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VALLE VISTA: A structure fire in a two story, single family home resulted in the injury to one firefighter and approximately $300,000 in structural and contents damage Friday afternoon. The Hualapai Valley Fire District received a report for a structure fire at approximately 3:28 PM in the 8500 block of Desert View X Ironwood. The department responded with the Fire Chief, five engine companies, one water tender, and two pumper tankers with a total of nineteen personnel. Upon arrival, the fire was well involved in the attic and on the second floor. There were no fire hydrants within the vicinity of the fire, and water was hauled approximately one mile by water tenders and pumper tankers.

The home was occupied at the time of the fire, and area residents notified the occupants to evacuate and called HVFD. The first and second floor of the structure were completely destroyed, however firefighters were able to stop the fire from spreading to a one story addition, outbuilding, travel trailer, and two vehicles. Two dogs and two pet tortoises were rescued from the fire. The family of five is displaced by the fire, and is moving into a nearby family home.

Hualapai Valley Fire District Firefighter/Paramedic Nick Agostini was injured during the final phases of the fire as firefighters attempted to stabilize the structure to prevent harm to residents. A portion of the second floor wall fell on Firefighter Agostini as he attempted to exit the area, causing a sprain to his shoulder and ankle. He was transported to KRMC and released a short time later. The injury is under investigation by the districts safety committee. No injuries were reported by occupants of the fire structure.

The fire apparently originated in the chimney area, and spread rapidly through the attic. A fire in the fireplace that morning was the first use of the season, and the fire place and chimney had not been inspected or cleaned prior to use. Evidence at scene leads investigators to believe that a weak connection in the interior chimney venting allowed the heat, embers and smoke from the morning fire to enter a concealed space which smoldered throughout the day.

“This fire clearly shows the need for regular maintenance and inspection of fire places and chimneys. With colder weather patterns, residents are reminded to check their chimneys and have them cleaned professionally prior to use each year.”

Additional information can be obtained by contacting Fire Chief Wayne L. Eder at 928-757-3151.

KINGMAN: The United States Department of Homeland Security/FEMA announced the award of two grants this month to local fire districts. The Chloride Fire District received an award of $42,196 for Firefighter Safety, Wellness, and Fitness, while the Seligman Fire District received $130,042 for Firefighter Safety, Personal Protective Clothing, Self Contained Breathing Apparatus, and Equipment. These two successful grants are the result of efforts of nine local fire districts and fire departments that work together to obtain grant funding, thereby improving the overall protection to area communities and the firefighters that serve them.

Successful grants in 2007 include the following awards, while the districts await further notifications for other grants:

“These grant awards have enabled local fire districts to meet departmental and community funding needs without raising fire district taxes or passing bonds to finance projects. This results in a significant savings to local taxpayers over the long term. With the current tax revolt in Arizona, Fire Districts are working harder than ever to meet community needs while reducing the burden to taxpayers.” Eder, 9/07

“By writing joint grants, area Fire Districts are able to obtain funding for interoperable equipment, such as radios, Thermal Imaging Cameras, and Self Contained Breathing Apparatus thus increasing safety of personnel on major incidents, including the recent major fire in Hualapai Valley, where mutual aid companies from neighboring districts assisted with extinguishment. While this fire was a major loss, firefighters were able to perform safely, without any injuries to responding firefighters.” Eder, 9/07

Fire Districts and Departments that participate in the joint grant writing program include Hualapai Valley Fire District, Valle Vista Fire Department, Lake Mohave Ranchos Fire District, Chloride Fire district, Truxton Fire District, Seligman Fire District, Fort Mohave Mesa Fire District, Grapevine Mesa Fire District, and BIA/Valentine Structural Fire Program. Joint grant writing also reduces the stiff competition in grant writing, as funders like to see a regional approach on projects.

For additional information, please contact Fire Chief Wayne L. Eder at (928)757-3151.

North Kingman: An evening storm created serious concerns in the Hualapai Valley Fire District Sunday evening. Numerous lightning strikes ignited a small brush fire; a power pole; and two electrical transformers in different areas of the fire district, with one of the lightning strikes possibly causing a structural fire that completely destroyed the Uptown Drug and Kings Liquor at Northern and Bank. Fire personnel witnessed a lightning strike that blew up a transformer next to the Uptown Drug, and a short time later smoke was reported coming from the structure. A first alarm structural response of the Fire Chief; one (1) Battalion Chief; three (3) engine companies; and a ladder company responded at approximately 1858 hours. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke, and attempted to advance a hoseline into the structure. High heat and heavy fire activity forced the crew to pull out, while another crew checked the roof. The roof had already sustained serious damage, and the roof top air conditioner was beginning to fall through the roof. Fire Chief Wayne L. Eder ordered all personnel away from the building for safety and ordered additional resources from neighboring fire departments. The following equipment and personnel responded to the fire:

· Kingman FD (Fire Chief; Battalion Chief; one (1) engine; one (1) ladder company)

· Truxton FD (One (1) engine company responded to the fire; additional Truxton personnel covered Valle Vista FD fire engine)

· Hualapai Valley FD Second Alarm (One (1) Battalion Chief; one (1) engine company; one (1) brush engine with foam trailer; and communications support unit)

