rural Home Loan
Direct (502) Program
USDA is the Lender
(Low income limit see table below)
* NO down payment
* Finance 100% of Market Value
* Can include repairs, improvements, closing costs and fees
* No restrictions on dwelling size or amenities. Must meet RD thermal standards for new construction only, be in good condition & inspected by
qualified individual
* Payment subsidy for qualified applicants
Eligible applicant must:
* Have steady & dependable income
(generally 2 yr. employment in history)
* Be unable to obtain conventional credit to meet housing needs
* Suitable credit (counseling available)
* Cannot own a suitable home
Loan Limit at $290,700
Terms: 30-38 year amortization
Rates: 1-5.125ith with subsidy
Ratios: 29-33% PITI
41% Total Debt
Household Size 1 2 3 4 5 6
Low Income max: 34,100 38,950 43,850 48,700 52,600 56,500
Mod Income max: 73,600 73,600 73,600 73,600 97,150 97,150
Adjusted Income Limits—Coconino County
For more information, contact USDA Rural Development at (928) 774-2401 Ext. 108.
Blood Drive
Summit Fire District is having a Blood Drive on Thursday, July 22nd and Thursday, December 16th from 2:00 pm to 6:30 pm at Summit Fire
Station 32 on 8905
North Koch Field Road.
Only one in twenty people regularly give blood. For every person in need of blood, the simple act of giving is heroic. Please be a Hero and give
blood!
To make an appointment, please call Joann at (928) 526-9537.
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Page 4 Summit Siren
Coconino County Updates
Supervisor Liz Archuleta , District 2
Supervisor Mandy Metzger, District 4
Spring has Sprung?! We hope so, as it has been a long winter! Since the days are getting longer, the sun is shining and bringing warmer days ahead
and it’s time to get out and about. Here are the latest happenings from Coconino County.
Free Dump Day & Community Clean-up: Mark your calendars! Coconino County is sponsoring a free community clean-up and fire fuel
reduction day, Saturday, June 5th at the City of Flagstaff Cinder Lakes Landfill. Residents will be able to dispose of household waste, forest
materials, white goods (washers, dryers) refrigerators and household recyclables for free! This is an opportunity for residents to clean-up their
property and reduce the threat of fire.
Low-Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinic: The Coconino Humane Association will sponsor a low-cost Rabies Vaccination Clinic on Saturday, July
17th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The clinic will be held at Coconino Humane Association, 3501 E. Butler. Dr. Bush from Flagstaff Animal Hospital
will be administering the shots. Rabies vaccinations will be $6.00, (dogs and cats). Fees for other vaccinations will vary. Cash and checks will be
accepted. CCHD Animal Management will be offering the opportunity to license your canine companion - $15.00 altered; $25.00 unaltered.
Spay/neuter vouchers ($30.00 value) will also be available for canine owners current with rabies vaccinations and licensing.
Picnic in the Park - SAVE THE DATE for this year’s fun filled Picnic in the Park. Come join Supervisors Liz Archuleta and Mandy Metzger on
August 21st, from 11 am to 2 pm for the 10th Annual Picnic in the Park at Peaks View Park on Koch Field Road just south of Summit Fire
Station #32.
Parks & Recreation Commission Opening in Districts 2 & 4: The Commission makes recommendations on issues affecting Parks &
Recreation, recommends policy to be carried forward to the Board of Supervisors for approval, and generally guides the department in its vision for
the future. There is an opening on this 10 member commission for a resident from District 2 and from District 4. Members come from diverse
backgrounds – parks management, business leaders, educators, environmental and community activists. The commission meets on the first
Thursday of each month at 4:00 pm.
To apply, please go to the County website and download the “Commissions, Boards, Councils and Committees” application and forward your
application your respective county supervisor:
larchuleta@coconino.az.gov
or
mmetzger@coconino.az.gov
Call Theresa Thomas at 679-7162 for more information.
Neighborhood Watch: Please keep in mind that the Timberline/Fernwood Neighborhood Watch meeting is held on the 1st Tuesday of every
month at Summit Fire Station #33 at 6:30 pm and Doney Park Neighborhood Watch meeting is held on the 1st Thursday of every month at Cromer
Elementary School at 6:00 pm. Both are filled with information and pot luck events. Bring your neighbor and your favorite dish to share!
Public Works Projects in your Neighborhood: The County will be doing a chip seal on Landfill Road on Thursday, June 10, weather permitting.
