Community Alert! Suspect at large.
12:30 AM 08/28/2025

Area of Juniper Dr off Porter Mountain Rd and Penrod Rd in Lakeside, AZ.

The Sheriff’s Office is investigating a stabbing incident in the 1800 block of Juniper Dr in Lakeside, with a large police presence. The suspect is described as a white male, bald, wearing a jean Carhart jacket, blue jeans, brown boots, tan/yellow leather gloves.

Please stay alert and if you see an individual matching this description do not approach. The suspect is considered armed and dangerous. Immediately call law enforcement to report anything suspicious.

Several wildfires have ignited throughout the state including several in neighboring jurisdictions. With these fires, smoky conditions are to be expected in areas of Navajo & Apache Counties. Please refer to the following information for tips to assist when these conditions exist due to prescribed burns.

Particulate matter is a component of smoke from fires 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 smoke exposure from fires 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.
I
f the 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.
• Move indoors and remain inside with doors and windows closed.
• Run the air conditioning, with the fan feature on your home heating system turned off. The filtration units on home systems can provide some benefit.
• Run room air filtration appliances.
• Reduce your physical activity level. Do not exercise.
• If symptoms persist or become severe, please contact your primary health care provider – even persons considered healthy can experience symptoms when exposed to smoke from fires!

There are a few population groups considered especially at risk from exposure to smoke.
• Elderly persons
• Young children (especially children 7 and under)
• Individuals with pre-existing health conditions such as asthma, emphysema, and cardiovascular disease; to include those individuals experiencing cold or flu symptoms.

Should new information become available it will be posted here or on our social media pages.

To follow information from the particulate monitors, please visit the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s website at http://www.phoenixvis.net/PPMmain.aspx

On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, the White Mountain Fire Coordinating Group convened to review regional fire conditions. Based on current assessments, fire restrictions for the following jurisdictions will be rescinded effective Friday, July 25th at 8:00 a.m.:
• Unincorporated areas of Apache and Navajo Counties
• Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
• Arizona State Trust Lands and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands
• Cities/Towns of Eagar, Springerville, Snowflake, Taylor, Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside
Please note: The White Mountain Apache Reservation will also be returning to Stage 1 restrictions on Friday. The reservation remains under Stage 1 fire restrictions year-round.
This decision is the result of a careful analysis of several key indicators:
• Energy Release Component (ERC) values, a key measure of how intensely fuels could burn, have dropped to the 50th percentile or lower, signaling improved fuel moisture levels.
• Fire activity has remained minimal in recent weeks across the region.
• Weather outlooks for the next 6 to 10 days and monthly forecasts predict continued monsoon activity in northeastern Arizona.
• Resource availability for fire response remains adequate should any new fires occur.
These combined factors support a coordinated, region-wide decision to lift fire restrictions. However, increased rain does not eliminate all fire risk. Residents and visitors are urged to continue practicing fire safety and responsible land use.

Fire Safety Reminders:
* Never leave campfires or debris burns unattended.
* Fully extinguish all fires until cold to the touch using the “drown, stir, feel” method.
* Be aware of local fire regulations at all times.
* Littering of smoking materials is always prohibited.

As restrictions are lifted, we also kindly ask for your help in removing old fire restriction signage, flyers, and notices that may still be posted around communities. Clearing out outdated materials helps maintain a clean and accurate information environment.
The White Mountain Fire Coordinating Group sincerely thanks all residents and visitors for their support throughout this fire season. Your efforts have helped keep our forests, homes, and communities safe.