Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for ozone effective May 29, 2020, in the Phoenix area. ADEQ recommends that people limit outdoor activity while the HPA is in effect, especially children and adults with respiratory problems.

When it comes to emergency planning, the best offense is a good defense. Earlier this month, Gov. Doug Ducey proclaimed September Arizona Preparedness Month to encourage families and businesses to mitigate against and prepare for emergencies. Arizona Preparedness Month focuses on planning with an overarching theme: “Disasters happen. Prepare now. Learn how.”

A morning reconnaissance of the Gate 13 Fire determined that increased winds of 20-30 mph, with gust up to 35, at Camp Navajo have significantly reduced the burn rate and spread of the fire.

Firebreaks installed yesterday are holding up to the fire and secondary breaks were installed in the northwest sector of the area.

In addition, “Bambi Bucket” water drops are extinguishing hot spots along the eastern boundary of the fire. This effort has been productive with 5-to-7 minute turn around times from water collection to release. 

Camp Navajo Fire Department is responding to a fire that was initiated in the southwest corner of Camp Navajo near Volunteer Canyon. The Gate 13 Fire started Feb. 6 during demolition operations. The Gate 13 Fire is approximately 830-acres in an area that precludes active fire suppression and remains within the established containment lines.

Camp Navajo Fire Department and facility equipment operators have cut firebreaks around 98% of the fire in an effort to contain the fire to its current boundary.

Governor Doug Ducey has proclaimed June 14 to 19 Monsoon Awareness Week in Arizona in anticipation of the 2015 monsoon and summer severe weather hazards.

Historically, Arizona’s monsoon starts in late June and ends in mid-September. Monsoonal days are characterized by extreme heat and intense moisture, creating high humidity; the perfect recipe for thunderstorms that produce the kind of heavy rain, high winds and lightning that can cause flash flooding and dust storms and spark wildfires.