Firefighting efforts were hampered as the fire gained momentum in the attic and concealed spaces formed during a remodel last year. As the roof collapsed, it added to the fire load, as tar and roof deck material ignited. Northern Ave. and Bank St. were closed to allow firefighters to utilize fire hydrants across the street from the fire building; however vehicles disregarded the road block and drove over fire hose, placing the lives of firefighters in jeopardy. Firefighters remained on scene all night and into Monday extinguishing hot spots. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, however preliminary investigation has determined that the fire may have been caused by a lightning strike and electrical overload from the damaged transformer. No injuries were reported. Additional assistance was provided by Mohave County Sheriff; Kingman PD; and an off-duty Bullhead City PD officer. During the fire, the Kingman FD responded to two medical emergencies in the fire district, and HVFD personnel responded to two additional incidents. Preliminary damage estimates for structure and contents has been determined to be approximately $3 million. Fire personnel will remain on scene Monday to insure that the fire is completely extinguished and to conduct further investigations.

“The Hualapai Valley Fire District would like to thank each of the fire departments and law enforcement agencies for their assistance during this major incident.” Eder 9/07

Additional information can be obtained by contacting Fire Chief Wayne L. Eder at (928)757-3151

NORTH KINGMAN, AZ: A large fire in a pallet storage facility burned thousands of pallets while also destroying neighbors property and threatening Arizona State Trust Lands Sunday evening. A call for a smoke investigation was received by the Hualapai Valley Fire District at 6:11 PM Sunday. As fire personnel began to respond, the 911 reports changed to a fully involved factory fire, and the department began responding a first alarm assignment of the Fire Chief; three (3) engine companies and a ladder company. Personnel arrived North of Kingman Airport at a fully involved pallet yard with numerous construction vehicles burning on a neighboring property. The Fire Chief immediately requested a pumper/tanker from neighboring Valle Vista Fire Department; as well as water tenders from neighboring departments. Total response from area departments through mutual aid as follows:

The Hualapai Valley Fire District established an Incident Command System, with the Fire Chief serving as Incident Commander. The fire was split into four separate divisions, and water tenders were utilized to shuttle water from approximately one mile away. A total of forty (40) personnel were involved in the fire suppression, and no injuries were reported. Assistance was received from the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office and Arizona State Land Department. The Kingman Jack in the Box Restaurant provided meals for the fire personnel. During the incident, the City of Kingman Fire Department responded to an outbuilding fire and a medical emergency in the fire district until resources could be released from the fire. The last fire apparatus was released at 12:26 AM on 5/21/07.

“This incident demonstrated the effectiveness of mutual aid in Mohave County, where fire departments support each other during major incidents. The Hualapai Valley Fire District will be requesting assistance from Mohave County to eliminate this type of problem in the future, as this is the third fire of this type that has occurred on this property in the last year, and appears to be operating without Planning and Zoning approval, and adequate safety measures.” Eder 5/07

The fire occurred just outside of fire district boundaries, and threatened a concrete facility and other properties in the district. A total of five acres burned, and multiple vehicles were destroyed, including heavy equipment at a storage yard and a mobile home. Total damage estimate is $100,000. The fire is under investigation, however it appears to have originated near the destroyed mobile home. Two individuals were noticed fleeing the area at the time of the fire. Anyone with information concerning this fire is requested to contact the Hualapai Valley Fire District at (928)757-3151.

Questions concerning this release may be directed to Fire Chief Wayne L. Eder at (928)757-3151.

MOHAVE COUNTY: Rural fire districts in Northern Mohave County continue to work together to improve service to their respective communities. Personnel from the Hualapai Valley Fire District; Valle Vista Fire Department; Truxton Fire District; Lake Mohave Ranchos Fire District; and Chloride Fire District are receiving or have received new equipment through various grant programs to enhance their ability to serve Mohave County Residents. These awards were made through a cooperative effort by the departments to pursue grant funds as a team, rather than competing against each other. This effort has paid off once again as the following awards were recently announced.

Hualapai Valley FD: Received $6,700 from Doctor John Lingenfelter and the Kingman Air Show to purchase a Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC). The Thermal Imaging Camera is used to locate victims in structural fires, structural collapses, auto accidents, or other emergency situations. It can also be utilized to detect hidden fires, such as attic fires, or find firefighters that become lost in smoke filled buildings. The new unit has been placed in service in March 2007 on the departments new ladder truck at the Able Drive fire station. This is the second Thermal Imaging Camera obtained by the department through grants since 2004. The original Thermal Imaging Camera is carried on the fire engine at the Northern Ave. fire station and was paid for with a $15,000 Homeland Security Grant. Mohave County is also opening bids this month for a new fire engine for Hualapai Valley that is being purchased with Community Development Block Grant Funds (CDBG) awarded in 2006 totaling $100,000. Total value of the HVFD 2007 grants: $106,700

Valle Vista FD: The Valle Vista Fire Department (A Division of the Hualapai Valley Fire District), received a $6,000 donation of refurbished Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). This grant, through the Cascade Fire Equipment Company allowed the department to obtain six units to replace older units which had been retired due to age and equipment malfunctions. The units provide filtered breathing air for firefighters working in toxic or smoke filled environments. In addition, Valle Vista FD was awarded a Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP) grant for a $12,000 Thermal Imaging Camera in a program sponsored by the United States Department of Homeland Security. This Thermal Imaging Camera will be carried by a fire engine at Valle Vista Fire Station 1 on Concho Drive. It is the first Thermal Imaging Camera to be owned by Valle Vista. Total value of the VVFD 2007 grants: $18,000

