THESE ARE BRIEF VERSIONS OF SOME OF OUR PAST NEWS STORIES FROM 2021 TO PRESENT.

2024 . . .

FLOOD FIRE – Oracle is not in any danger, at this time, from the Flood fire burning about 3 miles NW of Oracle Junction. For more information on fires in Arizona, go to State of Arizona | InciWeb (wildfire.gov) http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ or download the app Watch Duty on your smart phone.

ORACLE FIRE (Sept 11, 2024) – Brush Fire – NW side of Oracle.
Update: We are happy to report that the Rockcliffe Fire is now 100% contained and out!
(Sept. 9, 2024) – Forward progress on the Rockcliffe fire on the NW side of Oracle was stopped. Hot spots and smoke will be visible throughout the night and tomorrow. OFD will continue monitoring and mopping up the fire.

PEPPERSAUCE FIRE UPDATE FROM CNF – (Aug 26, 2024),
Peppersauce Fire: 8.6 acres. Forward progress stopped!
Yesterday afternoon, fire crews from Oracle Fire District (OFD) responded, along with crews from Coronado National Forest (CNF), to a lightning-caused fire in the Peppersauce area, 1 mile southwest of the Arizona Zipline. There was not any threat to nearby structures. This morning, at 9am, we were informed by a Fire Management Officer for CNF that forward progress of the Peppersauce Fire had been stopped. As always, we are grateful for the hard work of our Oracle firefighters and the solid and supportive relationships we have with neighboring public lands agencies and fire districts. Thank you to ALL firefighters and first responders! Enjoy the remainder of these dog days of summer and have a safe and fun Labor Day weekend!

FREE SHRED EVENT – We are helping the Pinal County Attorney’s Office promote their FREE Community Document Shredding event on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 9am-11am at Oracle Community Center.
In addition to document/paper shredding, the Pinal County Sheriff's Office is offering a Drug Take Back for UNUSED OR EXPIRED MEDICATIONS (solid, tablets, capsules, and pet medications). You MAY NOT dispose of: Injectables, syringes, needles or EpiPens, asthma inhalers, thermometers, intravenous solutions, creams or liquids. Suggested Donations: Toiletries to benefit Pinal County abuse shelters (toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo, soap and feminine hygiene products AND/OR cases of water for our local Law Enforcement Agencies. For additional information or questions, please contact: latisha.joseph@pinal.gov.

NEW FIRE BOARD MEMBER – New OFD Fire Board member, Laura Calvert from Oracle, was sworn in at the public meeting on April 17th by Acting Chairman McNulty with Board members Robert Guyton and Rob Walker in attendance.

Photo left to right: Fire Chief Robert Jennings, Oracle Fire Board members Rob Walker, Robert Guyton, Laura Calvert, and Jim McNulty.

CERT TRAFFIC CONTROL TRAINING – On April 27, 2024, the Oracle CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) members participated in Traffic Control Training provided by the Pinal County Sheriffs Office with Deputies Rice and Thomas. Training consisted of both classroom and in-field training. Those that participated were: Larry & Susan Keane, Michael & Rachel Opinsky, Ward Frost, Sharon & Thorne Bertrand, Barb & Bernie Haas and Mary & David Harris as well as Tina Acosta.

HONORING OUR VOLUNTEERS – OFD firefighters, staff, and volunteers were honored to participate in the Fourth of July parade and festivities organized by the volunteer board at the Oracle Community Center. We would like to recognize these board members for their hard work and dedication to our community. Many of our nonprofit organizations rely upon volunteers. Please join us in celebrating these wonderful people, and let us know if you too would like to volunteer. There are a large variety of volunteer positions needed to be filled in Oracle.

Fire Status Oracle – In just the last few weeks since we have had rain in Oracle, we have gone from a Fire Status of Extreme, to High and now back to Moderate. Status signs are located on the right just before you get to Oracle Post Office as well as on the Reader Board in front of the station house. You can also check on our website on the right side of the home page.

WE HAD A GREAT TOWN HALL MEETING ON MAY 16, 2024 at Oracle Community Center. We had excellent speakers and a great crowd. Lots of good information. This was our flyer for the event.
We will be updating you soon on what happened.

HOPE YOU WERE ABLE TO GET TO OUR FREE ORACLE BRUSH DUMP DAY ON SAT., MAY 4, 2024 – The brush has been burned, and the re-opening was on May 4. And, in recognition of National Wildfire Preparedness Day, we offered FREE and unlimited loads to Oracle residents who had their resident card for just that day.

CERT TRAINING AT OFD – On January 13, 2024, members of our CERT group took a SCBA training class with Firefighters Nick Brenning, Alan Lopez and Harley Van Coillie. This class in Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) was to familiaize CERTs with the filling of air bottles to assist during an emergency with Oracle Fire District. The firefighters are needed on scene and Certs can help at the station to get additional equipment ready if needed.

BRUSH DUMP NEWS! – (July 4, 2024) The Oracle brush dump is closed today for the holiday and will be closed tomorrow and Saturday. We hope to have the brush pushed up next Monday, July 8th, which MAY allow us to reopen for another week or two before it gets too full. The decision to reopen cannot be made until after the brush is pushed up. We will send out another notice once a decision is made. Thank you for your support and patience. We hope you had a safe and fun Fourth of July!

Mr s. Calvert is replacing 9-year veteran OFD Board member Franky Hill who was recognized for her service on May 15th. Photo left to right: Paul Arias, Franky Hill / Laura Calvert, Paul Arias,
Jim McNulty, Fire Chief Robert Jennings, Franky Hill and Rob Walker

BRUSH DUMP OPEN! – (July 8, 2024) The Oracle Brush Dump will
re-open Tuesday, July 9th at 8am and will resume the normal schedule: Tuesday-Saturday, 8am-4:45pm, closed on holidays. However, the dump is near capacity, so it will be re-evaluated on a weekly basis until it needs to be closed again.

July 4th Celebration – ORACLE 2024 – Local folks celebrated in Oracle today with a parade in the morning plus breakast and a lunch at Oracle Community Center. The annual event of an OFD fire truck at the center to cool people off with a water spray was quite welcome. Enjoy and have a safe holiday! Stay tuned for some photos of the event shortly.

ITEMS FOR FIREFIGHTERS – OFD and AzDFFM are grateful for the outpouring of support for our firefighters and thank you for your generosity. However, we are at storage capacity and can no longer accept donated items. Everyone working the Freeman Fire continues to appreciate your thoughts and prayers.

Waste Vouchers from Pinal County –
There are several 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.
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. Here is the Application Process:
1. Complete and return the Application. Contact 520-866-6419 for the application. https://pinalcountyaz.seamlessdocs.com
2. Submit a current utility bill stating your name and residential address. Acceptable Documents: Water, Power, Sewer & Trash Bill.
3. Submit a copy of a valid Arizona State Issued ID / Driver’s License.
4. Submit all documents to: pcroadmaintenance.sharedmailbox@pinal.gov
or contact 520-866-6419 to make arrangements to pick up or apply for vouchers. 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.

GRANT-ASSISTED BRUSH THINNING – Oracle Fire District is now accepting applications, June 3 -17, 2024, for possible grant-assisted brush thinning work within Oracle Fire District – (IF THE GRANT IS AWARDED TO OFD). This is a Firewise grant, which means it is intended to render homes, properties, and neighborhoods safer from the threat of wildfire by reducing “fuel loading” or excessive brush. This is not intended for landscaping, but for properties that have an excess of brush and owners who are in need of help. Brush thinning work includes: cutting down dead or dying trees, limbing up live trees and shrubs and cutting down dense stands of shrubs and underbrush. Cut brush is either chipped and placed in piles for mulch or hauled off IF the chipper is not available. Brush thinning work does NOT include: weed whacking, removal of beargrass, yuccas, cactus, or tree and shrub stumps.Click HERE for the Application or they can be picked up and completed at the Oracle Fire Station at 1475 W. American Ave., Mon-Thurs, 8:30am-4:30pm, June 3-17, 2024.
You can downloaded it from this website, then complete it and either brought to the fire station or scanned and emailed to tacosta@oraclefire.org
For more information, call the fire station at 520-896-2980 Mon–Thurs, 8:30am-4:30pm.
Please feel free to forward the flyer to your neighbors or other Oracle Fire District residents or post the attached flyer around the community.

NEW CAPTAIN AT OFD – Full-time employee Nick Brening was recently promoted from Engineer to Captain. In recognition of this incredible achievement, Chief Jennings and Chief McGinnis presented Captain Brening with his Captain's badge and briefly highlighted Brening’s accomplishments over his 8-year career with OFD. (photo: Chief McGinnis, Captain Brening and Chief Jennings)

VIENTO FIRE 2024 – On Friday, April 25, 2024 at approximately 4:54am, Oracle Fire District was dispatched for a residential structure fire with children and a mother still inside. The crew immediately asked for assistance from the closest fire district. While enroute, the crew was updated that the children and mother were able to get out of the house safely. The crew arrived and found a fully-involved, two-story house on fire. The crew immediately had to take a defensive attack on the fire to prevent further spread to other structures in the area. The crew was able to contain the fire to the single residence due to the quick response. Golder Ranch arrived on scene and assisted the containment of the fire until it was fully controlled.
Oracle Fire would like to thank Golder Ranch Fire, PCSO, AMR, Oracle CERT team, SWG, and BIA for their efforts. We also would like to thank other neighboring fire districts as we know they were 'at the ready' to help if needed. As a reminder, this is the second fully-involved structure fire in the last three weeks and both were near misses with occupants inside. Please make sure your smoke alarms are working properly and are not expired. As the weather heats up, fire growth will be much faster. A FIREWISE property will help in the spread of a fire as it did in these cases. We can’t tell you how thankful we are that these are only near misses. We are extremely proud of the work our crews have done and the help from other agencies.

RED FLAG WARNING TODAY – A Red Flag Warning has been issued for our area from 11am to 7pm. Strong winds (sw winds at 20-30mpg and gusts up to 35-45 mph), low humidity and a high fire danger rating make conditions right for fires to start and spread quickly. Use extreme caution with anything that can spark a fire.

HOPE YOU WERE ABLE TO GET TO THE FREE ORACLE BRUSH DUMP DAY ON SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2024
The brush has now been burned at the Oracle Brush Dump, and the final cleanup is taking place. The re-opening will be this coming Saturday, May 4. In recognition of National Wildfire Preparedness Day, we are offering FREE and unlimited loads from 7am–3pm to Oracle residents who have their resident card. If you have not yet registered for a resident card, please do so in advance by coming to the fire station front office tomorrow through Thursday, 8am–4:45pm, and Friday 8am–1pm.
You will need proof of residency within the Oracle Fire District.
NO TRASH, CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS, PALLETS, CACTUS, AGAVES, YUCCAS, TREE STUMPS OR TREE TRUNKS LARGER THAN 10” IN DIAMETER.
This FREE dump day is Saturday, May 4th from 7am–3pm. The normal fee of $5 per load will apply after 3pm. Normal brush dump hours are TUES–SAT, 8am–4:45pm, closed on holidays.
Click HERE for more information.

BRUSH DUMP CLOSED FOR NOW! – The brush at the Brush Dump was burned on Sunday, April 21. It will be closed until it is cleaned up after the burn – to reopen in a week or so. Thank you for your continued support and patience.

HEALTH ALERT – Recently, wildlife in the Oracle area has tested postive for rabies. Signs are being placed at our trails and state park in the area alerting hikers and those walking pets to be cautious and report any agressive, strange, or unusual wild animal behavior to Arizona Game and Fish Dept at 800-352-0700.
As a reminder, please make sure your pets are properly vaccinated.

ORACLE OAKS 2024 – A great day for Oracle activities! OFD joined the parade
with a few vehicles. Firewise, CERT and DFFM booths provided handouts and
information regarding firewise materials. There was a snake rescue and a
local child visited the DFFM brush truck with AZ DFFM Officer Steve.

HIRING THE DEPT. OF CORRECTIONS (DOC) CREW
The Florence Department of Corrections Wildland Crew (DOC) has been providing defensible/survivable space fuel thinning services in Oracle for several years now. The crew consists of approximately 20 very hard working men who are equipped with chain saws and other equipment, including a large chipper machine. Contact us for an idea of fees. Most projects are completed in one day. If you or anyone you know are interested in this program, please call the fire station (896-2980) and we'll be happy to work with you to make arrangements. Shown below are some samples of before-and-after views.

RAIN FOR ORACLE – A reminder from Pinal County Public Works that they provide free sand and sandbags at various locations. In Oracle, it is at the Public Works location at 1410 N Justice Dr behind the Oracle Courthouse.

PILE BURNS IN THE CATALINAS (Jan 31, 2024) – We’ve been receiving calls about smoke seen on the north side of the Catalinas. Coronado National Forest confirmed they are burning wood piles.
(photo: Laura Flores)

(photos: Catalina Ranger Dist. / Saguaro National Park)
UPDATE – The pile burns on the Catalinas are going very well; we will continue our operations into tomorrows shift (Feb 1st).  Expect to see similar smoke output from the top of the Catalina mountains that was visible today.  Open flame will remain visible along Catalina Hwy near mile markers 20-22, no smoke impacts are anticipated,  however, smoke will be visible. Burning continues.

Free Wildfire Risk Assessment Course in Oracle concluded –
OFD Firewise held a free class on January 20, 2024: Reducing Wildfire Risk in the Home Ignition Zone, with instructors from the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management teaching a curriculum created by Firewise USA / NFPA.
This one-day course was designed for community members and fire professionals interested in wildfire risk reduction actions property owners can implement to improve home survivability due to a wildland fire threat. The course included information on the fundamentals of wildland fire behavior; potential types of ignition sources; the Home Ignition Zone; recommendations for wildfire risk reduction actions; case studies of Wildland Urban Interface fires; National Fire Protection Association Firewise and Firewise USA recognition program. Much appreciation and thanks to the Oracle Piano Society for the use of their facilities. (photo: T. Acosta)

Free Wildfire Risk Assessment Course in Oracle –
The winter months are the perfect time to prepare for the upcoming wildfire season, which seems to be year-round these days. Consequently, the Oracle Firewise group, in collaboration with the Oracle Fire District, is pleased to offer to the public (regardless of if you live within the fire district ’s boundaries) a free class: Reducing Wildfire Risk in the Home Ignition Zone, with instructors from the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management teaching a curriculum created by Firewise USA / NFPA. / This one-day course is designed for community members and fire professionals interested in wildfire risk reduction actions property owners can implement to improve home survivability due to a wildland fire threat. / The course will include information on the fundamentals of wildland fire behavior; potential types of ignition sources; the Home Ignition Zone; recommendations for wildfire risk reduction actions; case studies of Wildland Urban Interface fires; National Fire Protection Association Firewise and Firewise USA recognition program.
There will be a mix of classroom-based presentations and field practice with property site visits. Please dress appropriately for weather conditions with pants and closed toe shoes for the property walk-throughs. / Participants will be required to come eager to learn and must attend the full course to receive a Certificate of Completion.
Much appreciation and thanks to the Oracle Piano Society for the use of their facilities. This free class will be taught at the Oracle Center for the Arts, 700 E. Kingston Street, Oracle, Az. 85623 on Saturday, January 20th, 2024, from 8am – 3:30pm. / There are only 30 seats available, so register quickly (registration closes at 5pm on January 18th) by emailing Rachel Opinsky at ropinsky8@gmail.com or call 623-523-9989 for more information.

2023 . .

WM TRANSFER STATION NEWS – Latest Information regarding the WM Transfer Station in Oracle: Starting October 16, no trailers will be accepted. Truck loads only. They wil only accept household trash and it must be bagged and secured. New Hours starting October 16: Monday-Wednesday 9am-3pm only! The Transfer Station will be closed Thursday-Sunday and Holidays!

The Christmas event at Oracle Community Center with the Light Parade was awesome! The event on Sat., Dec. 9th, 2023 from 4-6pm was followed by a terrific light parade.

2023 OFD FIREWISE PROPERTY AWARDS – On Nov. 14, 2023, the Annual Firewise Property Awards were presented. Winner for the Commercial Award was given to Mountain Vista School. The residential award was given to Margaret Guyton on American Avenue. A certificate and a property sign was given to each winner.

