Official press release ****6/24/16 at 11:36 am****
PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIALS LIFTING THE PRE-EVACUATION NOTICE FOR NON-TRIBAL AREAS
Law Enforcement officials from the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office, Show Low Police Department, and the Pinetop-Lakeside Police Department are lifting the Pre-evacuation notice that has been in effect throughout Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside. This decision comes after consultation with Southwest Area Type 1 Incident Management Team (2). While the Cedar Fire is still active, the conditions that were present to cause law enforcement officials to enact the pre-evacuation have subsided. This covers the communities of Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside and all unincorporated areas of Navajo County that are non-tribal. For the communities on the White Mountain Apache reservation, Tribal authorities will make their own decision on when notices will be lifted.
US Highway US 60 will remain closed at this time.
White Mountain residents and visitors are reminded to be vigilant as to the existing forest conditions in our surrounding communities, which are currently in Stage 1 fire restrictions.
The following acts are prohibited until further notice:
1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire unless noted in the exemptions below.
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
3. Use of any and all fireworks.
4. Use of explosive targets.
5. Use of tracer round ammunition.
Exceptions:
1. Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act.
2. Fires used only for the cooking of food or for providing warmth for human beings or recreational purposes (campfires and charcoal fires) in an area that is designated for that purpose and is barren or cleared of all debris.
3. Persons using a device solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the device.
4. Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.
5. Any Federal, State, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
6. All land within a city boundary is exempted unless otherwise stated by city ordinance.
7. Other exemptions unique to each agency/tribe.
As a community, we extend our appreciation and eternal gratitude to John Pierson and his team for their professionalism and excellent work under the toughest conditions. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they continue to fight the Cedar Fire and protect our communities.
The Navajo County Sheriff’s Office reminds people with any information on a crime to contact WETIP at 800-78CRIME or contact the Sheriff’s Office at (928)532-6060 or (928)524-4050. Callers may request to remain anonymous.
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