Truxton FD: The Truxton Fire District was also awarded a Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP) grant for a $12,000 Thermal Imaging Camera. This Thermal Imaging Camera will be carried by a fire engine at Truxton Fire Station 9 on Nelson St. in Truxton. It is the first Thermal Imaging Camera to be owned by the Truxton FD and provides new capabilities for the department which was re-organized in 2006. In addition, the department has been awarded an Automatic External Defibrillator through the Western Arizona Council of Emergency Medical Services (WACEMS). This $3,000 unit is used to treat victims of heart attacks, and has the potential for saving lives in the Truxton area once personnel are fully trained and the unit is placed in service. The department also received notification this week that it had received a grant for $13,000 from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety to purchase hydraulic rescue tools for victims trapped in automobile accidents. As with other equipment being received by Truxton FD, this will be the first equipment of this type owned by the Truxton FD. Total value of the TFD 2007 grants: $28,000

Lake Mohave Ranchos FD: (Dolan Springs) Received a Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP) grant of $19,000 for a hydraulic rescue tool system to rescue victims trapped in automobile accidents. Similar to the system being purchased by Truxton, this unit will be the first new system of this type in Dolan Springs and will replace an older, obsolete version. Total value of the LMRFD 2007 grants: $19,000

Chloride FD: Received a Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP) grant for a $12,000 Thermal Imaging Camera. The department also received notification this week that it had received a grant for $21,000 from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety to purchase hydraulic rescue tools and air lifting bags for victims trapped in automobile accidents. As with other equipment being received by Chloride FD, this will be the first equipment of this type owned by the Chloride FD. Mohave County is also opening bids this month for a new fire engine for Chloride that is being purchased with Community Development Block Grant Funds (CDBG) awarded in 2006 totaling $40,000. Total value of the CFD 2007 grants: $73,000

The total combined value of these grants, all awarded in 2007, is $244,700. 2006 joint grant writing results yielded a combined total approximately $547,917.05 for the five departments. In 2005, the Hualapai Valley FD received over $1 million in grants and donations. Additional grants are pending review and award, and the Seligman Fire Department has joined the above listed departments in an effort to secure funding for that community this year. This effort has proved promising, with Seligman receiving a pre-award notice of approximately $14,000 for the Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant (VFA) to purchase fire hose and tools this year. Lake Mohave Ranchos and Chloride also received a pre-award notice on the VFA grant and will share approximately $20,000 in funds. The fire districts are currently pursuing grants for additional equipment; a mobile structural fire training trailer (in conjunction with the Fort Mohave Mesa FD and Grapevine Mesa FD); a regional dispatch facility; and wellness programs to improve the health and safety of firefighters.

“Grants and donations are critical to the survival of rural fire districts. These funds are able to fill the gaps in operating budgets, particularly in the areas of capital improvement and equipment purchases. Each of the fire districts is working diligently to keep the financial burden off of Mohave County taxpayers through these programs, and Hualapai Valley Fire District is continuing its effort to reduce the fire tax levied on property owners. None of the districts is interested in pursuing bonds or other obligations, and we will continue to work together to meet funding challenges.” Eder 5/07

For additional information, please feel free to contact the following Fire Chiefs.

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A mid-afternoon structure fire darkened the skies over North Kingman Thursday afternoon, causing significant damage to a double wide mobile home and completely destroying a mini-van. The Hualapai Valley FD received a report of a structure fire at 2:46 PM and responded with the Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief; three (3) engine companies; and one (1) ladder company with a total of fourteen personnel. Firefighters arrived in the area of 3700 Neal Ave. and Norrie Drive and encountered a well involved fire in the attic of a double wide modular home that had spread from a vehicle parked in the driveway. Firefighters worked quickly to extinguish the blaze which was fed by melted tar and shingles as the fire spread throughout the attic area. The department responded to two separate medical emergencies during the incident. Extensive work was done by firefighters to track the fire which had spread through walls and concealed areas. The last fire unit was released at 5:00 PM. Damage was estimated at $60,000 for structure and contents and $5,000 for the vehicle. The fire was apparently caused by an electrical short in the vehicle. No injuries were reported and assistance was received from MCSO; American Red Cross; Animal Control; and Unisource Energy. Two family pets perished in the blaze.

For additional information, please contact Fire Chief Wayne L. Eder at (928)757-3151.

North Kingman, AZ: The Hualapai Valley Fire Department (HVFD) has served residents, property owners, businesses, and visitors to the Fire District since 1964. Unfortunately, over the years, turmoil has been a fact of life in the District. Recently, a new level of turmoil has erupted, fueled by individuals and organizations seeking to keep the Fire District from growing enough to provide protection for those who pay for these services. HVFD would like to take this opportunity to respond to the many unfounded allegations that have been made in the past few months against the HVFD Board of Directors, the Fire Chief and the operations of HVFD.