Commercial Property Award Winner for 2023 is Mountain Vista
School shown above. Photo left (L-R): Principal Shannon Soule,
Vice President of School Governing Board Edie Crall, President of School Governing Board Linda Lyon and Superintendent Crystal Nehrmeyer. Photo right: The Maintenance Team with Claude, Frank and Carlos was also recognized for their excellent improvements to the campus. (Photos: kmhorton, Miner Nathaniel Lopez)

Residential Property Award Winner for 2023 is Margaret Guyton for her property on American Avenue. Photo left (L-R): Margaret Guyton, OFD Board Member Robert Guyton, Firewise cochair Rachel Opinsky and Firewise cochair Mary Harris. Photo right: Members of the Firewise / CERT team were at their monthly meeting at OFD to congratulate them. (Photos: T. Acosta, Miner Nathaniel Lopez)

HELPING OUT THIS SEASON –
FUELING THE FUTURE . . . by Edie Crall
For the last four years, Saddlebrooke and Saddlebrooke Ranch have worked together providing much needed food to students at Mountain Vista School (MVS) in Oracle, over the winter break. We are thrilled that the Rotary Club of Saddlebrooke is joining the effort again!
Many students who rely upon school breakfasts and lunches, which are not available during the 15 days of Winter Break, may experience food insecurity. For the last four years, FUELING THE FUTURE has provided non-perishable AND fresh food to over 70 families.
Additionally, over the last few years, volunteers from the CERT and Firewise programs at Oracle Fire District have volunteered their time to help with the set-up and distribution of this food. This year, Oracle Fire District is pleased to announce they will provide an additional collection site, outside of the two Saddlebrooke locations, for the convenience of Oracle residents and those who work in Oracle. Starting on Friday, November 24th through December 15:
NON-PERISHABLE FOOD or CHECKS made out to ORACLE COMMUNITY CENTER (who is collaborating with the Saddlebrooke Rotary Club to create tax-deductible donation opportunities)
may be dropped off at: Oracle Fire Station at 1475 W. American Ave. MON-FRI from 8 am to 5pm. PLEASE DO NOT DROP OFF OUTSIDE OF THESE DAYS AND TIMES!
Suggested non-perishable donations include: peanut butter, jelly, cereal, pasta and pasta sauce, mac & cheese, dry rice, soups, applesauce, juice boxes and/or bottles, crackers and chips, dessert mixes, boxed potatoes, canned fruit, vegetables, beans, fish, meats, etc. Thank you for your support!
Any questions, please contact Edie at: ediecrall@me.com or call 520-404-1005.
ANOTHER GREAT DONATION OPPORTUNITY . . .
Another great donation opportunity is for Oracle Community Center, which provides many events for Oracle, including the Free
Christmas Event with Santa this year on Saturday, Dec. 9th.
Additionally, volunteers at the OCC are assembling gift baskets for some elderly people in need within our community and are accepting financial donations for purchases of items to be gifted in the baskets. For more information, please call Laura Stiltner
at 928-242-2555. Wishing you all safe and very enjoyable holidays!

PRESCRIBED BURNS IN THE SANTA CATALINA MOUNTAINS –
Notice from the US Forest Service - Coronado National Forest:
The Santa Catalina Ranger District, Coronado National Forest, plans to conduct 10 acres of prescribed pile burn activities in the Santa Catalina Mountains near Marshall Gulch beginning Monday, December 4, 2023.
If we receive more precipitation, we hope to burn the piles in Bear Wallow and Box Camp. Targeted slash piles for next week are located in Marshall Gulch, at the Mt. Lemmon Fire District, and on the south side of Summerhaven. Refer to the map for all pile locations. Light smoke may be visible south of Summerhaven and from the Catalina Highway throughout the week. No closures or restrictions will be put in place due to the pile burning activities. These activities are being implemented as part of the Catalina-Rincon FireScape project. To learn more, click HERE.

CHAROULEAU GAP, Santa Catalina – A fire was reported in the Charouleau Gap area at 9:52am this morning. Coronado National Forest and Oracle Fire District are aware of the fire in this area and are working on it. No values are at risk at this time.

BRUSH DUMP BURNED! – OFD has now burned at the OFD brush dump. Smoke will continue on and off until smoldering piles are extinguished. It will probably take at least one week to clean up prior to reopening. Thank you for your cooperation. (Oct. 10, 2023).

Hello Oracle Community . . .
We have received many calls asking if the brush dump is open now that we received a bit more rain. Unfortunately, the answer is NO.
There are many factors that go into burning the brush, which is our only means to remove the accumulated piles of brush and to clean the dump up to receive more. You probably have heard of “prescribed fires,” and this burning of the brush piles is no different. Not only does it take the perfect weather conditions (temperature, humidity, wind, etc.) but we also have other factors to consider, such as only burning on the weekend, when school in not in session, and having enough manpower for a second crew dedicated to the burn, while the other crew is available for routine fire and medical calls. Plus, there is preparation work and clean up that entails logistics and manpower, so when you finally see the smoke from the burn, it will still take us another week or so to completely clean up the pad and reopen to the public.
This year’s lack of monsoon rain has been an anomaly that we hope does not repeat and for which we have no control. Burning of the brush is an enormous liability for Oracle Fire District and we take every precaution possible. We hope that you can appreciate this dilemma.
• We apologize for this prolonged inconvenience. Oracle Fire District created the brush dump for our community decades ago, not as a mandate, which it is not, but as a resource and incentive for our residents to be as Firewise as possible, and to reduce the risks of wildfire. So, of course, it is in our best interest. However, since the inception of this benefit, the weather has become drier and hotter, the brush loads have increased, and manpower has become a challenge. We strive to provide the best service to our community and feel that providing the brush dump has put us a level above most communities, cities and counties that do not offer such a convenience, however, we need to balance this benefit against the risks, and lately, the risk has been too high to burn.
We appreciate your understanding and patience. / Respectfully, Tina Acosta – Administrative Manager, OFD

TEMPORARY BRUSH DUMP CLOSED – SUMMER 2023!
As many of you have seen, the OFD Brush Dump is at capacity once again and strong erratic winds, high temperatures, and low humidity do not allow us to conduct another burn prior to the monsoons. Therefore, the brush dump will close for an undetermined amount of time starting June 3rd. The brush will be burned and the dump cleaned up and re-opened as soon as weather conditions permit. We truly appreciate your ongoing patience and understanding as we manage a safe and affordable place to dispose of your brush and to render our community safer from wildfire.

NEW CAPTAIN AT OFD – Life-long Oracle resident Jamie Pierson was formally recognized at the monthly board meeting on July 19, 2023. Mr. Pierson was recently hired by Oracle Fire District to fill a full-time Captain’s position. Captain Pierson started his fire career as a volunteer here at OFD in 2001 and graduated from the fire academy the next year. He was then recruited to work for Rural Metro Fire in Tucson, where he worked as a firefighter, then promoted to Engineer in 2009, then was the successful candidate at OFD in April 2023, where he has come full circle to serve his beloved community of Oracle. In the photo, Captain Pierson is having his OFD badge “pinned” by his lovely wife Erin Pierson. Congratulations, Captain Pierson! OFD is proud of your accomplishments and welcomes you back home!

BRUSH FIRE IN ORACLE – JULY 2, 2023 – An OFD crew was able to stop forward progress on this brush fire that also involved a structure. Their fast response was key to getting the fire under control quickly. We would like to thank our crews along with Golder Ranch, San Manuel,  AZ Dept. of Forestry & Fire Management and Oracle Certs for their help. (pics kmh)

OCC FESTIVITIES FOR THE FOURTH 2023 – OFD was proud to participate in this year’s festivities at Oracle Community Center (OCC) to celebrate the Fourth of July. Our crew lead the parade from St. Helen’s Parish to the Oracle post office with Engine 692 and brought up the tail end with Rescue 691, then later drove Tender 692 back to OCC to provide some relief from the hot summer day.
Thank you to the Board of the OCC Center for providing such a fun event for the community and thank you to the OFD crew and volunteers for helping make this a memorable event!
(photos OCC)

OFD FREE SMOKE ALARM PROGRAM – Oracle Fire District is now offering FREE SMOKE ALARMS to Oracle Fire District Residents Only! The program includes free smoke alarms – including installation. Hard of hearing alarms are also available to qualified residents. Alarms MUST be installed by OFD staff volunteers! This offer is funded by Red Cross and will run while supplies last!
To take advantage of this free opportunity, please contact:
Tina or Cherie at OFD 520-896-2980 •  M-F: 8am-3pm. Ask to be added to the Free Smoke Alarm Program. THE FREE SMOKE ALARM PROGRAM WILL RUN FROM JANUARY – JUNE 2023! Contact us to request your alarms and schedule an appointment!

WILDLIFE PREPAREDNESS DAY AT ORACLE BRUSH DUMP –Saturday, May 6, 2023. On behalf of OFD Chiefs, staff, firefighters and the community of Oracle, thanks to hard work and for making this free brush dump day in recognition of National Wildfire Preparedness Day, the BEST ever! DRUMROLL please –135 loads! That’s almost as much as we take in in one month! Yes! One month’s amount of brush in just one day!

WILDFIRE ALERT NEAR ORACLE JUNCTION (07-24-23) – Per the Pinal County Sheriff's office: Due to the #BowlCreekFire burning near S. SR 79 & W. SR 77, NW of Oracle Junction, the following communities have been placed in "SET" alert status: Oracle Junction / SaddleBrooke Ranch / Falcon Valley Ranch
Read more here on Set status: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go
Oracle Fire District is NOT affected by this event at this time. We will update you if anything changes.

BRUSH DUMP OPEN! Oracle Fire District is pleased to announce as of April 11, 2023 the Brush Dumpis open with the same policies, procedures, and fees as before. Normal business hours are Tuesday–Saturday 8am-4:45pm. Thank you for your patience during the closure.

FOURTH OF JULY WITH OFD –
On a brighter note, please join us for Fourth of July festivities on Tuesday, July 4th. Oracle Fire District will lead a decorated bicycle parade from St. Helen’s Parish at 9am to the Oracle Post Office and will be at Oracle Community Center at 11am to “cool off" anyone who’s willing to get wet!

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. Here is the Application Process:
1. Complete and return the Application. Contact 520-866-6419 for the application. https://pinalcountyaz.seamlessdocs.com
2. Submit a current utility bill stating your name and residential address. Acceptable Documents: Water, Power, Sewer & Trash Bill.
3. Submit a copy of a valid Arizona State Issued ID / Driver’s License.
4. Submit all documents to: pcroadmaintenance.sharedmailbox@pinal.gov
or contact 520-866-6419 to make arrangements to pick up or apply for vouchers. 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.

NEW OFD BOARD MEMBER – (May 2023) – The Oracle Fire District Governing Board is pleased to introduce Robert Guyton as a newly-appointed Board member, who will complete the term of office for recently resigned board member Ellie Brown.
The Oracle Fire District Governing Board, fire chiefs, firefighters and staff honored past OFD Board member Ellie Brown at a public meeting on May 18, 2023 at the Oracle Fire Station. Ms. Brown was one of the original Board members when OFD transitioned to a five person board back in 2012 and just recently resigned due to her elected position as a Pinal County judge. OFD is very happy for Ms. Brown and congratulates her on the new position and recognizes the 11 years of service to OFD and to the community of Oracle. Ms. Brown helped govern OFD through many positive changes with her great leadership, vast experience, and professional guidance. Thank you, Ellie Brown!

(photo l-r): Assist. Chief Brian McGinnis, OFD Office Mgr. Tina Acosta, OFD BdMembers Rob Walker, Franky Hill and OFD BdChairman Jim McNulty, honored past OFD Bdmember Ellie Brown accepting her plaque, OFD Fire Chief Robert Jennings, new OFD BdMember Robert Guyton, Assist. Admin. Cherie Cheney and OFD Clerk of the Board Paul Arias.

Robert Guyton took the oath of office at a public meeting on May 17, 2023 at the Oracle Fire Station. As a life long resident of Oracle, Mr. Guyton brings dedication and concern for his community to the District and as a small business owner, he also brings a wealth of financial and administrative knowledge to his new position on the OFD Governing Board. Welcome Robert Guyton!

Robert Guyton (left) getting sworn in. (photo right): OFD and Fire Board members from l-r: Assist. Chief Brian McGinnis, OFD Fire Chief Robert Jennings, OFD BdMembers Rob Walker, Franky Hill, Robert Guyton, BdChairman Jim McNulty and Clerk Paul Arias.

ORACLE FIREWISE TOWN HALL – The Oracle Firewise Board hosted a Town Hall meeting at OCC on Thursday, March 23rd. The theme was: "Wildfire Preparedness – What is YOUR role?"
Fire Chief Robert Jennings spoke on various topics followed by other presenters who discussed the upcoming wildfire season in our area as well as the role of the Firewise and Cert groups in our community. Also, thanks go to OCC for a delicious meal prepared before the event.

KEVIN ARMBRUST AWARD – At the Oracle Fire District (OFD) Board meeting on Feb. 15, 2023, OFD Board members, Chiefs, staff, and Oracle Firewise Board and OFD CERT volunteers, presented an award of achievement to Kevin Armbrust to recognize his 14 years of volunteer service. Kevin grew up in the Tri-Community and has always been an active participant. He started volunteering for OFD in 2008 and has just “retired” at the end of 2022.
We have been honored to work with Kevin for a long time. But, he has also volunteered at other Oracle community facilities including OCC, OHS and is very active in the annual Car Show. His presence at OFD will be greatly missed. Read more about Kevin in the latest issue of The Miner and on Facebook.

(left:) Oracle Fire Chief Robert Jennings presents award to Kevin Armbrust / (right:) Oracle Fire Chief Jennings, OFD Board member Rob Walker, Kevin Armbrust and OFD Board Chairman / CERT Jim McNulty. (photos: Rachel & Michael Opinsky)

ORACLE FIRE HYDRANTS – OFD Firewise Board members planning strategy for weedeating around Oracle's 120 Fire Hydrants.  Thanks to volunteers for their hard work Nov. 16, 2022. Thanks to Dale Suter for heading up the project.
Group members shown left getting their Oracle fire hydrant maps.
An example of weeds that accumulate around the hydrants each year. Photo right shows how grass and weed cutting can make such a big difference. Can you find the fire hydrant now? Fire fighters can quickly find them now in case of a fire.

ORACLE COMMUNITY CENTER • JULY 4, 2023 –
OCC is planning this year's Independence Day Celebration. It's going to be a BANG! They are kicking the day off at 9am with a parade from Saint Helen's Catholic Parish to the Oracle Post Office. Everyone is welcome! Ride your decorated bike, your ATV, truck, or horse! Download an application and let us know you're participating by June 30th! No entry fee! Play kid's games with prizes, ribbons, and a bike raffle thanks to our friends at Rotary Club of SaddleBrooke! Free Food (hotdogs & chips) and fun for the whole community!

Pregnancy Care Center visits OFD – On May 4th, 2023, a group of preschoolers with parents came by the firehouse for a tour along with some snacks, handouts and story telling by our own OFD firefighters. Engineer and FF Junior Herta demonstrated some fire gear and turnouts to the preschoolers and Engineer Nick read and fed them. (photos: R. Opinsky)

WILDLIFE PREPAREDNESS DAY AT ORACLE BD –
To honor Wildfire Community Preparedness Day . . . Oracle Fire District and Oracle Firewise present a Free Brush Dump Day on Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 7:00am-2:45pm. You must be a registered OFD resident. Show your registration card.* Clean Loads Only! *Preregister at OFD on Tues-Th or Fri mornings to get your card. Call 520-896-2980 for more info.

BRUSH DUMP NOW OPEN! Oracle Fire District is pleased to announce as of April 11, 2023 the Brush Dumpis open with the same policies, procedures, and fees as before. Normal business hours are Tuesday–Saturday 8am-4:45pm. Thank you for your patience during the closure.

