Summer rains have arrived. With the rains, there are safety precautions to be aware of concerning the potential for flash floods and flooding. Flash floods can occur quickly, even without any visible signs of rain. It is important to be prepared for flooding especially if you are in a low-lying area, near water, or downstream from a dam. Even a very small stream or arroyo (dry creek bed) can overflow and create flooding. Other floods can develop slowly during an extended period of rain.
When heavy thunderstorms are expected, keep the following in mind:
-If camping, place the campsite on higher ground and avoid setting up your camp in drainage areas such as river beds and narrow canyons.
-During downpours, never drive across a flooded road. As little as 1 foot of water can move most cars off the road, and just 6 inches of fast moving water can sweep a person off his or her feet.

Be informed! Know the weather forecast for the area you will be in, and plan your activities accordingly.

5:45 PM
The Gold Fire, located 4 miles ENE of White River was discovered today, and has grown to 15-20 acres. Fire Crews have begun aggressive fire suppression on the fire. Smoke will be visible from Pinetop/Lakeside and other Rim communities. Updates will be posted when they become available to us.

Our deepest sympathies go out to the families of the 19 members of the Prescott Granite Mountain Hot Shots crew that perished in the Yarnell Hill Fire today. The fire stared Friday and grew from 4 to 2,000 acres today and is located is in Yavapai County approximately 85 miles northwest of Phoenix. Details are still coming in but it appears the firefighters had to deploy their fire shelters and were overcome by the fire. It appears that this fire was started by lightning. This tragedy is now the deadliest fire in the last 30 years in the United States.

Our hearts go out to everyone involved in the Yarnell Hill Fire.