Grant Funds: The Hualapai Valley Fire Department has worked hard during the last three years to secure grant funding for not only itself, but also for the neighboring rural fire districts of Valle Vista, Truxton, Lake Mohave Ranchos, Chloride and Seligman. These grants were written by the HVFD Fire Chief in his “off duty” or standby time when he was covering the fire district nights and weekends for emergency response as Duty Chief. HVFD has received to date over one million dollars in grant funds, while the other departments will realize close to $500,000 in grant funds that they would not have received otherwise. With Truxton’s budget at approximately $15,000 per year, the approximate $100,000 in grant funds that they have or will receive makes a major positive impact on their communities’ fire and emergency services.

The Fire Chief has been asked, “Why are you writing grants for these departments, and what do you receive in return?” Neither HVFD nor its Fire Chief receive any compensation for writing these grants, or assisting with grant projects. The reward lies in knowing that these communities, as well as Mohave County generally, are receiving a higher level of fire protection because of the grant money they have and will receive.

The Kingman Unified School District: Recently, the Hualapai Valley Fire Chief and department were accused of extorting fire hose and requiring unnecessary fire hydrants at a local school. The fire district is accused of enforcing fire codes too strictly, and the accusers place the blame on the current Fire Chief, who was hired in 2003. Yet, an internal document review of fire district files showed that the fire district and school district have been at odds since prior to 2001, when school officials attempted to block HVFD personnel from accessing school grounds to do their inspections. In addition, school employees have ceased calling 911 for medical emergencies, as they do not wish to have fire personnel at school facilities.

In fact, on January 8, 2007 a student apparently severely sprained her leg on School District property. She was not treated by school officials, and was put on a bus, sent back to her home, and forced to walk down the street. The parents filed a complaint with the Fire Department asking why we did not respond, yet we were never called by school personnel.

Three times prior to the new Fire Chief’s employment in 2003 with the HVFD, three different fire chiefs have required the KUSD to install new fire hydrants when they expanded school facilities. When the new additions were added in 2006 the KUSD knew, or should have known, that the fire code would require a fire hydrant that would cover the new additions and protect the 350 or more students using the new facilities.

At HVFD, our goal, and duty, is to enforce fire codes, which have been developed, based on actual life and property loss worldwide, by organizations determined to reduce the loss of life and property.

When the school district asked for an alternative to withhold installation of hydrants until next summer, was it given? Yes, an “alternative method” as outlined by the Uniform Fire Code was offered and accepted by the school district. (1997 UFC Section 103)

After the fact, the School Board, acting on advice from individuals who were not qualified, informed and/or who did not know everything involved in the fire protection decision, changed their stance, and, without further appeals or any notice to the HVFD Board, of their change of opinion, claimed extortion through the newspaper.

This is difficult to accept, as the School Board never followed the plan review requirements for the fire district, or Mohave County. If they had followed some simple legal guidelines, we would not be here today. Those guidelines have been established to save lives and this area has seen what happens when people feel they do not need to be permitted properly because their positions in this community allow them to sidestep the law. Unfortunately, once again the community is forced to work with people who think they are exempt from regulations.

Where is the fire hose the School District purchased? It is on three fire apparatus, as discussed with the School District and confirmed by our Board of Directors and fire mechanics.

It also appears that some misinformation, as well as possibly altered documents, were released for publication by individuals seeking to discredit this organization. As the School District has a negative history with HVFD, and is non-cooperative in many facets of our relationship, they took the misinformation as fact. An investigation has been completed, and information is being forwarded to the appropriate parties.

The Kingman Airport Authority, Inc.: KAAI is not a department of the City of Kingman, but an Arizona Corporation that manages the airport for Kingman, and it has been in a running battle with HVFD for some time. Why? KAAI believes that they should receive all federally mandated services for free from HVFD, while our taxpayers pick up the tab. Taking into account the hundreds of man-hours required to maintain an airport fire department, HVFD asked for an agreement in which costs were shared by KAAI and HVFD. Though other fire districts throughout the state receive direct costs from airports that require the special federally mandated coverage and give consideration to the fact that they do not pay taxes to the District, KAAI refused to give HVFD any funding for any type of service. The result was that HVFD was financially forced to reduce the daily services being provided by HVFD to KAAI. The Arizona Revised Statutes A.R.S. § 48-805 permits the District to enter into Intergovernmental Agreements with other political subdivisions for technical or administrative services or to provide fire services to the property owned by the political subdivision.

No normal business would allow one person to pay while a second customer does not, HVFD will cover the airport and hangars in an emergency, but the requirement to standby during the multiple daily commercial flights, is not fair to HVFD taxpayers.

HVFD submitted an Intergovernmental Agreement stating that fees would be paid by KAAI when HVFD’s equipment and firefighters were in use by KAAI. KAAI has refused to respond or negotiate an agreement. KAAI received over $1.5 million in grants last year. Why should a managing corporation be subsidized by taxpayers?

The Professional Firefighters Association: In November 2002, the PFFA approached HVFD and advised that they were forming an “association”. The Board of Directors at the time advised them to return to discuss contracts, etc. However, no member of PFFA ever returned to address the Board or Fire Chief until November 2006 when they began making accusations against the Fire Chief and the Board of Directors on the radio and in the newspaper, and diligently attempted to block the merger with Valle Vista Fire District. Since no member of PFFA ever returned, no labor agreement was ever signed with the HVFD, and as such, the PFFA has no collective bargaining, meet and confer, or ANY other type of agreement with HVFD. Is this the fault of HVFD or is it just a lack of information on the part of the association?