BRUSH DUMP IS NOW CLOSED! – and will be closed until further notice. Due to the Oracle Fire District brush dump reaching maximum capacity, we have had to close the OFD Brush Dump. We apologize for the inconvenience. An alternative dump site is Waste Management.
Free vouchers are available through Pinal County: Eligible Cities: Aravaipa, Dudleyville, Kearny, Mammoth, Oracle, San Manuel, and Superior. Here is the Application Process:
1. Complete and return the Application. Contact 520-866-6419 for the application. https://pinalcountyaz.seamlessdocs.com
2. Submit a current utility bill stating your name and residential address. Acceptable Documents: Water, Power, Sewer & Trash Bill.
3. Submit a copy of a valid Arizona State Issued ID / Driver’s License.
4. Submit all documents to: pcroadmaintenance.sharedmailbox@pinal.gov
or contact 520-866-6419 to make arrangements to pick up or apply for vouchers. 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.

MARCH 2023 - We are now accepting applications for . . .
• FULL-TIME CAPTAIN:
Oracle Fire District is currently recruiting for a full-time position for Captain. Open date: 2/28/23  Close date: 3/14/23 before 1700 hours. Salary Range: Annual - $62,036 – $66,949 (Depending on experience)
QUALIFICATIONS:  • Leadership 1 •  Leadership 2 •  Leadership 3 • Firefighting Strategy and Tactics
• Incident Command System class  •  Urban interface class 
•  Officer safety class •  Five years current consecutive firefighting experience incl. three years experience as Fire Fighter or Fire Engineer.  
• PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:  Engine Boss (wildland). 
HOW TO APPLY: Click HERE or on the Application tab on left side of this page. Submit application/resume and current certifications to: rjennings@oraclefire.org or drop off at OFD at 1475 W. American Ave. Oracle, AZ 85623.

OFD FREE SMOKE ALARM PROGRAM – Oracle Fire District is now offering FREE SMOKE ALARMS to Oracle Fire District Residents Only! The program includes free smoke alarms – including installation. Hard of hearing alarms are also available to qualified residents. Alarms MUST be installed by OFD staff volunteers! This offer is funded by Red Cross and will run while supplies last!
To take advantage of this free opportunity, please contact: Tina or Cherie at OFD 520-896-2980 •  M-F: 8am-3pm. Ask to be added to the Free Smoke Alarm Program. THE FREE SMOKE ALARM PROGRAM WILL RUN FROM JANUARY – JUNE 2023! Contact us to request your alarms and schedule an appointment!

2022 . . .

2022 FIREWISE PROPERTY AWARDS – On Dec 13, 2022, certificates for the annual Oracle Firewise property was presented. This is an award for outstanding Firewise efforts on private or commercial property. The residential award went to Kerby and Charla Wright.
Shown below in Photo 1, is FW cochair Mary Harris, Fire Board member Jim McNulty, Kirby Wright, Charla Wright, OFD Mgr Tina Acosta and FW cochair Rachel Opinsky. The commercial award went to Oracle Center for the Arts. Shown below in Photo 2, is FW member Michael Opinsky, Dr. Coralee Thompson, Sarah Hardin. OFD Mgr Tina Acosta and Cochair Rachel Opinky.

OCC CHRISTMAS EVENT 2022 – Santa arrived via the OFD Fire Truck on Sunday, Dec 11 at the Community Center in the evening Many children showed up to see Santa and join in to various activities. Thanks to these groups for sponsoring the event: OFD / Saddlebrook Rotary / Dubs Plumbing / Annie's Hair Studio / United Steel Workers local 886. GOOD NEWS! The Oracle Brush Dump is now open!

As a thank you for your patience, entrance to the brush dump is FREE from NOW through Saturday, October 8th! Please note that you still must come into the station, show your resident card and get the key during this free week.
Next week, the Oracle Brush Dump will resume normal operations: Open Tues.–Sat. from 8am–4:45pm, Closed Sunday and Monday. Again, thank you very much for your patience. We strive to serve our community in the most safe and effective manner possible.
Reminder: The Oracle Brush Dump is open to residents of Oracle Fire District ONLY and a Resident Card is necessary to use it. We have had so many residents, friends and family, asking about the brush dump. A special thanks to all of YOU!

WASTE VOUCHER DISPOSAL PROGRAM
Many residents have been inquiring about the most recent Waste Voucher Disposal Program through Pinal County. If you cannot open the application POSTER, please call 520-866-6419 or email them at: pcroadmaintenance.sharedmailbox@pinal.gov.

Dust Storm Warning for Pinal County in southeastern Arizona
Until 7:00 PM MST. (10-03-22) At 5:27PM, a dust storm that impacted the greater Phoenix metro area will continue to track south through portions of Pinal county. Strong and gusty winds up to 50 mph along with lower visibilities in blowing dust will impact motorists traveling on Interstate 10 and surrounding city and state roads between Casa Grande and Marana by 7:00 PM this evening. (See header photo from Oracle above.)

PRESCRIBED BROADCAST BURNS –
Prescribed broadcast burns have begun in the Santa Catalina Ranger District as of Nov. 1, 2022. Coronado National Forest advised us recently that they would resume the prescribed burning in the Santa Catalinas (Mt. Lemmon). These burns may continue through the end of the month or possibly longer. Many people reported seeing plumes of smoke recently on the north side of the Catalinas which is to be expected. The plan is to start with the Inspiration Rock unit, then move to the Bigelow unit, and finally to the unit between Turkey Run and Radio Ridge as weather conditions allow throughout the week. Broadcast burns are the final step in large landscape treatment. Within these areas, heavy fuel loads need to be reduced and fire reintroduced as a natural process to restore the ecological balance. Broadcast burns not only meet the objectives of a pile burn, but they also serve to reduce the risk of catastrophic fires that threaten human safety and property.
Please be aware when traveling on Mount Lemmon Highway as smoke and additional traffic could be possible in the area. For more information click HERE to connect with Coronado National Forest.

IT'S FLOOD SEASON – Elevate your preparedness for flood season. Know the road to take before flooding begins. For more information on floods and other emergencies, go to the Arizona Emergency Information Network (AzEin) at ein.az.gov

GOOD NEWS! The Oracle Brush Dump is now open!
The Oracle Brush Dump will resume normal operations:
Open Tues.–Sat. from 8am–4:45pm, Closed Sunday and Monday!
Thank you very much for your patience. We strive to serve our community in the most safe and effective manner possible.
Reminder: The Oracle Brush Dump is open to residents of Oracle Fire District ONLY and a Resident Card is necessary to use it.
We have had so many residents, friends and family, asking about the brush dump. A special thanks to all of YOU!
ORACLE BRUSH DUMP STATUS
Due to the lack of rain or too much rain and abundance of brush, we had to make the hard decision to temporarily close the brush dump on July 23, 2022. It will re-open when we can safely burn the piles and have the time to clean everything up. We apologize for the inconvenience.

OFD ANNOUNCMENT – Oracle Fire District on Sunday, September 25 will burn the oracle brush dump weather permitting. If you have a medical condition affected by smoke please take the necessary precautions.

STRUCTURE FIRE IN ORACLE (09-16-22) – A fire at a storage and workshop building at Rancho Robles Ranch began early in the morning.  Thanks to Oracle Fire Department, Golden Ranch Fire, Mammoth Fire, AMR and others, the fire was contained. Oracle CERTs helped firefighters with water, food, rehab, and other duties as needed.  No residential buildings were lost.

OFD IS RECRUITING! – Oracle Fire is now 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 you can email us at: rjennings@oraclefire.org

DUMP INFO:
ORACLE BRUSH DUMP NORMAL HOURS:
Note that the Brush Dump will now be closed on Sundays and Mondays as well as holidays!
Normal Brush Dump Hours now are from 8:00am-4:45pm.
One of the ways of managing our Oracle Brush Dump is to burn more frequently so burns are smaller, more manageable and accumulation of brush will be reduced. Thank you for your patience. Over the last few years, the amount of brush being dumped has increased dramatically. We’ve even seen brush coming up from as far as Tucson and Marana, which has overwhelmed our little community resources. Please see our most recent policies and procedures below.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS
State Lands Restriction Information as of today's date:
• Stage 2 Fire Restrictions: All State Trust Lands in Gila, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Pinal, and Yuma Counties.
• Stage 1 Fire Restrictions: All State Trust Lands in Coconino County NORTH of the Grand Canyon.
Target shooting and fireworks NEVER allowed at any time of the year on State Trust Lands.
Have questions? email them at: media@dffm.az.gov
For state, federal, and tribal fire restrictions visit their NEW website at Arizona State Park: https://azstateparks.com

National Nite Out, Oracle, AZ – Thanks to Oracle Fire and a few firefighters that showed up to the event on Friday, August 5, 2022 at the Oracle Community Center and show their support.

OFD ANNOUNCEMENTS – SUMMER 2022 . . . Speaking of Wildfire season . . .
• The newest trash vouchers, issued by the Pinal County Board of Supervisor’s Office for Waste Management, have expiration dates on them. The first of the year expired February 28th! Unfortunately, Waste Management will not be able to accept expired vouchers.
• We highly encourage you to get your grasses mowed down! Tall grasses are one of the leading causes of wildfires. Now is the time to reduce your risk of wildfire!

Can't take it to the local OFD Brush Dump?
Materials (like cactus, agaves, large tree stumps, construction lumber, etc) can be taken to our local Waste Management location using a Pinal County Voucher . . .
PINAL COUNTY VOUCHERS 2022 – Three free vouchers for the Waste Management station through Supervisor Kevin Cavanaugh are now available and can be picked up at the Mammoth office (118 Catalina Ave., Mon-Thur, 9am- 3pm).
If you are not able to pick them up, you can email a copy of your utility bill with your physical address and a copy of your photo ID to: bosdistrict1@pinal.gov and they will mail the vouchers to you. (Make sure to include these in your email). You can also call 520-487-2941 for further info. New! Note that these now have expiring dates, however, another set of three will be available for the second six months of the year starting in July.

MAY 7th – ORACLE'S 2022 WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS DAY! – We wish to thank all Oracle's residents that showed up for our FreeBrush Day on Saturday. Click HERE for some photos of that day. Evacuation Raffle Box – One of the winners of an evacuation box filled with suggested items by NFPA and FEMA needed during an evacuation, was Oracle resident, Dena Boren with daughter, Nicolette. Along with winning the evacuation box, they received a tour of the Oracle Fire District Station from Firefighter/EMT Michael Vargas. Click HERE to see photos of the tour by a few of our firefighters.

REPORTING FROM PIPELINE – We’ve received this report from OFD Firefighters Joel Manspeaker and Jose Hueta, on assignment with Tender 691 on the Pipeline Fire near Flagstaff:
"Here's a couple pics of our first couple of days. Supplying water for 4 type 3s 1 type 6 and a hand crew. We were assigned to Zulu division 1st division to be called contained. We hauled 24,000 gallons up the Schultz Pass on day 1."

PIPELINE ASISTANCE – Oracle Fire District has sent two firefighters and a water tender to help with the Pipeline Fire in the Flagstaff area. Please keep our firefighters, and all first responders, in your thoughts and pray that they return home safe and sound.

HELPING OUT IN LOCAL ORACLE – Thanks to Firewise and CERT members that prepared and served the luncheon at OCC (Oracle Community Center) on Monday, June 6, 2022.

STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS – Oracle Fire would like to remind everyone that Stage 2 fire restrictions go into effect today May 25th 2022. Please refer to www.dffm.az.gov and www.fs.usda.gov/coronado for more Information.

MAY 7th – ORACLE'S 2022 WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS DAY! – We wish to thank all Oracle's residents that showed up for our FreeBrush Day on Saturday. Click HERE for some photos of that day. Evacuation Raffle Box – One of the winners of an evacuation box filled with suggested items by NFPA and FEMA needed during an evacuation, was Oracle resident, Dena Boren with daughter, Nicolette. Along with winning the evacuation box, they received a tour of the Oracle Fire District Station from Firefighter/EMT Michael Vargas. Click HERE to see photos of the tour by a few of our firefighters.

OFD has divided its district map and the adjacent Campo Bonito area into sections in order to facilitate an evacuation. Click HERE or on the small map below, to access the updated map.

SMELL SMOKE? OFD received multiple calls yesterday regarding the smell of smoke in the Oracle area. Our crews have checked areas out in the Campo Bonito / High Jinks areas, and out towards highway 77, with no local fires to report. The smoke may be blowing in from outlying areas as far away as New Mexico and Northern Arizona. We will keep you updated.

ORACLE FIRE – Oracle Fire responded to a small brush fire recently at the intersection of Mt. Lemmon Hwy and Timberline. Crews were able to put the fire out quickly and keep the fire to a minimum. Power was out for a time.

MAY 7th – ORACLE'S 2022 FIRE PREVENTION DAY! – We wish to thank all Oracle's residents that showed up for our Free Brush Day on Saturday. A big thanks also goes to everyone involved in producing this incredible event! The Oracle Firewise Team hit the ball out of the park with this year's Free Brush Dump Day! Final figures are not verified as yet but an estimated 115 loads of brush came through in eight hours. Last year 80 loads were dropped in nine hours. Our observation and comparison of this year's loads to last year's, is that the loads were much larger. More details to come! With your volunteerism or your participation, each of you has made our community of Oracle safer against potential wildfire. Kudos!

GET FIREWISE NOW! – Our latest firewise article is now available after appearing in the The Miner called "Time to Start Firewising!" by Catesby Suter. It covers excellent information on getting your home area firewise, getting rid of our new high grasses and weeds, dead trees and brush and helpful tips on pruning. Click HERE to read. Check our page on Newsletters to see more topics that may also be of interest.

• Thanks again, to the generous donations of the Oracle community, OFD was able to replace our antiquated Weather Station with a new one. You can access the information here on our website home page: www.oraclefire.org, OR by downloading the Davis Instruments WeatherLink app. Once downloaded, you can choose the systems that you want displayed in your app, and at a touch of a finger, you can access weather information from our OFD site, as well as others!

Firewise team members: John Medley, Kevin Armbrust, Dale Suter, Michael Opinsky and David Harris cleaned the Oracle Brush Dump entrance for the upcoming May 7 National Firewise Day, which is sponsored by Oracle Firewise and Oracle Fire District, National Fire and Prevention Association and State Farm Insurance. The FREE BRUSH DUMP day for Oracle Fire District residents is scheduled for 7 am-3 pm that Saturday, May 7.

National Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook –
The link from Catalina-Rincon Fire Management identifies areas by month for the next four months with above, below, and near normal significant fire potential.
The main objectives of the National Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlooks are to improve information available to fire management decision makers. These assessments are designed to inform decision makers for proactive wildland fire management, thus better protecting lives and property, reducing firefighting costs and improving firefighting efficiency. Maps represent the cumulative forecasts of the eleven Geographic Area Predictive Services Units and the National Predictive Services Unit. This product is updated on the first of each month or first work day of each month. The entire text document can be found at the following link:
National Wildland Significant Fire Potential Outlook.

FIREWISE TEAMS – Utilizing a grant from the NFPA and State Farm, the Oracle Firewise and Fire District team prepare for Oracle's fire prevention event for registered Oracle Fire District residents. Free Brush Dump Day was May 7, 2022.

SO WHAT'S IN THE EVAC BOX? – You could win an Evacuation Box all "set up to go" in case you need one. Use it as a starter and add your own personal items. Show up at the Free Brush Dump event this Saturday, May 7th and sign up for the Raffle. There are two chances to win. See details below for more information. Click HERE to see a list of the contents!

MAY 7 BANNER! – A banner announcing the May 7th Oracle Preparedness Day was hung at the Oracle Fire District station by the Firewise/CERT Team of Michael Opinsky, John Medley, Dale Suter and Kevin Armbrust. See more information below. Please join us!

ORACLE WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS DAY – SATURDAY • MAY 7
SAVE THE DATE! Join us on that Saturday at the Brush Dump for a FREE Day (residents only please!) Pick up valuable Firewise information and enter our Raffle to win an Evacuation Kit! Click HERE to view our flyer.

NFPA names 2022 Wildfire Community Preparedness Day Funding Award –
An award of $500 was granted to Oracle Firewise, thanks to the research and grant-writing efforts of Co-Chairs Rachel Opinsky and Mary Harris, and will be used to fund a FREE Oracle Brush Dump event on Saturday, May 7th from 7am-3pm. A valid Oracle Resident’s card (or a permit for landscapers / contractors) will be required. These may be obtained in advance at the Oracle Fire Station, Monday-Thursday, 8am-4:45pm and Fridays 8am-Noon. Current policies and procedures are also available at the fire station or on our website. Click HERE for details. Note: Landscapers! If a resident wants to use a landscaper that day, they must use permits!

