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.
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.
New Trail Marking System in the White Mountains!!!
All burn permits expire December 31.
What's more Important?
ADDRESSING!!!