Employee Turnover: Ask many city firefighters where they started their careers, where they were trained or where they worked just prior to their job at KFD and many will answer that they started at HVFD.

Why did they leave? For many, they left HVFD for the money. Entry- level city personnel receive a higher wage than their fire district counterparts. Leaving is human nature; people want to make more money. Did they leave because of a Fire Chief? No, they left for more money.

Everyone that leaves HVFD is told, “Do what is best for your family”. Ironically however, these same individuals do not use HVFD for a reference. No calls have been made to the HVFD by the City to confirm employment on any individual who applied for work at the KFD.

Do employees get fired? Yes, everywhere. HVFD has a set of rules, adopted by the Board of Directors, and each employee is held accountable. Over the years, prior to the “new” Fire Chief arriving in 2003, the turnover for terminations and resignations per capita is about the same as it is today. Considering that we have more employees than we did in 2002, it seems our “statistics” are running even. If you do not do your job, pass your training, and follow the rules, you will be held accountable. All new employees are hired on a 12-month probationary basis, and promoted employees have a similar probation. If you do not meet the probationary requirements, or the needs of the department, you are held accountable for your actions or inactions. The department does not tolerate insubordination, falsifying documents, personal use of District equipment, illegal release of information, harassment, hostile work environment, or any other inappropriate acts that may adversely reflect on the ethics, morals, or professionalism of the District in the eyes of taxpayers or general public. No employer tolerates such acts.

Do all HVFD personnel hate the Chief and the Board of Directors? Far from it. Most employees stand by the decisions made by the Chief and the Board, and are here to continue serving. They refuse to be brought down by the minority of those who would see the district fail. They understand and adhere to the department rules and regulations.

Fire Code Enforcement: HVFD currently enforces the 1997 Uniform Fire Code (UFC) adopted by the Board of Directors in 1997. The Fire Chief is charged with the responsibility to enforce this and all supplemental codes. For the most part, this is a straight-forward process; however, some individuals resent code enforcement, just as they resent getting a speeding ticket. Is it the police officer’s fault that you were cited? No. Is it the Fire Chief’s fault that you are required to install smoke detectors or sprinklers to keep your property safe? No. It is the Fire Chief’s job and responsibility to enforce the fire code; otherwise he is derelict in his duties.

Improvements to fire services: Since 2003, HVFD has added nine (9) full time personnel to staff two additional companies. We averaged 10 personnel per structure fire in 2006 as opposed to five per structure fire in 2002. We have increased salaries of personnel approximately 19% in the last three years, and improved personnel benefits. In addition, we have opened a new fire station through donations, grants, and other funding, without additional cost to taxpayers, and upgraded our apparatus fleet. We have NOT raised our fire tax through all of these accomplishments. The highest fire tax allowed by law is $3.00 per thousand. District taxes have dropped from $2.95 in 2006 to $2.92 in 2007, and we will work hard to try and lower it even more. Our goal is to have a tax rate no higher than $2.95.

Some argue that they do not like how we staff our fire engines with two people, as a neighboring department staffs with three or four personnel per engine. We are a small fire district, trying to get the most out of the limited tax dollars we have, while upgrading our service into areas that previously had no service. By reducing our Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating from a Class 5/9 to a Class 3, we have been able to reduce insurance premiums for many taxpayers. An informal survey of six property owners showed an average savings of $500 per year per household, multiplied by six equals $3,000 per year in one neighborhood. Multiply this savings District-wide and the numbers are incredible. For those who believe an ISO rating means nothing, do the math. Different insurance companies have different criteria…some are based on the ISO code, some are based on your distance from a fire hydrant, etc., so check with your company, then compare your insurance rates.

Did the Fire Chief undergo a background investigation? Yes. In fact, a background committee, made up of Directors, the City Fire Chief, and the Arizona State Fire Marshal reviewed the Fire Chief applications, qualifications AND contacted former employers. They found the Fire Chief was NOT fired from Twentynine Palms or Rio Hondo College; that he left Riverside County FD voluntarily after 20 years service as a Volunteer Fire Officer, and his employment with a defense contractor and the Federal government is still considered classified. Information released from these employers is impossible to receive as all personnel files were sealed due to the projects involved and National Security. All previous employers gave positive or neutral recommendations, and no terminations, as were published, due to sexual harassment were found. In November 2006, several past co-workers of the Chief provided additional insight to the Board of Directors, and dispelled many of the false accusations that had been made.

The Valle Vista Merger: In December 2005, the Valle Vista Fire Chief approached the Hualapai Valley Fire Chief regarding a possible merger. After 12-months of diligent work by both Fire Chiefs and Boards, this merger came to fruition in December 2006. This effort was an extremely legal process, with the Mohave County Attorney guiding both fire districts through the process, twice. In June 2006, the Arizona Revised Statutes changed, and even though everything was complete in June, the County Attorney recommended that the merger be re-done to conform to the new laws. While many spoke out at the public hearings, very few property owners who actually live in and are protected by either district, opposed the merger. The merger is complete, and we now have the first successfully merged fire district in Mohave County. For all of the individuals that worked so diligently, thank you.