Chip seal paving is done as preventative maintenance for the asphalt. The process involves spraying a coat of oil on the pavement, followed by a
layer of uniformly sized rock chips. The new surface is then rolled to set the asphalt and rocks. Over time, the chips will settle, but residents may
experience some chips dislodging as they drive on the newly treated road.
County staff is in the process of doing the necessary survey work for the Timberline Drainage Project. The project is expected to be complete this
summer and will focus on the Crisp Hill area. The purpose of the project is to improve drainage in the Timberline area. With input from local
residents, the project was developed to improve drainage conditions. The project will include replacement and installation of driveway culverts, as
well as installation of cross culverts under certain roadways.
Special Election: The State has a question on the Ballot and is “Proposition 100”. Voters are being asked to temporarily increase the state sales
and use tax by one cent per dollar from June 1, 2010 through May 31, 2013 for the purpose of funding Primary and Secondary Education, Health
and Human Services and Public Safety.
This election is a polling place election, however in order to save money it will be conducted as a consolidated polling place election. Therefore
voters should check for their polling location which will be listed on the Informational Pamphlet that will be mailed to all registered households.
Statewide Special Election and some important dates: Election is May 18th; Early Voting Begins on April 22nd.
Heads Up! City of Flagstaff Bike Helmet Ordinance: The City of Flagstaff has a new bicycle helmet ordinance ORDINANCE NO. 2009-13.
All Children under 18 years of age must wear a helmet while riding a bicycle in the City of Flagstaff. The Coconino County Health Department
Injury Prevention Program will be running ads at promote the new ordinance, including ads at Harkins Theater. The ad copy includes a fun picture
of kids with crazy hair and says “Got Helmet Hair? Get Helmet Hair…It’s the Law!
Page 5 Summit Siren
NEW HEALTH RESOURCE WEBSITE IN ARIZONA: Health plays an important role in almost every decision made – whether the decision is
made by an individual, family, business, city, county or state government agency. Because maintaining health is so important in today’s society, the
15 Arizona county health departments, along with the Arizona Department of Health Services proudly introduce www.arizonahealthmatters.org.
ArizonaHealthMatters.org provides access to unbiased data, local resources and a wealth of information in one user-friendly location. The site
allows users to search for statewide data or specific county information about a variety of topics from cancer to cholesterol.
The website’s goal is to give communities the tools they need to read and understand how public health is affecting the quality of residents’ lives.
The tools can also help those communities set goals and evaluate progress to improve the quality of life.
Looking to the New Year:
Coconino County's long-term financial planning efforts over the past several years allowed the County to continue to provide most services even
with significant reductions to County revenues and a reduction in State funding due to the economic downturn. We believe that prudent financial
planning helped the County avoid major service impacts. However, our concerns are now increasing given the State's recent proposals to cut over
$1.5 million in funding for important services and to sweep funding for services like road maintenance. During the last fiscal year, the County's belt
tightening reduced costs by over $1.2 million. In addition, the State cut or swept over $1.5 million in funding for services. The County will continue
to identify options for managing the fiscal crisis with a focus on maintaining the services most valued by our citizens, such as public safety, road
maintenance and public health.
District 2 Office Hours at Timberline-Fernwood:
Starting in January, Supervisor Liz Archuleta will hold open office hours the 1st Tuesday of every month from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm prior to the
neighborhood watch meeting at the Fire Station on Highway 89. No appointment needed.
District 4 Coffee with Mandy Metzger:
Mandy invites District 4 residents to join her for coffee on the 3rd Monday of each month from 7:00 am – 9:00 am. We have great conversation
and share community news.
Supervisor Liz Archuleta, 679-7152
Supervisor Mandy Metzger, 679-7154
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Are You Prepared?
This winter we have seen record snowfall amounts in and around the Flagstaff areas. With the heavy winter precipitation we will get above average
growth of grass, trees and other native vegetation. Most of the pine trees have lost their needles and pine cones creating a blanket of fuel around
the tree. During the next month, the grass will grow tall and green, but when June comes around the grass will turn brown and become available to
burn. We call these types of debris fine, flashy fuels. They ignite easily, burn rapidly, spread quickly and produce a lot of heat. A slight wind on a 2
acre field of grass and pine trees can completely burn in less than 10 minutes, with our typical June winds it can happen much faster.
What can you do to prevent this from happening at your home?
1. Maintain defensible space.
2. Mow grass and weeds around your home, propane tank and property perimeter.
3. Trim tree branches 1 ½ times the height of the fuel below or mow under and around trees.
4. Rake up and burn or haul away grass or tree debris.
5. Clean flammable material out of gutters and under porches/decks.
Summit Fire Department offers free property inspections to anyone who would like an assessment to see how defensible your home is. The
inspections take approximately 30 minutes to complete and offers the owner suggestions on how to maintain defensible space while protecting
privacy, scenery and maintaining forest health.
