CURRENT NEWS . . .

HAPPY HOLIDAYS 2024 – Wishing you Peace and Joy throughout the New Year and Blessings of the Holiday Season!–– from the Firefighters and Volunteers of Oracle Fire District.

Christmas ACTIVITY at OCC – On Sunday, December 15, 2024, Oracle Community Center hosted its annual Christmas festival for children.  They met Santa, decorated cookies, made ornaments, etc.  Oracle Firewise Board and the CERTs were asked to assist with grilling hot dogs. 

BRUSH DUMP -- great news! – Following a successful burn of the accumulated brush, Oracle Brush Dump is now OPEN and will resume the regular schedule of Tuesday -Saturday, 8am- 4:45pm; closed on Sundays, Mondays and Holidays. We appreciate your patience throughout this extremely hot and dry summer.
Please visit this website for the full list of policies and procedures, but don’t forget to arrive at the front window with your resident ID card, exact change ($5 per load, $10 for back of truck & trailer, $20 for a dump truck), and NO TRASH! Thank you!

2024 ORACLE FIREWISE PROPERTY AWARDS – Oracle Firewise & Certs present firewise awards to property owners in Oracle each year to those that have reduced vegetation along with trimming, weed-eating, reduced ladder fuels – and have defensible space around their business or residence. The latest winners of that presentation are:
Commercial Property: El Rancho Robles on American Ave.
Private Residence: Warren & Meg Fenzi at 2150 E. Mt. Lemmon Hwy.

photo (left): John Karels and Andrew Kirk, El Rancho Robles;
(right): Warren & Meg Fenzi, Mt. Lemmon Hwy.
Congratulations to all and a big thank you for keeping us safer!

FUELING THE FUTURE (2024) FOR THE FIFTH YEAR – Saddlebrooke, Saddlebrooke Ranch and Oracle volunteers are working together to provide much needed food over winter break for students at Mountain Vista School in Oracle. FUELING THE FUTURE began and is continuing as a grass roots effort to support students at Mountain Vista. Many Mountain Vista students rely upon school breakfasts and lunches which are not available during the 15 days of winter break and many may suffer from food insecurity. FUELING THE FUTURE has provided non-perishable and fresh food for over 75 students and families.
Distribution is December 19 which is the final day of school. Students who are members of the National Junior Honor Society work to sort, bag and distribute the food. We are proud of their efforts and willingness to assist others. Click HERE to see how you can help!

CORONADO NATIONAL FOREST FUELWOOD PERMTS NOW AVAILABLE! – Stop in at the Sabino Canyon Vistor Center located at 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Rd. in Tucson, AZ or call Kelly
at 520-749-7700. Click on graphic below for more information.

VOLUNTEER LUNCHEON (Nov. 2024) – The Pinal County Attorney's Office recently honored volunteers from across Pinal County including the volunteers in this photo from the OFD CERT and Firewise programs as well as the Oracle Historical Society.
Photo: (l-r): Dale Suter, Rachel Opinsky, Michael Opinsky, John Medley, Barbara Haas and Kevin Armbrust.


VETERANS DAY – Oracle Fire District was honored to participate in the Veterans Day procession and flag raising ceremony with local veterans on Monday morning, November 11th, 2024. Thank you for your service!


PRESCRIBED BURNS – Starting the week of November 4, 2024, and continuing through Spring 2025, Coronado National Forest will be conducting fire operations in the Santa Catalina mountains. Smoke may be seen from Oracle at that time. For more information, click on the map below.

Pinal County “Home Alone Unit” Program – Pinal County offers a program for people who would like a way to contact emergency response personnel quickly and efficiently in the event of emergencies. The program provides a medical alert system, for anyone who wants one, that can be used for any kind of emergency.
The system is comprised of a 911 pendant that can be carried around the home and activated in the event of an emergency, and a base unit that will automatically dial 911 when a button on the pendant is pushed. The pendant has a microphone that allows the user to communicate verbally with a 911 dispatcher. Additionally, it operates on caller ID so that even if voice communication with the dispatcher cannot be established, emergency response personnel will automatically respond to the address of the caller.
The program has been operational for at least 20 years and, over the years, has successfully notified first responders of many people in distress in the Oracle area.
The program in Oracle is administered by Oracle Fire District for residents within Oracle Fire District. The program was designed for elderly or handicapped people but is open to anyone who feels the need for an additional level of security within the home. The units are provided free of charge by the County, there is no monthly service charge, and are installed and maintained by a team of OFD volunteers. Routine checks, either in person or by phone, are made every six months to make sure the units are working properly. Users are also trained in how to check their units by themselves.
In most cases, the units are functional anywhere within the home and, nominally, within 100 feet of the house outside. One limitation is that the user must have a local “896” land line. The County has investigated possible ways to provide this service using cell or mobile phones but, as of now, has not found a way to do so.
Residents interested in the program, and who have a land line number (896 prefix), may inquire by contacting OFD
at 520-896-2980 (ask to speak with Tina or Cherie).