The Annexations: The “old” Hualapai Valley Fire District grew approximately nine (9) square miles in the last three years. This growth was because of annexation requests, primarily due to three factors: 1) recent Mohave County requirements regarding sub-division development. The County Board of Supervisors required new sub-divisions to have fire protection prior to approval; 2) insurance companies began canceling policy holders outside of district boundaries; and 3) a questionable annexation by the City of Kingman in 2002 that split the Fire District into two parts required the District to piece itself back together through additional annexations, as the District is required by law to be contiguous. Will annexations stop? Probably not anytime soon, because developers continue to move northward in Mohave County. This was another reason for the merger. As growth between the two fire districts continues to occur, it will be easier, safer, and less costly to taxpayers, for a larger district to react to this growth.

My Property Burned!: One local individual that frequently speaks against HVFD will tell anyone who will listen that his property burned down because of the HVFD. He fails to note that an HVFD firefighter rescued his wife, that HVFD was on scene within three minutes, and that HVFD actually saved his house, trees, and outbuildings from the fire. The fire was accidental, and not a deliberate act. This incident was indeed unfortunate, but as with many of these issues, all of the facts have not been released.

The Lawsuit: The Hualapai Valley Fire District has been advised of a lawsuit against the District, the Fire Chief, and Board of Directors. Attorneys and insurance companies have been made aware, and a defense will be prepared. In today’s society, lawsuits are a common tool, and the fire district will overcome this, as it has all other adversities in its past.

Why has HVFD only now responded to these allegations? We have not responded until now because we have been conducting our own internal investigations into these allegations to avoid misstating facts. Our investigations have revealed some surprising, and disappointing, facts. Those revelations have led to some responses that we would rather have avoided, but that we felt necessary to maintain an efficient and professional District to serve the people who depend on us for their safety.

Our goal is to serve our taxpayers through both preventative and active measures by giving them the best fire protection our income can purchase, and through properly trained, committed and professional firefighters. I hope that this information proves useful to our community. I have a high level of morals and ethics, and I will fight to protect Hualapai Valley Fire District from those that try to oppress it. I will NOT resign my position as Fire Chief, because in my heart, I know I am doing my job. I back my Board of Directors as they in turn back me, entrusting in me the decision-making ability to run a complex organization in an equally complex community. Our district will continue to grow, to provide service to our taxpayers, who are our number one customers. Eventually those that now attack us will be replaced by a new group, yet we will continue to overcome our obstacles in the interest of public safety.

AND GOVERNING BOARD RESOLUTION REGARDING PROPOSED MERGER OF HUALAPAI VALLEY FIRE DISTRICT

This Notice is being published, posted, and mailed to each owner of taxable property within the boundaries of Hualapai Valley Fire District (“HVFD”) and to the Chairman of the Mohave County Board of Supervisors, in accordance with A.R.S. Sec. 48-820, to provide notice that on September 20, 2006, the Governing Board of HVFD unanimously adopted HVFD Resolution No. 2006-23, declaring, among other things, that the merger of HVFD and Valle Vista Fire District (“VVFD”) would be considered and a Public Hearing held thereon to determine if a merger would be in the best interests of HVFD and would promote public health, comfort, convenience, necessity or welfare. HVFD Resolution No. 2006-23 and A.R.S. Sec. 48-820 are available for review at HVFD, 2470 Butler Avenue, Kingman, AZ 86409.

The HVFD Governing Board will hold the Public Hearing on the proposed merger of VVFD and HVFD on November 30, 2006, at 6:00 p.m. at the Hualapai Valley Fire District, Fire Station No. 1, 2485 Northern Avenue, Kingman, Arizona. At the hearing, the HVFD Governing Board will consider the comments of the Board of Supervisors regarding the proposed merger, hear those persons who appear for or against the proposed merger, and determine whether the proposed merger will promote public health, comfort, convenience, necessity or welfare. Any person having questions or comments concerning the proposed merger may appear and be heard at the Public Hearing. If, after the Public Hearings on the merger conducted by each of the Governing Boards of VVFD and HVFD, each Governing Board adopts a resolution, by at least a three-fourths vote, but at least one Governing Board adopts a resolution by less than a unanimous vote, stating that the merger will promote public health, comfort, convenience, necessity or welfare, each of the Governing Boards shall submit the resolutions to the Board of Supervisors, and the Board of Supervisors shall make an order calling for an election to decide whether to merge HVFD and VVFD. However, if, after the Public Hearings on the merger conducted by each of the Governing Boards of VVFD and HVFD, each Governing Board adopts a resolution by a unanimous vote, stating that the merger will promote public health, comfort, convenience, necessity or welfare, the merger can occur without an election.

The boundaries of HVFD, including property commonly referred to as the HVFD Cactus Wren Annexation Area, which will be added to/included in the boundaries of HVFD effective on or about October 14, 2006, and VVFD are set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference. In addition, a map of the area to be included in the proposed merger is set forth in Exhibit B attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference, and a larger, more detailed map is available for review at HVFD, 2470 Butler Avenue, Kingman, AZ 86409.

Please note that persons who require special accommodations are asked to contact HVFD at (928) 757-3151 at least two (2) days prior to the date of the Public Hearing.