BRUSH DUMP BURN SUNDAY –
The Oracle Fire District crews were able to successfully burn the brush at the brush dump this last Sunday, April 24. However, there is still clean-up and maintenance that needs to be done prior to reopening and in preparation for the Firewise Free Brush Dump Day on Saturday, May 7th. The brush dump will reopen at 8am this coming Saturday, April 30th. We apologize for any inconvenience.

ORACLE FIRE (April 8, 2022) – Golder Ranch Fire District, San Manuel Fire, Mammoth Fire District, Pinal Rural Fire District and AMR assisted Oracle Fire District with a structure fire on Friday afternnon. The fire is being investigated and there were no injuries.

OFD ANNOUNCEMENTS – SPRING 2022 . . .
• Save the Date for the next Free Brush Dump Day! Saturday, May 7th, from 7am-3pm (a little different hours than our normal 8a-4:45pm). in recognition of the National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, we want to encourage Oracle Fire District (only) residents to clear brush, trim trees, and cut grass, then haul it away. in preparation for Wildfire Season.

DONATION TO OFD – We are pleased to announce we have received a donation in the amount of $2000 to Oracle Fire District from the Silver Mountain Mining Operations, Inc. Shown here is the check presentation. left to right: Manuel Ramos, CEO  of Silver Mountain Mining Operations, Inc.; Fire Chief Robert Jennings; and Asa Knapp, Director of Operations for Silver Mountain Operations, Inc.

REDFIELD PRESCRIBED BURN – The Redfield Prescribed Burn was completed on February 15, 2022 with 10,800 acres treated in the southwest Galiuro Mountains. Fire managers are using an unmanned aircraft system (UAS, or drone) to assist with continued reconnaissance and monitoring of the fire area. This fire management tool has been particularly helpful in the remote terrain and can capture high-definition photographs and video in areas that may be challenging to access on foot. UAS Pilots follow Agency guidance including, National, Regional, and Local Unit Aviation Plans, FAA Part 107 policies and guidelines, and Forest Service UAS guidance. As a reminder, hobbyist UAS must not be flown in wilderness areas nor over areas where wildfires are active. – from The Forest Service / Coronado National Forest.

SAFFORD PRESCRIBED FIRE – (Feb. 8, 2022) The Safford Ranger District started a prescribed burn in the Galiuro Mountains yesterday, which may last through the week, possibly into next week. Smoke is visible from Oro Valley and the Town of Catalina.

Areas of Coronado National Forest will be part of the Redfield Prescribed Fire, which is expected to last through the end of the month. The Safford Ranger District of the Coronado National Forest estimates between 7,000-15,000 acres will be burned for this project. Burning may continue for several days or be intermittent, with ignitions occurring as fuel and weather conditions become suitable over the month. Smoke will be visible periodically from Sulphur Springs Valley and Bonita, Willcox, Safford, Benson, San Manuel, Oracle, Klondyke and the surrounding areas for the duration of the project.

NEWS CORONADO NATIONAL FOREST – Please be advised that Coronado National Forest has been burning slash piles on Mt. Lemmon since last week and will continue through this week. We are not seeing too much smoke on our side of the Santa Catalinas but the wind may blow it in our direction.
Wildfire season has become longer based on conditions that allow fires to start and to burn—winter snows are melting earlier, and rain is coming later in the fall. What was once a four-month fire season now lasts six to eight months. Fires in the winter months are also becoming part of the norm. This is how fire seasons have evolved into fire years. (source: National Interagency Fire Center)

We have a new WEATHER STATION! Once again, purchased with the generous donations from YOU! You can see the results above at the top of our home page. If you click on ORACLE WEATHER STATION above the white box, you’ll see even more details. I know many of us missed being able to look up accurate weather information on our website, but it’s back – thanks to the generous residents of Oracle!

2021 . . .

Happy Holidays 2021, Oracle Community . . .
As we approach the end of yet another difficult year, we at Oracle Fire District (OFD) feel more grateful than ever for the supportive and caring community that we serve. Through your generous donations, we have purchased a new Reader Board / Marquee and Weather Station, which consequently, benefits the community. Another piece of very good news during these tumultuous years is that the Campo Bonito area is now officially part of OFD. We appreciate the support from those residents and welcome them into our care.
You have also supported us during the evolution of the Oracle Brush Dump, which needed to be limited to Oracle residents after being inundated with brush coming from as far away as Marana! Part of the transformation was to re-evaluate all aspects of the management of the brush dump, including hours of operation. A few weeks ago, we announced that we would be closing the brush dump for Federally and Pinal County recognized holidays. Now, we are also announcing that starting January 1st, 2022, we will be closing the brush dump on Sundays and Mondays, in addition to Holidays. This will allow us regular times to burn and/or maintain the brush dump without negatively impacting the neighboring Mt. Vista school.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we adapt and improve our operations. As always, our number one concern is the health and safety of our residents, staff, and volunteers. We will continue to strive towards excellence and to serve the Oracle community to the best of our ability.
Additionally, as an Oracle resident, there is NO LIMIT on the amount of trips you can make to the Oracle brush dump. When you register, you will either receive a permanent resident card, which can easily be replaced if lost, or, if you use a contractor/landscaper, you will be issued a page of five permits to be given to the contractor with your name and resident number on them. We can provide you with as many sheets of permits as needed. Just let us know when you are running low. We wish all of you safe and happy holidays and a healthy and prosperous new year!

ORACLE BRUSH DUMP NEWS – One of the ways of better managing our Oracle Brush Dump is to burn more frequently so burns are smaller, more manageable and accumulation of brush will be reduced. To this end, the brush dump will close this Sunday, Nov. 21 to allow firefighters to burn brush piles. Cleanup and maintenance will take place through the week, so the brush dump will be closed through the Thanksgiving holiday and will reopen on Friday, Nov. 26

NATIONAL NITE OUT IN ORACLE – On October 5, 2021, Oracle celebrated National Nite Out at OCC (Oracle Community Center). National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement and other community services while bringing back a true sense of community with positive circumstances. Oracle Fire District was present along with our Firewise and Cert crew to get acquiainted with residents and children with plenty of games and free food (OCC).

ORACLE HYDRANTS – You may have noticed that fire hydrants around Oracle are more neat and noticeable. That's because our Cert and Firewise team were busy on Sat., Oct. 2, 2021 weeding and cleaning up the high grass and brush around them. They do this every year. A big thanks to Dale and his crew for 2021 in keeping our town firewise and helping firefighters find these hydrants easier. A big thanks to hydrant honcho Dale and his crew, Barb, John, Kevin Jim, and Jim M., Ward, Cherie, and Holt.

Oct. 2021 ORACLE FIREWISE PROPERTY AWARDS –
You may be aware that Oracle Firewise & Certs present firewise awards to property owners in Oracle each year to those that have reduced vegetation along with trimming, weed-eating, and reduced ladder fuels, and have defensible space around their home or business. Let us know if you have a candidate for next year. Here are the latest recipients . . .
Commercial Property: Oracle Ford. (Note their action during the possible evacuation of Oracle last year while making parking and facilities available for people involved.)
Private Property:
• David Shoaf / Estevan Montano on American Ave.
• Bill & Kathleen Jones on La Mariposa.
Congratulations to all and a big thank you for keeping us safer!
A big thank you, as always, for the FW/Cert crew that install these signs each year (Kevin, David, Michael).

THANK YOU, ORACLE!
Our brand new Reader Board was installed on Monday, August 15, 2021 and is absolutely perfect! Please drive by to admire this beautiful sight!
From left to right: Firefighter Santiago Barrera, Firefighter Nick Brening and Engineer John Savage.
As many of you know, our old board was over a dozen years old and had finally given up, so we put out a request for donations to replace it, knowing that it is not only an essential communications tool for emergency situations, but it also serves the vital purpose of keeping our residents and visitors informed of events happening in the community. Oracle responded to our appeal for funds in your typically generous fashion. Within two months we had enough money to order the new board. It is much higher quality than the old board and works with modern technology. This gives us the ability to change the messages remotely, which will be key in emergency situations. We are very proud to serve such a giving and caring community as Oracle.
With sincere gratitude, Robert Jennings – Fire Chief

CREW LEAVING FOR CALIFORNIA – OFD just sent Engine 692 out on a wildland assignment in Northern California. We wish them safe travels and send them our gratitude for their service; not only to the community of Oracle, but to our neighbors in need. Additionally, we would like to recognize that the crews remaining to cover Oracle put in almost as many long hours away from their family and friends. Please join us in thanking all of our firefighters for their sacrifice and dedication to service!

(left-right): Engineer John Savage, Firefighter Nick Brening, Captain Tyler McGovern, and Firefighter Jacob Harward.

OFD CREW RETURNS! – (August 13, 2021) Our OFD crew, which left Oracle on July 27, just returned from the Wood’s Creek Fire in Montana this morning. We truly appreciate their dedication to the fire service and to helping our neighbors; even if those neighbors are many miles away! And, special thanks to their families, who deeply missed these brave men and were grateful, as are we, to have them home safe and sound. From left-right: Captain Tyler McGovern, Firefighter Jose Huerta, Firefighter Joel Manspeaker and Firefighter Santiago Barrera.

WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS TIPS – Every year, wildfires burn across the U.S., and more and more people are living where wildfires are a real risk. Nearly 45 million homes abut or intermingle with wildlands and more than 72,000 U.S. communities are now at risk.
By working together, residents can make their own property and their neighborhood – much safer from wildfire. Check out the website at the National Fire Protection Assoc. (NFPA). It covers such topics as Reducing Wildfire Risks and Wildfire Risk Reduction Safety Tips. Click HERE to go to the site.

ORACLE BRUSH DUMP – As many of you know, our Fire Chief and On-Duty fire crew burned the brush piles at the Oracle brush dump on Saturday. Due to the extremely large dense piles, that were dry on the outside and still damp on the inside, the process has taken longer than it ever does, which is not surprising. Once everything is burned down sufficiently, the surface area will need to be scrapped off and prepped for receiving more brush. This could take a week or more to accomplish, so we are asking for your patience. We will notify the community by an email, as well as on our website (www.oraclefire.org) and the Oracle Fire District FaceBook page, and our new reader board, which is working again! Below if a recap of the new policies and procedures that we are adhering to once the brush dump opens. Again, thank you for your patience.

ORACLE BRUSH DUMP CLOSES AGAIN –
Good evening, Oracle . . . We have reached our maximum capacity at the brush dump and conditions are not right to burn, so we will be closing the Oracle brush dump on Monday, July 26th.
Please review the new policies and procedures below, for when the brush dump does reopen. We changed the hours to 8am-4:45pm. Also, we received resident cards, so while we’re waiting for the opportune time to burn the brush, you are welcome to come by the Station, during admin. hours, to pick up your card. This will allow you to simply flash your card with your name and assigned number, and we’ll collect your fee, write up a receipt, and issue the key. You’ll be on your way in less than 5 minutes! We apologize for the inconvenience and hope to get back to you soon with good news. Until then, enjoy the rain!

NEW Policies and Procedures for OFD Brush Dump (07-07-2021)– POLICIES:
• Use of the brush dump is limited to vegetation removed from properties within Oracle Fire District (Saddlebrooke Ranch is NOT in Oracle Fire District).
• As always, only tree & shrub trimmings, grass cuttings, and leaves are accepted. Tree trunks over 10” in diameter are NOT accepted. NO trash, lumber, tree stumps, green cactus, agaves, or yuccas. Cactus, agaves, and yuccas are acceptable ONLY IF they are completely dried out and can be burned.
• Hours of operation are 7 days a week, 7am-5pm (last key check out is at 4:45pm).
• 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 the OFD 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 8am-noon.
• If you cannot make it to OFD during these admin. hours, email Tina at tacosta@oraclefire.org or Cherie at ccheney@oraclefire.org for alternative methods.
• Once a resident form is completed, the resident will be issued a sheet of 5 “permits,” with your resident ID #.
• At the time of issuance, the resident will be required to complete each permit with their name, address and phone number. If the resident is using a contractor, please write their name and phone number on the permit at the time of use, and give them one permit.
• The resident or 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), and $20 for a dump truck). EXACT CHANGE IS REQUIRED!
This is a new system, and as with all things new, there will be some kinks to work out. Please be patient with us during this transition. Thank you, Oracle Fire District

FREEMAN FIRE – (August 30, 2021) – AZ Forestry was monitoring an approx. 50-acre fire within Black Mountain in Pinal County, northwest of Oracle. The Freeman Fire is now 75% contained. The fire recieved precipitaton overnight and remains in monitor status due to its inacessibility. There are no values at risk. The fire started Sunday night by a lightning strike on Black Mountain, northwest of Oracle. Fire behavior is very minimal with no interior smoke visible today.

JOSE HUERTA GETS PINNED! – (May 19, 2021) Jose “Junior” Huerta finally got pinned this Wednesday. He was hired full time last July but we could not hold the “pinning” ceremony, which involves family and friends, due to COVID-19 restrictions. Shown here is Chief Jennings congratulating Jose on the official recognition of his full time employment with OFD. Stephanie Huerta is shown “pinning” the OFD badge on Junior. Congratulations!

ADOT SAYS BE PREPARED . . .
Be prepared for monsoon weather dangers – expect wet highways, possible flooding and debris and even dust storms across part of the state. Keep these tips in mind:
• Don’t risk crossing a flooded wash, even if it doesn’t look deep. Even a few inches of running water poses a serious risk.
• Be extremely careful if traveling in areas where wildfires have burned. Storm runoff can send debris onto highways. It also can loosen boulders and rocks on slopes above highways. Stay alert in areas prone to falling rocks.
• Don’t drive around “Road Closed” signs. You risk your life and face being cited under state law.
• If traffic lights are out, treat an intersection as a four-way stop.    Inspect your windshield wipers and replace them if necessary.    Reduce your speed and maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Avoid sudden braking, which can cause you to slide on wet pavement. To slow down, take your foot off the gas pedal and brake slowly.
Other safety tips for driving in rainstorms are available at azdot.gov/monsoons
DUST STORMS – Drivers should also be prepared for dust storms during monsoon weather. Avoid driving into a dust storm. In almost no time, blowing dust can drop visibility to zero, especially where small dust channels afford drivers little or no opportunity to avoid this hazard. Here are other dust storm safety tips:
• If you encounter a dust storm, immediately check traffic around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down.
• Don’t wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to pull off the roadway safely; do it as soon as possible. Completely exit the highway if you can.
• Don’t stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane. Look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway.
• Turn off all vehicle lights, including your emergency flashers. You don’t want other vehicles approaching from behind to use your lights as a guide and crash into your vehicle.
• Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.
• Stay in the vehicle with your seat belt buckled and wait for the storm to pass.
• Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be aware of changing weather conditions and reduce speed.
More information on dust storm safety can be found at PullAsideStayAlive.org

OFD CREW OF E692 NOW ON ASSIGNMENT IN MONTANA AT THE WOODS CREEK FIRE – Oracle Fire District Engine 692 was dispatched on July 27, 2021 to the Woods Creek Fire in the Big Belt Mountains of Southwestern Montana. We thank our fire crew for their dedication to the fire service, for helping our neighbors, near and far, and for their sacrifice in being away from family and friends for the next few weeks. Prayers to you for your safe travels and return!