TEMPORARY BRUSH DUMP CLOSING – The Oracle Fire District Brush Dump temporarily closed on Sat. 7/27/2024. Brush at the brush dump was pushed up into piles a couple of weeks ago to make more room, however, it is now at capacity. The brush dump will temporarily close for an undetermined amount of time starting Saturday, July 27, 2024. The brush will be burned, and the dump will be cleaned up and re-opened as soon as conditions allow. Thank you for your ongoing patience and support.

NEW FIREWISE OPTION IN TOWN – The latest method of land clearing might be somewhat new and a little less orthodox then usual. You may have seen several goats running around Frank and Kaz's land recently. They have used the services of our local "goat ranchers" who have a herd of goats to get the land into shape.
This new method of “land clearing” is becoming more popular these days and not only cheaper than usual methods but enhances the soil in a more environmental manner. Here’s a photo of these critters who are most happy to help. The 'GO' sign near them with their new firewise sign is hard to miss.

Firewise Property Award 2009 — At long last, on Tuesday., August 13, 2024, OFD Firewise finally awarded an actual property award sign to Frank Pierson and Kaz for their Firewise efforts on their property that is adjacent to the Oracle Post Office and the turnoff to Mt Lemmon Hwy. We apparently were not giving out actual signs in 2009, and felt it was about time they were recognized. They have maintained this same property in an excellent Firewise manner since then and are continuing today. Thank you for being such good stewards of Oracle.

Photo (l-r): Chief Robert Jennings, Office Mgr. Tina Acosta, FW Cochair Rachel Opinsky, Kaz Kazda, Frank Pierson and FW Cochair Mary Harris.

UP TO DATE WILDFIRE INFORMATION – Visit https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/ for up-to-date wildfire information.
For more info on any fires near Oracle or in AZ, click HERE or go to:
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/
You can also go onto Facebook to our Oracle Fire District link
(click on the right side of this page to facebook). We have information with updates from dffm.az.gov.

ORACLE BRUSH DUMP RESIDENT CARDS – If you have not yet registered for a resident card, please do so by coming to the fire station front office Monday through Thursdays from 8am-4:45pm. You will need "proof of residency" within the Oracle Fire District whenever you want to use the Brush Dump.
BRUSH DUMP BASIC RULES – NO TRASH, CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS, PALLETS, CACTUS, AGAVES, YUCCAS, TREE STUMPS OR TREE TRUNKS LARGER THAN 10” IN DIAMETER. Normal brush dump hours are TUES–SAT, 8am–4:45pm, closed on holidays.

The Oracle Brush Dump Rules –
The Oracle Brush Dump is NOT OPEN at this time! When we ARE open, regular business hours are Tuesdays-Saturdays 8:00am-4:45pm and closed on Sundays, Mondays and Holidays.
• Please bring your resident card and exact change ($5 for a single truck or trailer, $10 for both, and $20 for a dump truck).
If you do not already have a resident card, please bring proof of residency within the Oracle Fire District, such as a driver's license or utility bill.
• As always, NO TRASH ALLOWED! This includes construction materials, even if it is wood. This is a Firewise program and designed to accept cuttings from trees, shrubs and grass. We cannot accept large tree stumps as they do not burn completely and need to be hauled away after burns. Also, NO CACTUS, AGAVES, AND YUCCAS. They also do not burn thoroughly. Thank you for your patience!

OPTIONS . . .
There are options beside using the Oracle Brush Dump:
• One is the use of the Pinal County Waste Voucher Disposal Program* (more information below). The other is a link to many FREE Dump or Cleanup Events throughout Pinal County, two that will be in San Manuel. These will be posted on social media and the pinal county website.

Use of County Vouchers . . . Materials (like cactus, agaves, large tree stumps, construction lumber, etc) can be taken to our local Waste Management location using a Pinal County voucher.
Free vouchers are available through Pinal County: Eligible Cities: Aravaipa, Dudleyville, Kearny, Mammoth, Oracle, San Manuel, and Superior.

Waste Voucher Disposal Program Application –
1. Complete and return the Application:
Contact 520-866-6419 for the application or you can click HERE
or on this link for the application:
https://pinalcountyaz.seamlessdocs.com/f/wastewatervoucher
2. Submit the required documents:
Required Documents:
1. A current utility bill stating your name and residential service address. Acceptable Documents: Water, Power, Sewer & Trash Bill.
2. A copy of a valid State Issued ID/Driver’s License.
Voucher pickup information will be provided by Public Works once the application has been approved.
Three vouchers are issued to the primary residence once per year. Valid voucher dates are July-Oct, Nov-Feb & March-June. Any lost vouchers will not be replaced.