Submitted by: Patricia Lewis
Chairperson of the Governing Board
Hualapai Valley Fire District

*****Description of the boundaries of Hualapai Valley Fire District *****
(Effective as of October 14, 2006)

BEGINNING AT A POINT THAT IS THE INTERSECTION POINT OF DETROIT AVE AND THE ELY LINE OF SEC 13, T21N,R17W OF THE G.&S.R.B.M.; WHICH POINT OF INTERSECTION IS S00°47’25”E 353.0’ FROM THE NE CORNER OF SEC 13, T21N,R17W; TH S00°47’25”E 1,316.64’, MORE OR LESS TO THE COMMON CORNER OF SECS 7 AND 18, T21N,R16W; TH S89°12’20”W 375.30’; TH N01°28’35”E 224.36’; TH N60°58’00”W 1,478.25’; TH S71°39’43” W 1,046.93; TH N70°12’43”W 2,651.9’, MORE OR LESS TO THE SW CORNER OF SEC 12, T21N,R17W; TH NLY ALONG THE W LINE OF SEC 12, TO THE NW CORNER OF SEC 12 ALSO BEING THE SE CORNER OF SEC 2, T2IN,R17W; TH WLY 895.65’ ALONG THE S LINE OF Arizona state trust lands in SEC 2, T21N,R17W, TO POINT OF INTERSECTION WITH THE ELY LINE OF THE PAR DESCRIBED IN 275/399, TH N37°00’W 938.49’; TH S53°00’W 400’; TH S37°00’E 637.07’ TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH THE S LINE OF SEC 2; TH WLY ALONG THE S LINE OF SEC 2 TO THE S1/4 CORNER OF SEC 2 BEING ON THE W LINE OF THE ARIZONA STATE TRUST LANDS; TH NLY TO NE CORNER OF THE SW1/4 OF SEC 2; TH WLY ALONG THE N LINE OF THE SW1/4 OF SEC 2 TO THE W1/4 CORNER OF SEC 2; TH NLY ALONG THE W LINE OF SEC 2 AND THE WLY LINE OF THE ARIZONA STATE TRUST LANDS TO THE NW CORNER OF SEC 2, T21N, R17W; TH ELY ALONG THE N LINE OF SEC 2 TO THE NE CORNER OF SEC 2 ALSO BEING THE SW CORNER OF SEC 36, T22N, R17W; TH NLY ALONG THE W LINES OF SECS 36, 25 AND 24 OF T22N, R17W TO THE NW CORNER OF SEC 24 ALSO BEING THE SE COR OF SEC 14, T22N, R17W; TH NLY ALONG THE E LINE OF SEC 14 TO THE CENTERLINE OF STOCKTON HILL RD AS DESCRIBED IN 524/712; TH NWLY ALONG CENTERLINE TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH THE W LINE OF THE N1/2 OF THE NE1/4 OF SEC 14; TH SLY ALONG W LINE TO THE SWLY RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF STOCKTON HILL RD; TH SELY ALONG SWLY RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH THE S LINE OF THE N1/2 OF THE NE1/4 OF SEC 14; TH WLY ALONG S LINE TO THE SW CORNER OF THE N1/2 OF THE NE1/4 OF SAID SEC 14; TH SLY ALONG THE W LINE OF NE1/4 TO THE NLY LINE OF PAR B AS SHOWN ON PARCEL PLAT BOOK 1 PAGE 61; TH ELY ALONG N LINE TO THE NE CORNER OF PAR B; TH SLY ALONG THE E LINE TO THE SE CORNER OF PAR B AND THE NLY RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF A ROAD DEDICATED IN BOOK 544/712 O.R.; TH WLY AND SWLY ALONG RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE TO THE SW CORNER OF PAR A AS SHOWN ON PARCEL PLAT BOOK 1 PAGE 61; TH SLY ALONG THE WLY PROLONGATION OF PAR A AND THE ELY LINE OF THE RIGHT of way line of mote dr as shown on the plat of canyon ranch properties recorded in parcel plat book 1 pages 89 & 90, now known as jordan ranch rd AND THE E LINE OF PAR 13-C1 AS SHOWN ON PARCEL PLAT BOOK 23 PAGE 67 TO THE SE CORNER OF THE W1/2 OF THE NE1/4 OF THE SW1/4 OF SEC 14; TH WLY ALONG THE S LINE OF PAR 13-C1 TO ITS SW CORNER; TH NLY ALONG THE W LINE OF PAR 13-C1 & 13-C2 AS SHOWN ON SAID PARCEL PLAT BOOK 23 PAGE 67 TO THE NW CORNER OF PAR 13-C2; TH NWLY TO A POINT BEING S89°54’35”W 493.32’ WEST OF THE SE CORNER OF PAR 14 OF CANYON RANCH PROPERTIES; TH S89°54’35”W 382.94’; TH N02°31’17”E 570.43’; TH ELY TO THE SW CORNER OF LOT 160 OF LAKE JUNIPER TRACT 3021-A; TH NLY ALONG THE W LINE OF LOT 160 AND LOT 161 TO THE NW CORNER OF LOT 161; TH WLY TO