ARIZONA LANDS CLOSURE – As of 8am, June 25, 2021, closures are going into effect on state-owned & managed lands in ALL 15 #Arizona counties. Closures are for all recreational use – to include but not limited to – camping, hiking, biking, horse back riding, and off-road vehicle use.
For information on all closures and other fire restrictions in the state visit: WildlandFire.az.gov #AZFire #AZForestry

SPECIAL PRESENTATION FOR PRESTON BELL – (July 3, 2021) Following opening ceremonies at 9am by the San Manuel VFM, Oracle Fire District will have a special presentation to honor Preston Bell, who saved his grandmother’s life last August, following a horrible horseback riding accident. Tammy Mockbee is a cherished member of the Oracle community, and thanks to her grandson’s calm and collected reactions, is alive and doing well. The plaque will be presented at the ceremony.
To see a video of the presentation, click HERE. We were also able to interview Preston. Click HERE to see that interview. Here’s some pics of Preston: (left): At the wheel of the new OFD water tender with his brothers. (right): Captain Farrell shown in the driver’s seat with firefighter Jose Huerta in the foreground. (below): Preston Bell, Tammy Mockbee and OFD firefighter Joseph Marasa, who helped with the rescue.

Oracle residents . . .
The Oracle Brush Dump has reopened! By negotiating some additional resources and helping hands, Chief Jennings will be able to get the existing piles of brush pushed all the way to the west end of the dump to allow more brush to be dumped. Once we receive significant rain, with this help, we can pull the big pile back out so that it can be safely burned.
• There will also be some changes coming to the brush dump:
Over the last few years, use of the brush dump has steadily increased. We are aware that contractors are bringing brush from outside of the OFD as our prices are significantly lower than most landfills. However, the Oracle Brush Dump was founded by OFD to encourage Oracle residents to firewise their properties, as Oracle is a community at high risk of wildfire due to the dense, and now very dry, vegetation. OFD does not have the funds, nor the manpower, to keep up with such exponential growth.

GRANT-AIDED BRUSH THINNING – We are now accepting applications for grant-aided brush thinning on properties within the Oracle Fire District (Campo Bonito area now included!). We currently have a list of about 50 residents who had previously signed up and will be first in line, but we are expecting additional grant funds and need to get an updated list into the AZ Dept. of Forestry & Fire Management soon for additional funds. Click HERE for the form to complete and return to OFD as soon as possible.

READER BOARD / MARQUEE – You may have noticed that our Reader Board in front of the fire station has not been working. We have had it serviced twice, but the service technician explained that the board is old and has wear and tear from being out in the elements, so repairs may not be a long-term solution.


We are reaching out to you, the residents of Oracle, for help. This resource was donated to the OFD by an extremely generous resident about 12 years ago, and was never in our operations budget. The cost of replacement remains out of our budget capacity; therefore, we are obligated to make a request for donations. The least expensive bid received so far, is $13,000, single-sided and $21,000 double-sided (plus the cost of modifying posts if we go this route).
First and foremost, the Reader Board is used for emergency purposes, such as during the Bighorn Fire. Secondly, it is utilized by various non-profits and businesses in Oracle to advertise events. The OFD Reader Board has become a vital source of communication for the entire community, and we hope that replacing it with a new, updated one will be supported by the community as well. Please email or call us with any questions, concerns, or for more information. Donation checks may be made out to Oracle Fire District and either mailed to POB 977 or brought directly to the station. As a nonprofit volunteer fire district, your charitable contribution is tax deductible under section 170 (c) of the Internal Revenue Code.
With sincere gratitude, Robert Jennings – Oracle Fire Chief

CNF STAGE II FIRE RESTRICTIONS PROHIBITIONS (May 2021)–
• Building maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove including fires in developed campgrounds or improved sites is prohibited. Persons using a device fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is permitted. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the device.
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, is prohibited. • Discharging a firearm except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal, or tribal laws and regulations is prohibited. • Mechanical and Industrial prohibitions:
• Operating any internal combustion engine. • No chainsaw use from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. • Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame. • Using an explosive.
Exemptions: Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act. This process can be utilized in cases where public works and public utility emergency repairs are necessary. • Industrial operations where specific operations and exemptions are identified and mitigation measures are implemented as outlined in an agency plan. • Operating generators with an approved spark arresting device within an enclosed vehicle or building or in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the generator.
• Operating motorized vehicles on designated roads so long as you park in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway.
• Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.
• Any federal, state, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force or other authorized personnel in the performance of an official duty. • All land within a city boundary is exempted unless otherwise stated by city ordinance.
For full details of fire restrictions and fire area closures on CNF, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/coronado/alerts-notices
More articles of interest:
https://dffm.az.gov/forecasted-hot-temperatures-and-dry-thunderstorms-combination-very-high-fire-danger-across-state

ORACLE BRUSH DUMP • VOUCHERS . . .
(Hours: 7am-5pm, seven days a week!) BRUSH ONLY!
Remember that the Oracle Brush Dump is for BRUSH only.
NO: trash, construction materials, hazardous materials, green cactus, dirt, gravel, large tree stumps (they never burn completely then we have to figure out where to put them or pay to get unburned materials hauled away), or any other non-brush related materials.
Those who dump these unacceptable items are jeopardizing the program as burning these materials are strictly prohibited in our burn permit. We do not have the resources to monitor everything dumped by every person. Please, if you see someone dumping such items, either remove the items yourself or report back to us at the fire station what was dumped, description of the vehicle and a license plate number, if possible, so that we can ban these offenders. The Oracle Brush Dump is a fabulous resource for maintaining a Firewise Community, for which we are proud. Please help us continue to offer this convenience.

ARIZONA FIRES . . .
Here is a brief description of each of the fires closest to us. Please go to the inciweb link to get the latest detailed information and maps. These are just some of the closer fires to Oracle, but inciweb will have links to all of Arizona fires.

• TELEGRAPH FIRE – Size: 180,755 acres, Containment: 91%. Cause under investigation. Location: SE of Superior, AZ. Start date: June 4, 2021, Incident commander: Shawn Sheldon, Pacific NW Incident Management Team 6. Total personnel: 305. Go here for more information: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7512/
• MESCAL FIRE – Follow Telegraph Fire Information for the latest on the Mescal Fire. The incidents have merged and the Telegraph is the most active of the two fires.

• PINNACLE FIRE – Size: 34,417 acres, Containment: 60%. Cause under investigation. Location: Santa Teresa Mountains, Graham County. Start date: June 10, 2021. Incident commander: IC Dave Gesser. Total personnel: 49. Go here for more information: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7523/

TELEGRAPH FIRE / MESCAL FIRE – (June 2021) There are several fires going on in central Arizona . . .

• The Telegraph Fire – (June 2021). The Telegraph Fire on the Globe Ranger District, located about 3 miles south of Superior, continues to exhibit active fire behavior. Aviation crews have put down a fire retardant line between the town and the fire. As of today, the fire has burned approx. 71,756 acres and currently is moving away from Superior. No evacuations are planned at this time. The fire was reported around 1:30pm on June 4th; it was human caused and is under investigation. Resources include 2 hotshot crews, 8 engines, 2 large air tankers and 1 helitac. Highway 177 is closed south of Superior. Officials do anticipate growth overnight and continue battling the fire with assistance from the Superior Fire Dept. and Queen Valley Fire District and Orackle Fire District Engine 692. For more information click HERE.

• THE MESCAL FIRE – (June 11, 2021) Crews hold fireline on Mescal Fire; roadways reopen, more residents return home.
(June 2021) As of today, it is 73% contained and has burned 65,825 acres. It is located 12 miles SE of Globe and NE of Dripping Springs. 672 personnel have been assigned to this fire. Crews will utilize direct and indirect suppression tactics where feasible, along with arial Fire Retardant drops. OFD Engine 692 was assigned to help out but has now been assigned to the Telegraph Fire. For more information click HERE.

PINNACLE FIRE – (June 10, 2021) Pinnacle Fire is burning in the Santa Teresa Wilderness north of Klondyke in a remote area. Resources are responding.

ORACLE BRUSH DUMP NEWS – (May 11, 2021)
Due to the large amount of brush, limited space, and the inability to burn during this continued drought, the Oracle Brush Dump will close temporarily on May 13, 2021and will reopen when we receive enough rain to allow us to safely burn the brush.
Over the last few years, use of the Brush Dump has steadily increased. We are aware that contractors are bringing brush from outside of the Oracle Fire District as our prices are significantly lower than most landfills. However, Oracle Brush Dump was founded by Oracle Fire District (OFD) to encourage Oracle residents to Firewise their properties, as Oracle is a community at high risk of wildfire due to the dense, and now, very dry, vegetation. OFD does not have the funds, nor the manpower, to keep up with such exponential growth, and therefore, when reopened . . . WE WILL BE LIMITING ACCESS TO THE BRUSH DUMP TO VEGETATION FROM PROPERTIES WITHIN THE OFD District ONLY!RATE INCREASE – Once the Brush Dump is re-opened, due to rising costs in operating the brush dump, the rates will be increasing to: $5.00 for one load /  $10.00 for a truck and trailer / $20.00 for a dump truck. For more information, please check this website again
or call 520-896-2980, Monday through Thursday, 8a-4pm.Respectfully, Robert Jennings – Oracle Fire Chief

ORACLE BRUSH DUMP NEWS! Due to the amount of brush brought, the limited amount of space and inability to burn, some changes will be occurring. Use of the brush dump will be for brush removed from Oracle properties ONLY. The cost of the operation of the brush dump is increasing therefore, new charges will be in effect June 1. The rates will be: $5.00 for one load / $10.00 for a truck and trailer / $20.00 for a commercial truck load.
Once capacity has been met for the brush dump, Oracle Fire District monitors the moisture, the dryness of the vegetation, wind direction, etc. to determine an appropriate time for the brush to be burned. If conditions are not safe, we cannot burn. Therefore, it may be necessary to temporarily close the brush dump until it is safe to burn. For more information, please check back here on our web home page for more updates or call 896-2980 Mon-Th, 8am-4pm. Respectfully, Robert Jennings – Oracle Fire Chief. LAST LOAD IN AT 4:30 PM.

OPEN BURN PERMITS IN PINAL COUNTY –
Pinal County will Suspend Issuance of Open Burn Permits starting April 2nd, Pinal County Air Quality began issuing only 3-day open burning permits. All burn permits will expire by May 1st, and Pinal County will suspend the issuance of all open burning permits on April 28. Burn permits allow for the disposal of plant material by open burning during limited daytime hours.
Additionally, State law prohibits open burning in Area A from May 1st thru September 30th. The Pinal County portion of Area A includes Apache Junction, Queen Creek, Gold Canyon, San Tan Valley, and portions of Florence. The annual cycle of rising temperatures will quickly dry seasonal vegetation, leading to an acute wildfire risk in the desert and upland areas of the County.  The suspension on burn permits will continue until the summer monsoons arrive and mitigate the dual risks to public safety and public health. Additional information on the Pinal County Air Quality program can be found at www.pinalcountyaz.gov or by calling the Pinal County Air Quality Division at 520-866-6929.

ORACLE BRUSH DUMP NEWS – (May 11, 2021)
Due to the large amount of brush, limited space, and the inability to burn during this continued drought, the Oracle Brush Dump will close temporarily on Thursday, May 13, 2021, (last day to dump is Wednesday, May 12, 2021), and will reopen when we receive enough rain to allow us to safely burn the brush.
Over the last few years, use of the Brush Dump has steadily increased. We are aware that contractors are bringing brush from outside of the Oracle Fire District as our prices are significantly lower than most landfills. However, Oracle Brush Dump was founded by Oracle Fire District (OFD) to encourage Oracle residents to Firewise their properties, as Oracle is a community at high risk of wildfire due to the dense, and now, very dry, vegetation.
OFD does not have the funds, nor the manpower, to keep up with such exponential growth, and therefore, when reopened . . .
WE WILL BE LIMITING ACCESS TO THE BRUSH DUMP TO VEGETATION FROM PROPERTIES WITHIN THE Oracle Fire District ONLY!
RATE INCREASE – Once the Brush Dump is re-opened, due to rising costs in operating the brush dump, the rates will be increasing to: $5.00 for one load /  $10.00 for a truck and trailer / $20.00 for a dump truck. For more information, please check this website
or call 520-896-2980, Monday through Thursday, 8a-4pm.
Respectfully, Robert Jennings – Oracle Fire Chief
PLEASE NOTE:
Please ensure that you only bring vegetation to the brush dump. Construction materials, even though made of wood, are not acceptable. Our permit is for vegetation only. This brush dump is offered to the community of Oracle as a means for our residents to create defensible space around their homes and to strengthen our Firewise community. There is only one other community in southern Arizona that offers such a privilege. PLEASE help us keep the brush dump for vegetation only. All other trash, construction materials, and green cactus need to go to Waste Management.
Thank you again for your patience and understanding. As a local government entity, we feel obliged to follow government recommendations but we have heard you over the last three weeks and made the decision to open back up a bit early to accommodate all of you who have been hard at work clearing brush around your properties and doing your part to make Oracle a safer place to live.

FREE BRUSH DUMP DAY IN ORACLE – A free brush dump on Sat., May 1, 2021 was held in honor of National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day created by the NFPA (National Fire Prevention Association) which all Firewise programs are members of.
Oracle Fire District Firewise and Cert programs had some 18 members join together at the Oracle Brush Dump. This helps Oracle residents clean properties of brush, trees and weeds that create a fire danger for the area. Eighty trucks, cars and trailers were counted using the dump for the free day.  A big thanks to all the volunteers that made this possible including the leaders of the event, Mary and David Harris plus Rachel Opinsky. Also, thank you to Engineer John Savage, for pushing up the brush prior!
80 loads of CLEAN brush, almost exclusively from Oracle, is amazing! Perhaps a record breaker for this event. As a reminder, this event helps qualify our community for the official inclusion in the National Firewise program, which in turn, helps qualify Oracle for brush thinning grants. It’s an incredible symbiosis!
Mary and Rachel have been gathering the necessary documentation and completing the obligatory paperwork for annual renewal for years now, which is a HUGE task! And, thanks to Judy Sparkman for continuing to document all our tasks to implement this program.
A special thank you to Chad and Kevin and the team from USDA and NPS who assisted property owners in unloading brush from their vehicles.  We were glad to have you there and appreciated your assistance. Stay tuned for some photos of the event soon!

HOME IGNITION ZONE COURSE – A 1-day course in learning more about wildfire risk reduction in and around your property was open to the Oracle community at OFD on Sat., April 24, 2021. For information, click HERE to see the announcement.

BRUSH DUMP STATUS • VOUCHERS . . .
ORACLE BRUSH DUMP IS OPEN! (Hours: 7am-5pm, seven days a week!) BRUSH ONLY! Please remember that the Oracle Brush Dump is for BRUSH only. NO: trash, construction materials, hazardous materials, green cactus, dirt, gravel, large tree stumps (they never burn completely then we have to figure out where to put them or pay to get unburned materials hauled away), or any other non-brush related materials.
Those who dump these unacceptable items are jeopardizing the program as burning these materials are strictly prohibited in our burn permit. We do not have the resources to monitor everything dumped by every person. Please, if you see someone dumping such items, either remove the items yourself or report back to us at the fire station what was dumped, description of the vehicle and a license plate number, if possible, so that we can ban these offenders. The Oracle Brush Dump is a fabulous resource for maintaining a Firewise Community, for which we are proud. Please help us continue to offer this convenience.

WILDFIRE COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS DAY –
To maintain Oracle’s Firewise status in this program, Firewise Board members must hold an annual community education/awareness day.  In lieu of a public townhall, this coming Saturday from 7am to 5pm, Firewise will hold the Free Brush Dump Day for Oracle residents at the Brush Disposal Site, along with handing out important materials related to being firewise. Check out our flyer HERE.

MARGO UPDATES – (April 16, 2021)
• The #MargoFire in #Dudleyville is 100% contained as of 5pm today. Final acreage - 1,148. The fire has been placed in monitor status & #AZForestry has turned it back over to the Dudleyville Fire District. As of Saturday, all residents were able to return home. The fire remains under investigation. (#AZFire /  #PinalCounty)
• (April 11, 2021) Firefighters working the #MargoFire in #Dudleyville have it 80% contained at 1,148 acres. The decrease in acreage is due to more accurate mapping. As of Saturday, all residents were allowed to return home. An #AZForestry fire investigator found the fire to be human-caused with an ignition source pending further investigation. There are no are road closures.
(#AZFire #PinalCounty)
• CERT POST – The fire is out and help to the victims is now in progress. The Red Cross, Salvation Army, Pinal Emergency Mgt., Oracle Fire District CERTS and Florence CERTS set up in Dudleyville's Community Center. 
(April 10,2021 / 1pm)
• The Dudleyville area previously evacuated due to the #MargoFire has been downgraded to "SET" status. Residents may return to their homes at this time. Continue to stay aware of the latest news and information from public safety officials. (Pima County Sheriff's Office).