BRUSH DUMP POLICIES & PROCEDURES:
POLICIES:
• Use of the brush dump is limited to vegetation removed from properties within Oracle Fire District.
• As always, only tree & shrub trimmings, grass cuttings, and leaves are accepted. Tree trunks over 10” in diameter, tree stumps, cactus, agaves, or yuccas are NOT accepted as they do not burn completely. NO trash, lumber or construction materials, pallets, etc.
• Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday. 8am- 5pm (last key check out at 4:45pm).
• We are now closed on Sundays and Mondays and all Holidays.
• The key will NOT be given to anyone without proof of residency or a permit.
• Non-compliance with any policies or procedures may result in permission to use the brush dump being revoked.
PROCEDURES:
• Proof of residency (Driver License, utility bill, or property tax document) that shows that you own property within Oracle Fire District or are renting is required to complete a resident form and to obtain permits.
• New resident forms will only be issued by the OFD administrative staff, front office of the fire station, Mon-Thurs 8am-4pm, and Friday mornings 8am-noon.
• If you cannot make it to OFD during these admin. hours, email either Tina at tacosta@oraclefire.org or Cherie at ccheney@oraclefire.org or call 520-896-2980 during admin. hours for alternative methods.
• Once an Oracle resident form is completed, they will be issued a Resident card with their name and number, which can be shown at the front office for the brush dump key.
• For an Oracle resident using a contractor to haul their brush, a sheet of 5 “permits"with your name and Resident ID # will be issued. The resident will be required to complete each permit with their name and phone number. When needed, the resident will fill in the contractor’s name and phone number on the permit and give one permit to them. More permits may be issued on a case-by-case basis.
• The resident will show their card, or the contractor will give the permit to the person at the front window of the OFD station, and will be required to pay the appropriate fee . . .
• $5 for one load – back of truck OR trailer /• $10 for two loads – back of truck AND trailer /• $20 for a dump truck. / Note: EXACT CHANGE IS REQUIRED.

DIRECT LINKS TO BURN PERMITS AND RESTRICTIONS –
We now have a new main link button (left) on this home page to these important sources regarding Burn Permits and Restrictions.
• Pinal County – BURN PERMITS and another for PERMITTED FIRES.
• Coronado National Forest – All info including Burn Permits.
• Dept. of Forestry & Fire Management (DFFM) –
A direct link to FIRE RESTRICTIONS.
• For state, federal, and tribal fire restrictions visit their NEW website at Arizona State Park: https://azstateparks.com

NEED HELP TO FIREWISE YOUR PROPERTY? – OFD is now accepting applications for a grant that may help you now or in the future. Click HERE to find out details. Click HERE for the application. If you just need a list of landscapers and contractors that are available here in Oracle, click HERE for more information. Note: they do not work for OFD.

WILDFIRE INFORMATION – There is ONE WEBSITE that has the best information on all major fires in the US. Make this a bookmark for Arizona and any other state you may want to check on. The home page takes you to the most current and largest fires. It has maps, details and updates. For all fires in one state, click at the top right, choose your state and click GO. Click HERE to go to that site or bookmark the link: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/
Facebook is also another good source for the latest information.

OFD IS RECRUITING! – Oracle Fire is recruiting for Part-Time and Reserve Firefighter/ EMTs. Paid 24-hr shifts. You must be at least 18. Click HERE to see our flyer with more details or email us at: rjennings@oraclefire.org / Click HERE for an APPLICATION.

PREPARING FOR WILDFIRE – Your future self may thank you for this: do these two things right now to prepare for wildfires. Not sure how? Click HERE.

GETTING ALERTS – If you have not yet turned in our ENS form to be added to the OFD emergency notification system, please fill out the form, complete and either email back to OFD (Tina), fax, or bring in. Don’t forget to sign up for the Pinal County Emergency Notification System as well.

THE ORACLE EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM (ENS) –
You can't afford not to be on this list for emergency notifications. Click to go to the "ENS" form and be sure to get any additional numbers (besides your landline) in the system by filling it out and returning it to Oracle Fire District. Just drop it by the fire station.
HOME ALONE ENS SYSTEM – If you are in need of an earlier warning to evacuate due to your health or to relocate animals and livestock, you can be in a special group that gets ENS warnings ahead of the general public. Here's a LIST of evacuation information that may help you.

INTERESTED IN EVACUATION PREPARATION OR WILDFIRE STATUS? Here are some links and documents that will help you find the information you need:
• Ready, Set, Go - Information on One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire.
• How to Have a Firewise Home (606kB)
• Living with Wildfire (3.5MB)
• FEMA Evacuation Checklist (123kB)
• One Less Spark (Poster) (2MB)
• Newsletter - SUMMER
• EQUINE & LIVESTOCK EVAC PREP - Link to Video on youtube – Wildfire preparedness tips from a firefighter, veterinarian and ranch owner called "Saving the Ranch."

MORE INFORMATION – Would you like more useful info on wildfire? Click HERE for News & Information, Fire Weather, Maps, WIldland Fire Data in Google Earth, Arizona Fire Ecology, WIldland Fire, Firewise Resources, Smoke and Air Quality, Info for Before, During and After a Wildfire, How to Help and Fire Prevention & Education topics. There are several excellent artlces relative under each topic you can click to at the Arizona Interagency Wildfire Prevention website.

What is a Red Flag Warning? – According to the National Weather Service, a Red Flag Warning is issued when a "combination of low humidity, strong winds, dry ground cover, and warm temperatures are expected to bring critical fire weather conditions to the warned area." When we have these conditions, you may see our red flag flying in front of the fire station. Please be vigilant and cautious especially on these days.