NEWS & EVENTS

Quality fire and emergency services protect your property values, keep insurance rates low, and play a key part in our community’s ability to attract residents and businesses. Get the latest news from the Pinetop Fire District.

July 11, 2024 - From the White Mountain Independent

Fire Chief warns of rising wildfire risks at Pinetop-Lakeside Chamber meeting

With dire warnings for businesses and residents, Pinetop-Lakeside Fire Chief Jim Morgan delivered an in-depth presentation on the current fire risks and future mitigation plans at the July 2 meeting of the Chamber of Commerce for Pinetop-Lakeside at the GreenTree Inn & Suites in Pinetop.

"Usually it is your worst day when you have to work with the fire department," said Morgan. "We are not just a 911 insurance policy; we are here to ensure your businesses and homes will be here in the future."

The Pinetop Fire District, providing fire, emergency and medical services to over 9,500 residents, sees its population double to more than 20,000 seasonally. Morgan highlighted the district’s history, saying, "We have been here since May 10, 1958. We run an emergency service agency where wildland fire is the highest risk, and falls for people over the age of 65 are the most life-threatening medical risk."

With more than 2,000 calls annually, 70% for emergency medical services, Morgan noted a rise in call volume and the growing threat of wildland fires. "There is a significant increase in fuel loading and more development in fire-dependent landscapes," he said, referencing the Rodeo-Chediski Fire of 2002, which devastated multiple communities and marked a historic wildfire event until the Wallow Fire in 2011.

Click here to read the full article.

MARCH 8, 2024

Kelly, Sinema Deliver Nearly $126 Million for Arizona Priorities & Projects

Senators announce major federal investments for counties, cities, and towns

Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema announced that they secured $125,887,493 in federal investments for Arizona priorities and projects that support local law enforcement, flood control efforts, western rural water, "forever chemicals" removal, military installations, transportation, and more. These were passed as part of the first annual government funding bill for FY24.

These federal investments for Arizona will support projects at the county, city, and local levels that enhance the safety, security, and health of Arizona communities.

"This funding is a game changer in reducing wildfire risk! The White Mountains know wildfire. The June 2002 Rodeo Chediski Wildfire demonstrated how revenging wildfire is and the risk to the communities of Pinetop-Lakeside, Show Low, and surrounding areas," said Pinetop Fire District Chief Jim Morgan. "Senators Kelly and Sinema’s unwavering commitment to addressing wildfire issues, worked to secure funding for a wildfire response station for the Pinetop Fire District. The Pinetop Wildland Fire Response station will ensure that wildfire mitigation work and rapid wildfire response will give our White Mountain communities a fighting chance when the next wildfire rears its ugly head."

Click here to read the entire release.

NOVEMBER 3, 2023

Kelly, Sinema Deliver Over $61.7 Million For Arizona Wildfire Prevention, Military Installations Projects, Affordable Housing Development, and More in First Part of Annual Budget Bill

Senators secured major investments for local Arizona communities that strengthen flood and wildfire prevention, support military servicemembers and their families, invest in affordable housing, and more

Package includes funding for a Kelly and Sinema-backed initiative to create a service center in Gila County for veterans suffering from injuries or trauma

Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema announced major federal investments they secured across Arizona in the first part of the Fiscal Year 2024 bipartisan federal appropriations legislation. Kelly and Sinema secured $61,765,000 for key projects in every corner of the state – including funds to strengthen flood prevention, improve wildfire response, provide child care services and clean water at military installations, construct affordable housing for seniors, and more.

The package includes funding to complete a Kelly and Sinema-backed initiative to convert a former Forest Service fire station into a service center that will help veterans recover from service-related injuries and trauma.

Pinetop Wildland Fire Response Station

Pinetop Fire District

$3,274,000

Pinetop Wildland Fire Response Station – This project will construct a new wildland fire response station, which will house the district’s wildland fire response division. Pinetop Fire District serves a high-risk wildfire community, and this new facility will prevent and combat area wildfires.

Click here to read the entire release.

The Pinetop Fire District's "A" Shift with Chief Jim Morgan and Fire Marshal Kelly Wood, along with the Town of Pinetop-Lakeside, U.S. Forest Service, Tracks and White Mountain Open Trails Association, Saturday May 6, 2017 performed a clean-up in part of the Woodland Lake area, along the south side of the lake, between the paved path and the south parking lot by the ball fields.

Together the group cut and hauled out 7 dump truck loads of branches & slash to green waste. It was a great time for all.

Thank you for all who helped to make our park a little nicer.

Working Smoke Alarms Saves Lives

Smoke alarms are an integral component of a home fire escape plan.
Check them once a month and replace them every ten years!

Please contact Fire Marshal Chad Berlin for more information at (928) 367-2199
Thank You

New Trail Marking System in the White Mountains!!!

The trail marking system was installed by TRACKS

For more information CLICK HERE.

All burn permits expire December 31.

Do not forget they are still free.

Renew yours today!

Lets get out there and clean up our properties

What's more Important?

Incoming Text or Oncoming Traffic!

With more than 100,000 crashes a year due to texting alone, you might think people would get the hint that is just not worth dying or killing someone over.

Most of the phone companies have put out public service messages on TV asking you not to text and drive.

Please take the challenge "Don't Text and Drive".

ADDRESSING!!!

We are still having some problems with residences and businesses not having addresses on them or where they can be seen from the road, day or night!

Please, post your address, help us find you in times of an emergency.
Post your address where it can be seen from the street, day or night.

If you need help with addressing please contact us at (928) 367-2199.