• Firefighters have a line around the #MargoFire & have secured up the southern edge. Minor movement of the fire to the south was expected overnight, but there has been no reported change in acreage or containment; 1,200 acres & 50% contained. Today, crews will begin mopping up and will monitor the fire’s perimeter for interior heat pockets. Roads in the area are open, but please use caution if driving along SR 77 as equipment is traveling up and down the highway and crews continue to work off the road. A state fire investigator has determined the fire to be human-caused with an investigation pending on ignition source. Please help us out, help out your neighbors, and your community. Don’t be careless with fire. Always check the weather before burning or using any type of equipment that throws sparks. (Arizona Fire & Forestry)
• CERT POST (April 9, 2021, Friday) – Just returned from Day 2 at Dudleyville fire. Fire area appears to be  confined to a smaller area but difficult to hold because of the amount of fuel available. Many smaller hot spots for fire fighters to stay on top of. Main fire was at the edge of the PZ ranch when we left this afternoon. Evacuation of many people still in affect while others are without power or water.  Helicopters hitting main fire hard and appears to be working. Darn winds predicted back on Saturday, so today's progress is important. 
MARGO FIRE – Fire Chief Robert Jennings would like to share a video that he obtained while assisting on the Margo Fire on April 8th. Oracle Engine 692 led by Tyler McGovern along with Engineer Savage and Fire Fighter Brening responded to the fire after being notified at approximately 10:30am. The Oracle Engine crew will remain on site until released by the State. Chief Jennings also deployed the CERTS to assist Pinal Emergency Management, with a crew of eight. 
Chief Jennings and Oracle Fire District are extremely proud of our ability to provide assistance to our neighboring Fire Districts, Law Enforcement and Emergency Management. Oracle Fire District will always try to be there in times of need. Chief Jennings please asks that everyone be safe and be prepared for an active fire season.
For updates and other news find us on Facebook (oracle fire district) or click HERE to see the video from you tube.

MAMMOTH CC – Thank you to the Town Of Mammoth for opening up their community center to Dudleyville residents for shelter due to fire! Lots of volunteers and food from all Mammoth restaurants. Red Cross, and the local food bank were on hand and ready to help! Oracle Community Center on standby! Again Thank you Town of Mammoth!
MARGO FIRE – AZ Dept. of Forestry & Fire (April 8 - mid-day) – The Margo Fire in Dudleyville is now 20% contained and still estimated at 150 acres. Firefighters are challenged with high winds & multiple spot fires as the fire continues to burn actively to the south through salt cedar. 12 structures confirmed destroyed. Aircraft & ground crews are working toward full suppression. 75-100 personnel are assigned.
CERTS AT THE MARGO FIRE – Here are some pics from today's fire. A view from news channel 12 in Phoenix (KPNX) and some well-deserved burgers for eight of the Oracle Certs in Kearny.

WILDFIRE IN DUDLEYVILLE – (April 8, 2021) Oracle residents may be seeing smoke north of here. There is a fire in Dudleyville, north of Mammoth. Firefighters are on the scene. Note that Hwy 77 is closed at mile marker 128.

Official report, 1:30pm as follows . . .
Dept. of Forrestry and Fire Management (DFFM) reported:
Working Margo Fire in Dudleyville. Fire burning through thick tamarisk (Tamarix, salt cedar) with river bottom. Aircraft, include VLAT & LAT in route along with additional ground resources. Multiple structures threatened. Per Pinal County Sherrif's Office report: all homes in Dudleyville are now in a GO status. ADOT has reported AZ SR 77 NB is closed at milepost 128 for this fire. There is no risk at this time to residents of Oracle.
The town of Mammoth has also opened its community center,
1010 W. 5th Sreet, Mammoth, AZ 85618, to those affected by the evacuation. The town will provide shelter and water for those who need it. For more information, call Annie Martinez at 520-309-5942.

A "Go! - Evacuate" alert has been issued for residents in the
Dudleyille area to imminent fire threat from the Margo Fire.
Residents of Dudleyville should evacuate immediately.
Ray High School in Kearny is the emergency shelter location.

FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN ORACLE – A Fire Weather Watch remains in effect for today Wed., April 21, 2021. Please be careful with activities that can spark a fire and remain fire aware. Much of southeastern Arizona remains in severe to exceptional drought!
In addition to the Red Flag Warning, strong gusty winds will produce areas of blowing dust! Be especially cautious when traveling today. With ongoing drought and any changes in area land use, localized areas could see low visibility with abrupt changes in short distance.

FIRE WEATHER WATCH – (April 14, 2021) A Fire Weather Watch remains in effect for Thursday as a weather system to our north will result in increased winds, especially east of Tucson. These gusty winds, combined with low relative humidity will result in critical fire weather conditions. (US National Weather Service)

MARGO FIRE UPDATE – No change in acreage or containment on the #MargoFire near #Dudleyville at this time; remains 500 acres with 20% containment and crews are working to gps the fire this morning. Today, firefighters with the assistance of a dozer, will be working to secure open line on the fire's southern edge. Afternoon winds will likely pose another challenge for firefighters as they continue toward full suppression efforts. Aircraft will be utilized again today to help with efforts. Approximately 75-100 personnel are assigned to the fire, including #AZForestry, local cooperators, and the Bureau of Land Management - Arizona.
• The GO (evacuate) status REMAINS in place for the town of Dudleyville as utility companies work to assess damage.
Power to lines was deenergized due to firefighter safety yesterday and those lines must now be assessed before utilities can be turned on safely and repopulation of the community can occur. A shelter is open at Ray High School in Kearny for those impacted by the fire. (from AZ Fire and Forestry).
MARGO FIRE PROGRESS – Firefighters have stopped forward progress on the #MargoFire in #Dudleyville. The fire is estimated at 500 aces and remains 20% contained. High winds, dry conditions and multiple spot fires challenged firefighters throughout the day. However, fire activity has significantly decreased due to cooler nighttime temperatures. The fire continues to burn within the river bottom in dense tamrisk/salt cedar. Twelve primary structures were destroyed in the fire. The town of Dudleyville was evacuated due to the extreme fire behavior, proximity to the involved fuels, and exposure to smoke and products of combustion. Per Pinal County Sheriff's Office, all of Dudleyville REMAINS in GO mode.
An evacuation center has been set up at Ray High School in Kearny. SR 77 is reopened in the area
WEATHER FORCAST – US National Weather Service in Tucson –
We are monitoring and providing weather support to 2 wildfires in southeast AZ. The forecast remains dry the next 7 days, along with breezy winds at times. Extreme to exceptional drought persists across much of the region. The 1-year statewide precipitation ranks as the driest in 126 years.
SMOKE FORECAST – The latest model simulation for smoke from the #MargoFire at Dudleyville and the #SaltFire near Bylas show considerable near-surface smoke across Graham, Eastern Pinal and southern Greenlee County. Smoke will tend to settle into valleys at night.

RABIES VACCINATION & LICENSE CLINIC – Pinal County Animal Care & Control is sponsoring this event Saturday (April 3, 2021) from 9–11am, at the Sheriff’s Substation in San Manuel located at
28380 S. Veteran’s Memorial Hwy. Rabies Fee: $9.00 and License Fee: $15 altered, $35 unaltered. Microchips available upon request ($20). All pets must be on a leash, and special arrangements will be made to vaccinate cats or aggressive dogs. For questions, please call Pinal County Animal Control at 520-509-3555.

OCC & THE LITTLE FREE PANTRY! – A big shout out and thank you to Oracle Community Center for providing the bulk of care for the pantry and hosting the donation drive last Saturday! Click HERE for a link to an article on the Oracle Little Free Pantry, and other pantries.

URGENT FIRE WEATHER WARNING AGAIN! – Fire season is here, with red flag days aggravating low humidity. Please be very careful! There is a red flag warning in effect in Oracle from 9am to 6pm today. Strong winds, low humidity and high fire danger will impact any fires that develop or are ongoing and will have the potential to spread rapidly. Consult your local weather source for more information and updates.

FILL THE TRUCK FOR ORACLE'S FREE PANTRY RESCHEDULED! – Since the last date for this event was sorta "snowed out," OCC will again be at Dollar General this Saturday, March 20, 2021from
10am-6pm. OCC is again helping our community by collecting canned goods, non-perishible food, pet food and personal hygiene products for the Free Little Pantry located in the Butterfly Garden. Click HERE for more details.

ORACLE BRUSH DUMP OPEN! – (March 5, 2021) Thank you for your patience during the clean-up phase following the burning of the brush. Please do not go beyond the taped off area and do not dump in front of the backhoe. We appreciate you keeping your properties and Oracle Firewise!

FREE CLEANUP DUMP DAY! – Supervisor Cavanaugh and Pinal County is having a FREE DUMP DAY (Residental and Cleanup Event) on March 12-13 from 7am-2pm. People will be taking their refuse to the old San Manuel Transfer Station. Click HERE for details.

RED FLAG WARNING TODAY – A red flag warning remains in effect from 1pm this afternoon to 7pm in Oracle. Expect strong, gusty winds, low relative humidity levels and a high fire danger rating for fire weather zones. Any fires that develop or are ongoing will have the potential to spread rapidly. Check your local weather sources to see the latest updates.

ORACLE BRUSH BURN – (Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021) A successful burn was held at the Oracle Brush Dump over the weekend of Feb. 27-28. We are looking forward to your visit soon with lots of brush from your yards. Fire danger will be very dangerous in Oracle this year due to increased dry vegetation including dead trees and lack of moisture. Please do your part to help us be firewise. Thank you.

FIRE WEATHER WARNING – A red flag warning remains in effect from Feb. 28, 2021. Strong and gusty winds with low humidity and a high danger rating for most fires are in effect. Check your local weather alerts for details.

BURN PERMITS FOR ORACLE – We have had many requests for information on burn permits in Oracle. We will be posting several documents from Pinal County that will give you information. Stop back soon to this home page for more documents you can click to.
In the meantime, check out this county link to find burn permit info:
https://www.pinalcountyaz.gov/airquality/pages/burnpermits.aspx

PRESCRIBED BURN IN THE GALIUROS – (Feb 8, 2021) SMELL SMOKE? Coronado National Forest (CNF) is continuing with reduction of hazardous fuels in the Galiuro Mountains during February. The Safford Ranger District of the Coronado National Forest expects to conduct the YLE Prescribed Fire as early as Feb. 8, 2021. The project area consists of National Forest Lands in the northwest portion on the Galiuro Mountains in southeastern Arizona. Project boundaries lie between Rattlesnake Canyon on the east and the Forest Boundary on the west, and Copper Creek on the northern end and Kielberg Canyon on the southern end.

Approximately 19,550 acres are available for treatment. Fire managers expect to treat between 10,000 and 15,000 acres, which will be weather-dependent. Burning may be continuous or intermittent, with ignitions occurring as fuel and weather conditions become suitable throughout March. To view the press release please click HERE or check alerts and notices on their website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/coronado

Drive-Thru Dispose-A-Med Event – Saturday, February 20, 2021 from 10am-1pm at Oracle Community Center (685 E. American Ave, Oracle). What to bring: Unused or expired pills, patches, powders, ointments. DO NOT BRING: Liquids, Inhalers or needles.
For more information, please contact: Darien Mathews via email at: darien@azyp.org or phone: 310-926-4765. Thanks to Oracle Community Center for helping our residents reduce the risk of opioid misuse and overdose. Information about substance abuse programs can be found on the Copper Corridor Community Substance Abuse Coalition website HERE.

FUELWOOD PERMITS NOW AVAILABLE – Fuelwood Permits are available and will be sold from Oct 13, 2020 to Jan 27, 2021. Cost is $20 for two cords of hardwood or four cords of softwood. Maximum eight cords per household. Minimum purchase is $20. Sales are done via email or phone: email: lisa.a.smith@USDA.gov to get permit form or call Lisa Smith for more information at 520-749-7700. Permits will be mailed USPS or can be picked up at Sabino Canyon. Mt. Lemmon gates will be opened for collection on Thursday and Sat: 10am-2pm. This notice is valid until Jan 31, 2021.

2020 . . .

BRUSH DUMP STATUS AT PRESENT – Beginning on Tuesday, Sept. 8th, 2020, the brush dump will be closed until further notice. The closure comes due to no favorable moisture and the brush dump reaching its maximum capacity.  Once the weather allows, we will do a burn and re-open the brush dump after we determine it is safe to do so. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause our residents. Respectfully, Oracle Fire District
VOUCHERS – We appreciate your efforts to maintain a Firewise home and community and we encourage you to continue. Supervisor Rios has offered six vouchers this year for free dumping at Waste Management. Please call his office at (520) 866-7830 for information on how you can obtain these vouchers, which can be used for the disposal of green waste until we can safely burn the large piles at the brush dump.

NEW FIRE BOARD MEMBERS – The latest OFD Fire Board meeting on Dec. 16th, 2020 swore in new board member Jim McNulty (see photo below) to fill the remainder of the term of deceased board member Bud Bristow (a dedicated member since 2012. Mr. Bristow is missed by us and many more). Additionally, returning board members Ellie Brown and Rob Walker were sworn in for a new 4-year term. Missing, who will also be sworn in for a 4-year term, is Paul Arias.

FIREWISE & CERTS ATTEND PROPERTY ASSESSMENT CLASS (Nov. 14, 2020) – Aaron Casem, State Fire Prevention and Mitigation Officer, provided a class to seven Oracle Firewise Board Members on "Assessing Wildfire Hazard in the Home Ignition Zone."  While this class has been offered before on several occasions, Aaron covered these following topics: Understanding fire behavior; recognizing hazardous conditions that place structures at risk from wildfire; understanding and applying a basic risk assessment of residential properties; and recommending corrective action necessary for improvement to the property owner. Oracle Firewise Board is considering offering this class to the community after the first of the year.  Oracle Firewise Board offers free assessments by a trained assessor to anyone in Oracle who would like recommendations to improve their property.  Appointments can be made by calling Oracle Fire District at 529-896-2980 Mon.-Fri.: 8am-5pm.

2020 – Congratulations and Happy 15th Year Anniversary to the Oracle Firewise Community – Thank you to everyone who was able to attend  the 15-Year Firewise Community signage presentation by Aaron Casem, State Fire Prevention and Mitigation Officer with the AZ Dept. of Forestry and Fire Management.  Aaron drove in from Phoenix with the signs created by the NFPA. Barb Elliott and three other staff members of Pinal County Emergency Management arrived from Florence for the presentation.

BRUSH DUMP NEWS! – On Saturday, Dec 12, 2020, piles at the brush dump were burned. However, much work is still needed prior to opening it to the public. Once it is reopened, we will send out an email and place a notice here and on Facebook, as well as the marquee in front of the station. Thank you for your patience during this trying time for all.

It was great to have most of the firewise board members in attendance! Each one has contributed through the years to the success of Oracle’s Firewise program by giving of their precious time, developing innovative ideas to keep the program going and always focusing on the community’s safety.
Kevin Armbrust has already installed one of the new signs to the block post beneath the reader board in front of OFD. The second 15th anniversary sign was installed at the intersection of Mt. Lemmon Road and American Ave. by the AFR Gang. Thank you.
Click HERE to read more about the Oracle Firewise Board.

BRUSH DUMP STATUS – Beginning on Tuesday, Sept. 8th, 2020, the brush dump will be closed until further notice. The closure comes due to no favorable moisture and the brush dump reaching its maximum capacity.  Once the weather allows, we will do a burn and re-open the brush dump after we determine it is safe to do so. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause our residents.
Respectfully, Oracle Fire District

NO OPEN BURNING! – Just a reminder, at present, Pinal County has suspended all open burning permits until further notice. This will continue until the summer monsoons arrive and mitigate the dual risks to public safety and public health.

