Public Service Announcement from the Apache County Public Health:

Apache County is experiencing smoke from a prescribed burn on the Alpine Ranger District and Springerville Ranger District in the Apache Sitgreaves Forest. The following information is to help the public respond to smoke issues.

Particulate matter is a component of smoke from wildfires and consists of fine particles such as soot and ash that can reach deep into the lungs and may contain irritating and toxic compounds. Some of the symptoms related to exposure to smoke from wildfires include:

• Eye, nose, mouth and/or throat irritation;
• Coughing;
• Trouble breathing;
• Tightness of the chest; and/or
• The onset of symptoms related to pre-existing respiratory ailments like asthma or emphysema.

If smoke from wildfires is affecting you and your family consider some of the following ac

If smoke from wildfires is affecting you and your family consider some of the following actions:

• If you smell smoke and/or are beginning to experience symptoms, consider temporarily locating to another area as long as it is safe for you to do so.
• Move indoors and stay there with doors and windows closed.
• Run the air conditioning, the fan feature on your home heating system with the heat turned off. The filtration systems on home systems can provide some benefit.
• Run room air filtration units.
• Reduce your physical activity level. Do not exercise.
• If symptoms persist or become more severe, please contact your primary health care provider – even persons considered healthy can experience symptoms when exposed to smoke from wildfires!

There are a few population groups considered especially at risk from exposure to smoke from wildfires.

• Elderly persons;
• Young children (especially children 7 and under);
• Individuals with pre-existing health conditions like asthma, emphysema, and cardiovascular disease; and Individuals with respiratory infections like colds or flu.

The ADEQ Springerville smoke monitor is operational and can be viewed at http://www.phoenixvis.net/PPMmain.aspx.

tions:

The 14 year old suspect was taken into custody around 7:00 pm last night in the Pinteop-Lakeside area without incident by the detectives with the Arizona Department of Public Safety. He has been booked on an arrest warrant for 1st degree murder and 1st degree burglary.

October 3, 2017

14 year old Suspect Sought in Apache County Homicide

Suspect last seen in the Show Low Pines Estates area

Concho, Arizona — On the morning of October 3, 2017, a burglary was reported at a residence in Concho, Arizona. The Apache County Sheriff’s Office responded to the residence to investigate. An occupant of the residence was discovered deceased, the victim of a homicide. The Arizona Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division was requested to be the lead investigative agency.

The suspect has been identified as 14-year-old Joshua Cade Richardson. He is described as 5 feet 6 inches tall, 135 pounds with short brown hair and blue eyes. He was last seen in the Show Low Pines Estates area wearing a gray hoodie, blue jeans, and brown American Eagle dress shoes. He is also described as having acne and has a road rash type scar on his right forearm.

Anyone having any information concerning the homicide or the current location of Joshua Richardson should contact the Arizona Department of Public Safety at 877-272-8329, by clicking on this link https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=807, or by text message by texting “ACT” plus the information to 274637. Please reference “Apache County” to ensure the information is directed appropriately.

Anyone spotting Richardson should immediately call 9-1-1 to report his location. Do not approach Richardson as he is believed to be armed and may pose a danger to others.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety is a state-level law enforcement agency whose mission is to protect human life and property by enforcing state laws, deterring criminal activity and providing vital support to the State of Arizona and its citizens.

Chris Sexton, Apache County Public Health Director 

Air Quality and Wildfire Smoke

Apache County is experiencing smoke from fires in Oregon and Washington due to the Pacific Northwest Jet Stream. The following information is to help the public respond to smoke issues.

Particulate matter is a component of smoke from wildfires and consists of fine such as soot and ash that can reach deep into the lungs and may contain irritating and toxic compounds. Some of the symptoms related to exposure to smoke from wildfires include:

• Eye, nose, mouth and/or throat irritation;
• Coughing;
• Trouble breathing;
• Tightness of the chest; and/or
• The onset of symptoms related to pre-existing respiratory ailments like asthma or emphysema.

If smoke from wildfires is affecting you and your family consider some of the following actions:

• If you smell smoke and/or are beginning to experience symptoms, consider temporarily locating to another area as long as it is safe for you to do so.
• Move indoors and stay there with doors and windows closed.
• Run the air conditioning, the fan feature on your home heating system with the heat turned off. The filtration systems on home systems can provide some benefit.
• Run room air filtration units.
• Reduce your physical activity level. Do not exercise.
• If symptoms persist or become more severe, please contact your primary health care provider – even persons considered healthy can experience symptoms when exposed to smoke from wildfires!

There are a few population groups considered especially at risk from exposure to smoke from wildfires.

• Elderly persons;
• Young children (especially children 7 and under);
• Individuals with pre-existing health conditions like asthma, emphysema, and cardiovascular disease; and Individuals with respiratory infections like colds or flu.

The ADEQ Springerville smoke monitor is operational and can be viewed at http://www.phoenixvis.net/PPMmain.aspx.