Assistance for the elderly or disabled through Bear Jaw Fuels Module or United Summit Fire Fighters may be available to those who are unable to
complete the work themselves.
Please contact Summit Station 32 at (928) 526-9537 for more information.
Summer Swap Meets are Back!
The Summit Firefighters Local 1505 will be hosting the Summer Swap Meets this year. The Swap Meets will be held on the 4th Saturday of each
month (June 26th, July 24th, August 28th and September 25th) at Station 32, 8905 North Koch Field Road from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.
For more information or a vendor registration form, please call Peggy at (928) 526-9537 or email at
pmcclure@summitfiredepartment.org.
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Page 6 Summit Siren
Seat Belts and Child Safety Seats
It’s that time of year again where the weather is beautiful and we all love to be outside and hit the open road. No matter what the time of year,
where you may travel or how far your travels take you—Remember to BUCKLE UP. Only 61 percent of Americans always use their seat belts
when they're driving in their car. Another 30 percent sometimes use the belts and nine percent never do. Yet seat belts can reduce injuries and
medical costs by 50 percent. Child safety seats should be used from the first time the child is in a car until they are big enough to use an adult seat
belt properly. Age appropriate car seats and booster seats are available. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for correct use.
The Summit Fire Department responds to hundreds of incidents involving cars, trucks, motorcycles and diesel trucks; most of these incidents are
motor vehicle accidents. Each year 15,000 lives could be saved if everyone wore seat belts. In many cases, no safety belt was worn and the child
was sitting on the front seat during a short trip. In some cases, a child was riding unrestrained in back of an open pickup truck bed or camper.
Children must understand the importance of seat belt use. In fact, it's the law! Putting on a seat belt should become a routine habit. While there are
a variety of reasons why people don't use seat belts, most are based on misconceptions and fallacies.
We can expect to be in a car crash once every 10 years, and a serious one every 20 years. At some point in their life, 85 percent of the population
will be involved in a serious car crash. The forces involved are horrendous. At 30 miles per hour, an unrestrained passenger weighing 150 pounds
exerts the force of more than two tons as it crashes against another object. This is enough to kill!
For your safety, the safety of your family and your fellow motorist, please buckle up and drive with care.
Summit Fire Department currently has five Car Seat Technicians which are here to assist you with your safety restraint needs. For more
information on seatbelt, child restraint safety or to schedule an appointment with a technician, please call (928) 526-9537 or visit:
summitfiredepartment.org.
Summit Fire Department - Public Education Team:
Vision begins with one person,
but it is only accomplished by many people.
Help us help you!
Every year homes, properties and lives are threatened by the risk of wildfire, that is why we at Summit Fire District are asking you to HELP US
HELP YOU!!!
Summit Fire District is offering free property inspections in order to determine the potential dangers of wildfire on your 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.
Please fill out the attached request for property assessment form and drop it off at the closest fire station, or mail to:
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 five fire stations.
Name: _____________________________________
Address: ___________________________________
Phone: _________________ mail to: 8905 N. Koch Field Rd.
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Best time to call: _________
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Page 7 Summit Siren
8th Annual Summit Car Show and Poker Run
On June 18th and 19th, the Summit Firefighters Local 1505 will hold their 8th Annual Car Show and
Poker Run. 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.
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Friday June 18, 2010 Burger Burn - 5:00 to 8:00
Food, music, and informal cruise.
$5 for a burger and your choice of space for Saturday’s show.
Saturday June 19, 2010 Car Show - 9:00 to 2:00
Poker Run - 2:00 ending back at show with awards following.
All makes, models and types of vehicles and motorcycles welcome
Limited to first 80 vehicles
Dash plaques for all entries, Special Awards
Best of show and class trophies
Music, games, concessions, raffle, auction and 50/50 drawing
Parts Swap spaces available
Bring your VALVE COVER Racer—$5 Entry!
Summit Fire Station #33—6050 E. Firehouse Lane Flagstaff, AZ
(6 mi. North of the Flagstaff Mall, Hwy 89)
Vendors Welcome—call for more information
For more information, call Nik Christian at (928) 526-9537 or email:
nchristian@summitfiredepartment.org
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Summit Fire Annual Open House
Saturday, August 21th
11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Station 32
8905 North Koch Field Road
For more information,
contact Station 32 at (928) 526-9537
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