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY EVENT – Thank you Oracle Community Center for putting on such a wonderful Christmas event – the Christmas Toy Drive-Thru on Sun., Dec. 13th at 6:30pm. Bravo to all that came up with this safe alternative and made it happen! Our community has been very generous, and consequently, OCC is looking very festive with decorations and lights. They had lots of toys for kids of all ages! Many children in the community received a bag of toys and experienced the magic of the Christmas lights and decorations.
For more information and photos go to OCC's website, facebook or click HERE.


Thanks to some of our OFD Certs for helping with the event and especially traffic monitoring.

2020 PROPERTY AWARD WINNERS – On Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020, the Oracle Firewise Board presented its Annual FIREWISE Property of the Year awards for 2020. Each year, the Firewise Board presents a framed certificate of recognition to the winners and a Firewise Property Award of the Year sign to be placed at each location.
An award is given to the best personal property and to the best business/ public property. The award is for making your property Firewise by reducing vegetation and trimming, weed eating and reducing ladder fuel, creating a defensible space against potential fires around their personal or business/public property. Oracle Firewise has been presenting these awards annually since 2008.

This year’s personal property award winner is Bonnielee Walsh on Calle Futura. The business/non-profit property is the Oracle Union Church on American Avenue. Pastor Ed Nelson accepted the award for the church.
At the awards ceremony, it was also announced that Firewise completed the Firewise USA program’s annual requirements for 2020 and are in good standing throughout the 2021 calendar year. They are now certified as a Firewise Community for the year. This is the 15th year that they have been a certified Firewise community.

UPDATE FROM PINAL COUNTY – Suspension of Open Burn Permits. Permits to burn brush will no longer be valid as of April 28th and continue until further notice. This will continue until the summer monsoons arrive and mitigate the dual risks to public safety and public health. Learn more at pinalcountyaz.gov/AirQuality/Pages/BurnPermits
CAMPFIRE BAN IN NATIONAL FORESTS – As of April 22, fires, charcoal, grills & BBQs, coal and wood stoves are prohibited in all six Arizona national forests until June 30 or until rescinded. Click HERE to read the entire notice. Coronado National Forest has now put Oracle fire danger status at HIGH. Please get ready for whatever comes our way this summer.

VOUCHERS – We appreciate your efforts to maintain a Firewise home and community and we encourage you to continue. Supervisor Rios has offered six vouchers this year for free dumping at Waste Management. Please call his office at (520) 866-7830 for information on how you can obtain these vouchers, which can be used for the disposal of green waste until we can safely burn the large piles at the brush dump.
Note: Normally we can get 3 vouchers yearly. The additional 3 vouchers includes those authorized by Supervisor Rios. All can be used for trash or brush. Therefore if you already have 3, you can get an additional 3 vouchers for 2020.

ENGINE 692 in CALIFORNIA – We recently got this message on our incoming OFD emails: "Hello, we live in Orange County CA, and saw Oracle's E692 westbound on I-10 through Pomona yesterday evening. I'm sure you all were enroute to one of the fires burning here. Looking at where Oracle is, it must've been an all day drive. Thank you and God bless you for your service."
OFD IN CALIFORNIA – Oracle Fire District recently sent Engine 692 to help out on the fires in Northern California. The engine photo (left) shows where the Oracle crew was “holding” the fire so that it wouldn’t travel down to the creek below.
Engineer Manspeaker, Firefighter Huerta, Engineer Savage, and Captain Farrell (in tree photo) were positioned in the High Sierra National Forest where they were on Initial Attack for the Trimmer Fire which grew into a 400+ acre Type 2 fire.

NEW SUMMER NEWSLETTER – is now OUT!
You should be getting your copy in the postal mail. We also have it on this website. Click HERE to see a pdf which you can also print. It covers recent topics such as the ENS system, flooding, Ready-Set-Go and an evacuation list for reference.

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY EVENT – Oracle Community Center had a very successful Christmas Toy Drive-Thru on Sun., Dec. 13th at 6:30pm. The community has been very generous, and consequently, OCC is looking very festive with decorations and lights, and they have lots of toys for kids of all ages! Many children in this community received a bag of toys and experienced the magic of the Christmas lights and decorations. OCC is still accepting donations of toys, outdoor lights (especially solar), and cash or check. You can send donations to OCC, P.O. Box 1382, Oracle, AZ 85623, drop them off at the Oracle Fire Station or call Laura Stiltner at 928-242-2555.

CRITTER ALERT! – Note there have been several sightings of rattle snakes lately. A local resident was lucky enough to get hers removed from her property by OFD's C-Shift. Good job guys! If you find yourself in a similar situation, you can call OFD at 896-2980 instead of dealing with the situation yourself. Better a call than a bite!

CREW HAVING FUN! (August 2020) – One of the OFD crews found a fun way to combine a “breathe down” – breathing through an entire tank of air, while playing basketball in the middle of the day with the temperature at 100 degrees. Now that’s dedication! Thank you OFD firefighters!

 

ORACLE FIRE DISTRICT– UPDATE! Notice of Fire Board Vacancy –
An interim vacancy on the Oracle Fire District Governing Board was declared on Oct. 21, 2020, at a regularly scheduled meeting. This interim board member will complete the term of office, which is Nov. 30, 2022. Generally, regular fire board meetings are held at the OFD station on the third Wednesday of the month at 6pm. Special meetings and workshops may be required at various times of the year. Candidates shall reside within OFD boundaries, be at least 18 years of age, and be a registered voter of the District. This is a non-partisan volunteer position (no compensation). A person is NOT eligible to be a candidate for election to the fire district board if that person is related by affinity or consanguinity within the third degree to a person who serves on the board during the potential candidate’s term of office, per ARS Title 48-805.03.D.2, or is an employee of OFD or the spouse of an employee of the district, per ARS Title 48-805.03.2B.
All Fire Board members must attend mandatory training within one year of the appointment, as required by the State of Arizona Revised Statutes. All reasonable expenses related to this training shall be paid by OFD. Letters of interest and resumes shall be received no later than 5pm on Nov. 24, 2020 at the station. Applications are available HERE, at the OFD fire station at 1475 W. American Ave., or by mail to: Oracle Fire District, 1475 W. American Ave., Oracle, AZ 85623. Oral interviews of the candidates will be conducted shortly therafter. The appointed candidate will be sworn into office at the next regularly scheduled meeting on Wed., Dec. 16, 2020, at 6pm.
Should you have any questions, please call 520-896-2980 or stop at the fire station office from Mon.-Thurs., 8am-5pm.

OFD BIGHORN IMAGES – Thanks to Karen Medley for the home page photo of a microburst beyond Rice Peak. We also have a new image from Ron Machado of the blowup near Oracle Ridge during the Bighorn Fire from the Oracle Fire District station.

EXCESSIVE HEAT WAVE! (August 11-19, 2020) – The latest heat wave has been extended until Wednesday evening. Dangerous hot conditions with high afternoon temperatures in our area. This will increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities. Check your National Weather Service to see Precautionary and Preparedness Actions.

COVID-19 TESTING – Thanks to our friends in Pima County, free drive-thru testing is available to Pinal County residents at Coronado K-8 School on Sunday, August 16, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
The school is located at 3401 E. Wilds Road, adjacent to Oracle Road. This location is only a few miles south of the Pinal County border and is particularly suitable for residents of Saddlebrooke and Oracle. Anyone interested in a COVID-19 test can pre-register from Monday at www.doineedacovid19test.com. There will be in-person registration available, but pre-registration is highly encouraged to expedite testing.

LETTER FROM FIRE CHIEF JENNINGS . . . (July 10, 2020)
(This is the Chief's letter that went out in the Summer Newsletter you just received):
Dear Oracle Residents: As if things couldn’t get worse – with the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing and mask wearing, and now, the Bighorn Fire! My hopes are that by the time you receive this newsletter in your box, the fire will be out and we will be, once again, grateful to have escaped one more major incident. However, we need to consider the aftermath of such a devastating fire: FLOODS. Following the Aspen Fire of 2003, Oracle and the High Jinks area specifically, experienced flooding which killed one resident. This was one resident too many! We need to ensure that does not happen again.
For weeks now, we have been hearing about communities being in the Ready, Set, or Go stages of evacuations. This newsletter will touch upon these concepts; however, I would like to emphasize that we should ALWAYS be in the Ready stage, especially going into the summer (aka: fire season).
Our fire season is just getting started. The threat is not over. The safety of our community is of the utmost importance to me and to the staff and volunteers of Oracle Fire District (OFD); but we need your help. Please read through this newsletter carefully, sign up for the notifications, implement as much of the flood prevention and awareness, Firewise principles, and evacuation preparedness as possible, and keep this newsletter handy as it contains a lot of useful information that you may need in the future. Sincerely, Robert Jennings, Fire Chief, Oracle Fire District

BIGHORN FIRE UPDATES, MAPS, MEETINGS – Go to the inciweb/Bighorn website to see the information including updates, maps, meetings and other topics on this fire.
• THE BAER REPORT – Something that has been added to the information on inciweb, is the BAER  (Burned Area Emergency Response). This is the introduction of this BAER team and what it does, but for those of us in Oracle who lived through the Aspen Fire, the importance of the aftermath of fire: FLOODS, cannot be understated. Oracle lost one of its dearest residents to one of these post-fire floods and we need to remain informed and vigilant to these dangers, as well as to other impacts of post-fire.

Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. The temporary flight restriction in place over the fire area has been expanded to account for crews working around Mt. Lemmon. Every time a drone is seen near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information visit Know Before You Fly, http://knowbeforeyoufly.org

Starting Monday, April 20, we will start collecting fees and we appreciate exact change: $3 for one load (the back of a truck or a trailer), $5 for both the back of a truck AND a trailer, $10 for a dump truck. You may pay for multiple loads if you know you’ll be making multiple trips. We do not have a cash register and cannot make change for anything over a $5 bill.
Thank you again for your patience and understanding. As a local government entity, we feel obliged to follow government recommendations but we have heard you over the last three weeks and made the decision to open back up a bit early to accommodate all of you who have been hard at work clearing brush around your properties and doing your part to make Oracle a safer place to live.

FRYS COMES THROUGH – OFD would like to thank Alison and her coworkers from Frys Store #42 on 22nd and Harrison in Tucson.
A fun- raising event was conducted to help out First Responders, and they chose Oracle Fire District.
They were able to raise enough money to donate 80 cases of water, a gift card for $220 and a few pies to go with it. Donations came from employees themselves along with customers.
We can not say enough about how grateful we are. With all of the negative issues surrounding us recently, this generous and uplifting gesture will go far within our community. They even delivered all these donations to the station. When they came to the station, they brought a very special young man by the name of Kaleb. Kaleb received a station tour and tried on a few pieces of equipment. He said he wanted to be a Firefighter when he grew up; but first, he would be Spider-man. Thank you, Kaleb, Alison and the rest of the Frys crew for your kindness and generosity.

DONATION TO OFD – Special Thanks to Drew Stonecipher & ICSAVE for donation of 50 masks to OFD Staff & Volunteers to help fight the battle against COVID-19. ICSAVE is an Arizona-based charitable foundation, created by volunteer professionals from throughout the state who are united by their dedication to the prevention of traumatic events through education, preparedness training and community outreach programs. Click on this link to ICSAVE to visit their website.

Drive Up and Take Away – On May 30, 2020, the Oracle Community Learning Garden had another Drive Up and Take Away distribution of fresh produce boxes for the tri-communities area. This was fresh produce that had been rescued and otherwise would have been sent to a landfill.

OFD Firewise and Cert volunteers helped out with the distribution by sorting and boxing produce, teardown and cleanup at the Oracle courthouse. Certs/FW/OFD worked alongside volunteers from the Community Garden (who organized it through the nonprofit Borderlands), Saddlebrooke Ranch Rotary Club, Pinal County Volunteers, Triad and the Community Center as well as Oracle residents. Oracle Community Garden ordered 200 produce boxes from the nonprofit Borderlands. There were cucumbers, zucchini, squash, tomatoes and watermelons. Thank you all! It’s wonderful to see our various community organizations coming together for the good of all!

GOOD MORNING (June 24, 2020) – Oracle has awoken to a lot of smoke today due to increased burnout operations along Oracle Ridge last night. The Incident Team is continuing to increase the depth of the fire break between Oracle and the Bighorn fire. During the earlier morning update, it was stated that the main concern for Oracle today will be the smoke, as they continue burning prior to the arrival of winds tomorrow and Friday. Here is today's Morning Update. Here's an updated map and a smoke report.
You can watch filmed updates by following the Facebook link below or by visiting the InciWeb site, also below.
Additionally, there are two phone numbers that you can call to get answers to questions you may have:
Bighorn Fire Info: (520) 329-7439 & (520) 276-8981, 8am-8pm
Media Phone Line: (520) 329-7640, 8am-8pm
In the morning update, the updated number of acres burned is 74,547 acres and the fire remains at 33% contained. You will also see that Oracle (not including Saddlebrooke Ranch) remains in the SET position (be prepared to evacuate if necessary). This includes the Campo Bonito/High Jinks/Peppersauce areas.
• Closures remain in effect. Catalina State Park is closed. ALL of the Coronado National Forest is also closed due to fire. View the closure order and map at inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/6741/
• Fire Information Phone Line: (520) 329-7439, 8AM-8PM
• InciWeb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6741/
• Facebook: The Forest Service - Coronado National Forest
• Smoke Outlook: wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/EasternArizona

LARGE ANIMALS – Oracle has a large animal assistance group
who is willing to help out if you need them.
Please TEXT Megan at 520-395-7968.

UPDATED NEWS (June 26, 2020) – The evacuation threat to all of Oracle has been changed from Set - Be Alert back to the Ready state. The Ready - state means the following:
• Be aware of hazards that threaten your community.
• Create a defensible space around your home by clearing 30
to 100 feet of vegetation to protect it from fire.
• Build an emergency go kit with enough food, water and
emergency supplies for 72 hours.
• Write a family communication and evacuation plan.

HEALTH CONCERNS? Those with health concerns should consider relocating to the Red Cross evacuation center at CDO High School in Oro Valley or with friends.
LARGE ANIMALS – Large animal evacuations are located at the Pinal County Fairgrounds in Casa Grande. We also have a large animal assistance group who is willing to help out. If you are in need of help, please TEXT Megan at 520-395-7968.

CAMPO BONITO UPDATE – (June 22, 2020)
GO Evacuation orders have now been lifted for the Campo Bonito, High Jinks, ZipLine, and Peppersauce area. They are now in the SET status along with Oracle.
SATURDAY, JUNE 20 – Residents in the Oracle and San Manuel areas should expect to again see smoke and possibly flames this evening and into the night as firefighters continue to use fire to remove fuel from the path of the Bighorn Fire.
Weather conditions Saturday evening will allow firefighters to continue burn operations from last night.  Fire crews will be conducting back burns directly south of the community of Oracle, approximately 2 miles south from the Coronado National Forest boundary and along Old Mount Lemmon Highway near Peppersauce.
• Residents with health concerns due to poor air quality should consider voluntarily relocating to the Red Cross Evacuation Center at C.D.O. High School in Oro Valley or with family or friends outside of the area.
• Large animals can be sheltered at the Pinal County Fairgrounds in Casa Grande.
• There are no changes to the "Set" or "Go" alert areas in Pinal County as this time.  For Fire Information, please call 520-276-8981.
Be sure to check this website or our facebook page for updates.

ORACLE STATUS, JUNE 19 – Oracle (not including Saddlebrooke Ranch) is still under the SET stage of evacuations. Please be prepared to leave if you receive a GO notification.
Notice: Tonight you may see smoke and possibly flames from a scheduled backburn south of Oracle. This is approximately two miles south from the Coronado Forest boundary and along the Mt Lemmon area near Peppersauce.
There are no changes on the SET / GO stages of Oracle. For Fire information call 520-276-8981. Be sure to check this website or our facebook page for updates.

UPDATE campo bonito area (June 19, 2020) The Campo Bonito, ZipLine/ and Peppersauce area was evacuated this morning. GO status means there is danger in your area and is imminent and life-threatening. Take your emergency GO kit and evacuate immediately to shelter or with family or friends outside the affected area. Follow instructions from emergency personnel and stay on designated evacuation routes.

