Senator Gail Griffin and Representative Brenda Barton will lead a hearing next month to take a close look at forest fires in rural Arizona. The goal of the hearing is to hear from citizens in the affected areas about the impact these fires cause in their communities.
“Fires will always be a part of life in Arizona. We need to find better ways to both prevent and suppress wildfires,” urged a spokesperson for the Arizona Department of Forestry. Speakers, including those from the State Forestry and State Land Departments and others, intend to address topics such as law enforcement and security issues, fire aftermath problems and potential ways to improve rural firefighting.
"Local fire departments and knowledgeable firefighters are vital in preventing and fighting fires," said Senator Griffin. "It's very important that the federal and state fire crews acknowledge the importance of the local fire departments when fighting forest fires. Real coordination amongst all the entities, especially with local input, will be the key to success in the future.”
The hearing is scheduled for August 5 at the Graham Country Board of Supervisors building in Safford. Both Arizona Senate and House of Representative members will be participating in the hearing.
LEGISLATIVE HEARING ON STATE FOREST FIRES IN RURAL ARIZONA COUNTIES
Date: Saturday, August 5, 2017
Time: 10:00 A.M.
Place: Graham County Board of Supervisors
General Services Building
921 Thatcher Boulevard
Safford, AZ 85546
AGENDA
1. Introductions - Senator Gail Griffin and Representative Brenda Barton
2. Presentations and Testimony
Overview of Forest Fires in Graham and Cochise Counties - Jeff Whitney, State Forester
State Land Impacts - State Land Department
Law Enforcement and Security Issues - P.J. Allred, Graham County Sheriff
Local Citizen Testimony
Jay Whetten
Tammy and Steve Smith
Larry Moore
Larry Humphrey
Other citizens
3. Fire Aftermath Issues
Jim Palmer, Graham County Supervisor
Irrigation and Flood Districts
4. Fighting Fires in the Future
Improving Local Coordination and Input
Better Suppression Techniques for Fires During Hot and Dry Months
5. Adjournment
Members:
Senator Gail Griffin Representative Brenda Barton
Senator Sylvia Allen Representative Becky Nutt
Senator Judy Burges Representative Drew John