Flagstaff (NAZ Today)- Hundreds of people turned out on Wednesday evening for a second town meeting for those affected by the Schultz Fire. The biggest topic of concern at the meeting was the potential for flooding. Members from the Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team from the National Forest Service have been studying the burned areas and the remaining vegetation located within the perimeter of the Schultz Fire. They have mapped out specific areas which have the highest potential of flooding during the upcoming Monsoon thunder storms. In total 248 homes have already been identified that are in the greatest danger. These homes are located immediately adjacent to Forest Service land and next to the burned area. Since the vegetation and forest materials have been burned off the mountainsides the rain water that would normally be absorbed by forest materials will likely sheet across the barren ground and flow into the targeted neighborhoods.
Coconino County Supervisor, Liz Archuleta and Coconino County Emergency Manager, Sherry Collins were also on hand at the meeting making recommendations to help the public prepare for the possibility of flooding and future evacuations. Some of the recommendations included having an evacuation plan in place so that residents know what to do and where to go before any flooding happens. It was recommended that each home should have an NOAA weather alert radio and sign up for the Coconino County Alert System. County officials also advised that if an alert goes out and people need to evacuate they simply need to seek areas that are on higher ground. This could include a neighbor’s house on a hilltop or some higher location. They also advise to use common sense and avoid standing under large trees on hill tops during Monsoon weather which most likely would also include lightning.
Sandbags are being made available for residents to pickup to help control water flowing on their property. The sandbag pickup point is located on Campbell Ave and N.Hwy 89 (across from the gas station / convenience store). On Monday residents in the area will also be able to start picking up Wattles, which are straw filled tube shaped devices that they can install to also help channel and divert water away from homes and other parts of their property. Workshops on the installation of wattles and other mitigation barriers are also being offered. If residents who are disabled or have questions about installing the flood barriers they can call 1-877-679-8390 or email shultzmitigation@coconino.az.gov
County officials also want to remind residents to regularly check on neighbors who are elderly or disabled and offer assistance if you are able to.
Click here to watch the full video of the second Schultz Fire town meeting
Emergency Services, Forest Phone Numbers and Links:
Coconino National Forest Website Peaks Ranger District 928-526-0866
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