The community of Oracle and outlying areas are now in the SET - Be Alert stage of evacuations. There is significant danger in your area. Please consider voluntarily relocating with family or friends outside the affected area. We just got notice that Rillito is no longer taking large animals. You will need to take them to Pinal County Fairgrounds located at 512 11 Mile Corner, Casa Grande, AZ. Stay aware of the latest news and information from public safety officials.
Check Facebook.com/bighornfireinfo or the Oracle Fire District Facebook page or this website: www.oraclefire.org. Again, this is the SET stage of evacuations.

LETTER FROM FIRE CHIEF JENNINGS . . . (June 13, 2020)
Good evening Oracle residents,
The smoke blowing into Oracle from the Big Horn Fire over the last week has been of concern for many of us here in Oracle. I would like to reassure you that our community is of the highest priority. I have been involved with the Type 1 management team on the Big horn Fire and have established a great professional working relationship and have had the opportunity to express our concerns with them. Communication and planning have been a major part of their meetings. As the fire progresses, so will the involvement of Oracle Fire District. Along with the Type 1 team, I have been in constant contact with the Pinal County Office of Emergency Management, the Pinal County Sheriff's Office, and Coronado National Forest. The fire is not in Pinal County at this time.
You may start seeing more crews from Coronado National Forest and other fire agencies in Oracle. This is a good and positive thing! This is part of strategic planning, should the fire continue its northward trajectory. When you see these resources, you can rest assured that we are all planning ahead for anything that may come our way, and that we will keep you as up to date as possible with any information that may pertain to our community.
If you live in the Oracle Fire District please click on the Emergency Notification System pdf form, print it out and fill it in to sign up for the Emergency Notification System from the Oracle Fire District. By completing this form and either emailing it back to Tina or bringing it into the front office of the Oracle Fire District, you will be added to our most effective way of notifying you in case of an emergency. Additionally, we often updates on our website (www.oraclefire.org) as well as our Oracle Fire District Facebook page which provides a lot of information on the side tabs, including the Ready, Set, Go, tab, which has much useful information regarding evacuation preparation.
For those of you who reside in SaddleBrooke or SaddleBrooke Ranch your Fire District is Golder Ranch and you can fill out the Pinal County Notification (PENS) Form HERE.
By completing this form and either emailing it back to Tina or bringing it into the front office of the fire station, you will be added to our most effective way of notifying you in case of an emergency. Additionally, we often update this website and our Oracle Fire District Facebook page. We have a lot of information on the sidebar tabs including the Ready, Set, Go tab, which has much useful information regarding evacuation preparation.
We do not want to wait until the last minute to prepare for a wildfire. Please review your personal evacuation plans, have a list of things to pack in case of evacuation (available under the Ready, Set, Go tab and continue to Firewise your property and home. More than anything, stay calm.
Sincerely, Robert Jennings, Fire Chief, Oracle Fire District

BIGHORN FIRE MORNING UPDATE – Click to see the latest Public Information Map. The Morning Update is now on Facebook as a video for today. There is a virtual community meeting tonight at 8pm on the inciweb website and facebook as well.

BIGHORN FIRE MORNING UPDATE – (July 5, 2020)
There is a new team on the Bighorn fire starting today. The Southwest Area Incident Management Team 4 led by Carl Schwope, Incident Commander, takes command. Cick HERE for the latest information.

BIGHORN FIRE MORNING UPDATE – (July 4, 2020)
Here is today's Bighorn Smoke Outlook.
Here is the Public Information Map for today as well.

BIGHORN FIRE MORNING UPDATE – (July 3, 2020)
Here is today's Incident Management Morning Update.
Here is the Public Information Map for today as well.

ORACLE UPDATE (07-02-2020) – There is a flood watch starting today as rains are predicted on Mt Lemmon and in the area of the Bighorn fire which may cause increased amount of runoff. Sand bags may be obtained at the Pinal County Public Works Yard behind the courthouse. Sand to fill them is located behind the helicopter landing pad. Please prepare for possible floods now. Click HERE for more information.
BIGHORN FIRE MORNING UPDATE – (July 2, 2020)
Here is today's Incident Management Morning Update.
Here is the Public Information Map for today as well.
FLOOD WATCH – A flash flood watch remains in effect from 1pm through this evening for a portion of southeast AZ, including Catalina, Rincon Mountains and Tucson Metro. Heavy rainfall over the Bighorn burn scar is expected during the period of the watch. Residents near the scar should prepare for potential flooding impacts. Be sure to stay up to date with information from local authorities. This is a flood watch not a warning.

BIGHORN FIRE MORNING UPDATE – (July 1, 2020)
Here is today's Incident Management Morning Update.
Here is the Public Information Map for today as well.

BIGHORN FIRE MORNING UPDATE – (June 30, 2020)
Here is today's Incident Management Morning Update.
Here is the Public Information Map for today as well.

BIGHORN FIRE MORNING UPDATE – (June 29, 2020)
Here is today's Incident Management Morning Update.

BIGHORN FIRE MORNING UPDATE – (June 28, 2020)
Here is today's Incident Management Morning Update.

BIGHORN FIRE MORNING UPDATE – (June 27, 2020)
Here is today's Incident Management Morning Update.
Here is the latest Public Information Map.

UPDATED NEWS (June 26, 2020) – The evacuation threat to all of Oracle has been changed from Set - Be Alert back to the Ready state. The Ready - state means the following:
• Be aware of hazards that threaten your community.
• Create a defensible space around your home by clearing 30
to 100 feet of vegetation to protect it from fire.
• Build an emergency go kit with enough food, water and
emergency supplies for 72 hours.
• Write a family communication and evacuation plan.

BIGHORN FIRE MORNING UPDATE – (June 26, 2020)
Here is today's Incident Management Morning Update.
Here is the latest Public Information Map.
• THE BAER REPORT – Something that has been added to the information on inciweb, is the BAER  (Burned Area Emergency Response). This is the introduction of this BAER team and what it does, but for those of us in Oracle who lived through the Aspen Fire, the importance of the aftermath of fire: FLOODS, cannot be understated. Oracle lost one of its dearest residents to one of these post-fire floods and we need to remain informed and vigilant to these dangers, as well as to other impacts of post-fire.

BIGHORN FIRE MORNING UPDATE – (June 25, 2020)
Here is today's Incident Management Morning Update.

BIGHORN FIRE MORNING UPDATE – (June 24, 2020)
Here is today's Incident Management Morning Update. We also have today's Public Information Map you can view and a Smoke report.

BIGHORN FIRE MORNING UPDATE – (June 23, 2020)
Please click HERE to see today's Incident Management Team 2 Morning Update! We also have a Public Information Map you can view.

BIGHORN FIRE MORNING UPDATE – (June 22, 2020)
Please click HERE to see today's Incident Management Team 2 Morning Update! Today, we also have a Public Information Map you can view.

BIGHORN FIRE MORNING UPDATE – (June 21, 2020)
Please click HERE to see today's Incident Management Team 2 Morning Update!

BIGHORN FIRE MORNING UPDATE – (June 20, 2020)
Please click HERE to see today's Incident Management Team 2 Morning Update!

BIGHORN FIRE UPDATE – (June 19, 2020)
Please click HERE to see today's Incident Management Team 2 Morning Update!

BIGHORN FIRE UPDATE – (June 18, 2020)
Please click HERE to see today's Incident Management Team 2 Morning Update!

BIGHORN FIRE UPDATE – (June 17, 2020)
Please click HERE to see today's Incident Management Team 2 Morning Update!

BIGHORN FIRE UPDATE – (June 16, 2020)
Please click HERE to see today's Incident Management Team 2 Morning Update!

BIGHORN FIRE UPDATE – (June 15, 2020) Morning Update . . .
Smoke visible as the Bighorn Fire spreads to higher elevations and heavier fuels.
Acres: 14,675 / Percent Containment: 22% / Start Date: June 5, 2020 Cause: Lightning Origin Location: Santa Catalina Mountains / Personnel: 633 / Injuries: 3 minor heat-related illnesses
Jurisdiction: Coronado National Forest, including portions of the Pusch Ridge Wilderness Resources: 6 hotshot crews, 5 Type 2 hand crews, 1 Type 1 engine, 26 Type 3 engines, 1 Type 4 engine, 26 Type 6 engines, 4 Type 1 helicopters, 1 Type 2 helicopter, 2 Type 3 helicopters, 11 water tenders, 7 bulldozers.
• Overnight, active fire in Romero and Cargodera Canyons burned together and continued to push to the north and east. With this spread to the higher elevations comes a transition in fuel type, with the fire moving from grasses and brush up to chaparral. Smoke from these heavier fuels will be very visible today.
• Firefighters on Mt. Lemmon are building from the preparatory work done by the community together with the Forest Service, ensuring existing fire breaks are clear and that defensible space is maintained. Crews and equipment will be working north toward the town of Oracle, scouting for containment features and identifying values at risk.
• Fire in Ventana Canyon continued to be active and is expected to slowly back down the canyon where crews are confident the existing fire line will hold. Firefighters are building line extending east from the southern edge of the fire to protect communities, should the fire move in that direction where there is unburned fuel.
• Evacuation Notices:
• Mt. Lemmon and Mt. Bigelow are in “SET – Be Alert”status north of Organization Ridge Road Area, including Summerhaven.
• SET notices for portions of the CatalinaFoothills, Golder Ranch and Oro Valley remain in place.  

Oracle note: (June 15, 2020) – On Monday, a large contingent of engines and crews continued preparatory work around the community of Summerhaven. Firefighters utilized heavy equipment including bulldozers to construct fire line to the north, tying into an existing fire control line south of the Town of Oracle, remaining from the 2003 Aspen Fire.

BIGHORN FIRE UPDATE – (June 14, 2020) Morning Update . . .
Firefighters to contend with strong winds today.
Acres: Acres: 12,345 / Percent Containment: 11%
Start Date: June 5, 2020 / Cause: Lightning
Origin Location: Santa Catalina Mountains / Personnel: 560
• Injuries: 3 minor heat-related illnesses
• Jurisdiction: Coronado National Forest, including portions of the Pusch Ridge Wilderness
• Resources: 6 hotshot crews, 5 Type 2 hand crews, 1 Type 1 engine, 21 Type 3 engines, 1 Type 4 engine, 19 Type 6 engines, 4 Type 1 helicopters, 1 Type 2 helicopter, 2 Type 3 helicopters, 11 water tenders
• Strong southwest winds with gusts up to 30 mph will be the main challenge to firefighting operations today and may affect the ability to utilize air resources in the afternoon. The fire will be most active in the Pusch Ridge Wilderness around Romero Canyon and Cathedral Rock, with dark smoke visible from the Tucson metropolitan area. Strong winds will also increase the probability of the fire spotting outside of the current perimeter. Initial attack crews are at the ready to suppress any new starts.
The community can expect to see an increased firefighter presence on and around Mt. Lemmon as crews will be constructing fire line and identifying holding features where safety risks are minimized and there is a greater chance of success in containing the fire on the mountain. In the community of Summerhaven, crews will assess potential threats to homes and infrastructure, identify access routes and develop contingency plans in the event of fire spreading into the area. Drivers and cyclists on the Catalina Highway are urged to travel with caution and make way for emergency equipment.
Crews will continue to closely monitor the fire’s southern and northern flanks to ensure that threats to communities in the areas of East Golder Ranch and Ventana Canyon are minimized.

BIGHORN FIRE UPDATE – (June 13, 2020) Morning Update . . .
Crews work through the night to complete East Golder Ranch burnout operation. / Acres: 10,367 / Percent Containment: 10% / Personnel: 550 / Injuries: 3 minor heat related illnesses
Resources: 7 hotshot crews, 4 Type 2 hand crews, 1 Type 1 engine, 18 Type 3 engines, 1 Type 4 engine, 16 Type 6 engines, 4 Type 1 helicopters, 1 Type 2 helicopter, 2 Type 3 helicopters, 11 water tenders.
• Overnight, firefighters took advantage of cooler temperatures to conduct a burnout operation near East Golder Ranch, tying in to nearby holding features including washes and OHV trails to create a buffer between homes and the fire. Crews will continue working to secure a fire line between Catalina State Park and Golder Ranch today, making as much progress as they can in the morning hours before the afternoon temperatures and direct sunlight cause an increase in fire activity.
• Fire is established in upper Ventana Canyon and Romero Canyon where it is expected to continue growing upslope towards Window Rock. Crews are working in the areas above to identify holding features, where firefighters would have the greatest chance of success in halting the fire’s progression. Additional resources will be arriving to the incident throughout the weekend to support this work around Mt. Lemmon and the community of Summerhaven.
• While the fire is expected to be most active to the north and east today, crews remain vigilant on the south edge near Pima Canyon and Ventana Canyon and are prepared to engage the fire and take suppression action if needed. A strong aerial contingent will continue to support crews on the ground throughout the day, dropping water and retardant.

SEVERAL FIRES AFTER THUNDERSTORM ON FRIDAY – Tucson, AZ, (from KOLD News13) - Crews with the Golder Ranch Fire District were kept busy responding to multiple fires in the Tortolita Mountains after a thunderstorm passed through the area yesterday, Friday, June 5. The causes of the fires were not officially announced, but several lightning strikes were seen before the fires. There are also a few separate fires in the Tortolita Mountains west of Catalina and north of Oro Valley, visable from Oracle Rd from Tangerine to Oracle Junction. Crews are attempting to make access through very rough terrain; no homes are in the area. For continued information on this topic, go to KOLD News13.

ORACLE ALERT – Temperatures are up, humidity is very low and winds have been brutal. So, PLEASE, be very careful. Fires are not always started by the obvious camp or recreational fire but are often caused by just one spark; be it from a weed eater hitting a rock, a welder, a lit cigarette carelessly tossed outside a window, or a draging chain. If you see a fire along the roadside or highway, determine where you are and the milepost, if possible, pull over and call 911 as soon as possible.

BEE ALERT – Wednesday, May 20th, 2020, several bee related calls have been received by OFD around the areas of the AZ Water Company and the Post Office.  These swarming bees are aggressive and have attacked people, dogs and horses. Please be careful around these areas and take precautions.  If an emergency occurs from a bee related attack please call 911 immediately.  Thank you.

PINAL COUNTY EMERGENCY NOTICE – Following a declaration of a Local State of Emergency in Pinal County: Effective March 21, 2020, the administrative office of Oracle Fire District will be closed to all non-essential traffic; most notably the brush dump will be closed until further notice. For emergencies, please dial 911 then press the Call Button outside the office and clearly state your symptoms. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we try to ensure the health and safety of our community and staff. BRUSH BURN: On Wednesday, April 15, 2020 the brush at the dump was burned successfully.

FAMILY FIRST KIDS VISIT OFD – The OFD fire station was the site of several children from Family First in Oracle this morning (March 4, 2020) to meet a real firefighter and take a tour of one of the fire trucks. Firefighter Joseph Marasa along with the CERTs greeted the kids and showed them what a firefighter wears when he goes out on a call and some of the workings of a fire truck. The kids came to the letter "F" in their Story Telling Time and chose to visit the station for "Fire Station."

ORACLE FIRE DISTRICT IS NOW HIRING! OFD is looking for
Part-Time / RESERVE FIREFIGHTERS / EMTs for our Oracle station. Click HERE for details on the job. Click HERE to access the job application.

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 NEW, larger red flag flying in front of the fire station. Please be vigilant and cautious especially on these days.

OFD ANNUAL AWARDS: On December 20, 2019, OFD held their Holiday dinner and bestowed awards on two deserving individuals:

• 2019 DON HARTMAN AWARD – OFD Admin Manager Tina Acosta received this annual award. It is voted on by all OFD fIrefighters and personnel.
The award was established a few years ago to honor Don Hartman, the first Oracle Fire Chief and to keep the memory and tradition of his community service alive. The award is presented to the OFD staff member who has displayed selflessness, caring, honor, respect, gratitude and commitment to the people of Oracle.


• FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR –Tyler McGovern was recognized as the 2019 Firefighter of the Year. Tyler has been with OFD for over 10 years, with additional time as a Jr. Explorer. He has worked his way through ranks to achieve his current position as a Captain of A shift and a Wildland Engine Boss Trainee. Both positions have taken years of hard work and many continuing education classes to achieve. We congratulate Tyler on his achievement and we look forward to his continued service.