THE SW CORNER OF THAT 5.89 ACRE PARCEL AS SHOWN ON RECORD OF SURVEY BOOK 23 PAGE 47; TH NLY TO THE NW CORNER OF PARCEL SHOWN ON RS 23/47; TH WLY ALONG THE N LINE OF PAR 14 OF CANYON RANCH PROPERTIES TO A POINT ON THE W LINE OF SEC 14; TH NLY ALONG THE W LINE OF SECS 14, 11 AND 2 TO THE NW CORNER OF SAID SEC 2, T22N, R17W; TH ELY ALONG THE N LINE OF SEC 2 TO THE NE CORNER; TH SLY ALONG THE E LINE OF SEC 2 TO THE SE CORNER OF SEC 2 ALSO BEING THE NW CORNER OF SEC 12; TH ELY ALONG THE N LINE OF SEC 12 TO THE NE CORNER; TH SLY ALONG THE E LINE OF SECS 12 AND 13, T22N, R17W, TO THE NW CORNER OF SEC 18, T22N, R16W; TH WLY ALONG THE N LINE OF SEC 18 TO THE NE CORNER; TH SLY TO THE SE CORNER OF SEC 18; TH WLY TO THE SW CORNER OF SEC 18, T 22N, R16W, ALSO BEING ON THE E LINE OF SEC 24, T22N, R17W,; TH SLY ALONG THE E LINE OF SEC 24, T22N, R16W TO THE W1/4 CORNER OF SEC 19, T22N, R16W; TH N89°57’39”E 1523.43’ ALONG THE E-W CENTER SEC LINE OF SEC 19; TH S00°08’48”E (S00°08’45”E REC) 1976.00’ TO THE N LINE OF THAT PARCEL DESCRIBED IN 1467/431 O.R.; TH S89°57’39”W 310.00’; TH S0°08’45”E 625.93’; TH S89°51’15”W 1218.59’ TO THE W LINE OF SEC 19; TH S0°03’50”E 42’ TO THE SW CORNER OF SEC 19; TH ELY TO A POINT THAT LIES S89°51’15”W 4351.40’ FROM THE S1/4 CORNER OF SEC 19; TH N00°08’48”W 2543.09’ TO POINT OF INTERSECTION WITH E-W CENTER SEC LINE OF SEC 19; TH N89°57’45”E ALONG E-W CENTER SEC LINE 2639.50’; TH S00°08’45”E 2638.10’; TH WLY ALONG S LINE OF SEC 19 N89°51’15”E 1711.90’ TO S1/4 CORNER OF SEC 19; TH ELY TO A POINT THAT IS 2195.69’ WEST OF THE SE CORNER OF SEC 19; TH NLY 50’ TO THE SE CORNER OF PAR 19-1 AS SHOWN ON PARCEL PLAT BOOK 15 PAGE 18; TH N89°46’19”W 442.40’ TH N00°04’28”E 226.17’; TH S89°46’19”E 442.54’ TO THE NE CORNER OF PAR 19-1; TH NLY ALONG THE ELY PROLONGATION OF PAR 19-1 TO THE SELY CORNER OF PAR 19-4 AS SHOWN ON PARCEL PLAT 15/18; TH N89°46’19”W 442.84’; TH N00°04’28”E 247.39’; TH S89°46’19”E 442.99’ TO THE NE CORNER OF PAR 19-4; TH NLY ALONG THE ELY PROLONGATION OF PAR 19-4 ALSO BEING THE E LINE OF THAT PARCEL DESCRIBED IN 5614/656 O.R.; TH WLY ALONG THE N LINE OF SAID PARCEL TO THE N-S CENTER SEC LINE OF SEC 19; TH NLY TO THE N1/4 CORNER OF SEC 19; TH ELY ALONG THE N LINE OF SEC 19 TO THE NE CORNER; TH SLY TO THE E1/4 CORNER OF SEC 19; TH WLY TO A POINT LYING 42.00’ WEST OF THE E1/4 CORNER ON THE E-W CENTER SEC LINE; TH SLY, PARALLEL AND 42’ WEST OF THE E LINE OF SEC 19 TO THE S LINE OF SEC 19; TH ELY TO THE SE CORNER OF SAID SEC 19 ALSO BEING THE NW CORNER OF SEC 29; TH ELY ALONG THE N LINE OF SECS 29, 28 AND 27 TO A POINT LYING N89°50’45”W 1371.00’ FROM THE S1/4 CORNER OF SEC 22, T22N, R16W; TH N00°09’15”E 1371.00’; TH S89°50’45”E 1371.00’; TH S00°19’51”E 1371.00’ TO THE S1/4 CORNER OF SEC 22; TH ELY ALONG THE S LINE OF SEC 22 TO THE NWLY RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF AZ HIGHWAY 66; TH NELY ALONG THE NWLY RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF AZ HIGHWAY 66 THROUGH SECS 22, 23, 14 AND 13 TO A POINT THAT IS S89°53’47”E 1097.72’ AND S51°52’00”E 639.69’ FROM THE NW CORNER OF SEC 13, T22N, R16W; TH N51°52’00”E 639.69’ TO THE N LINE OF SEC 13; TH N89°53’47”W ALONG THE N LINE 1097.72’ TO THE NW CORNER OF SEC 13 ALSO BEING THE SW CORNER OF SEC 12; TH NLY ALONG THE WLY LINE OF SEC 12 TO A POINT THAT IS N00°03’16”E 869.85’ FROM THE W1/4 CORNER OF SEC 12; TH S89°54’24”E 4279.49’ TO THE NWLY LINE OF THE 66 BUSINESS FRONTAGE ADDITION SUBDIVISON; TH S38°08’00”W ALONG NWLY LINE 2264.37’ TO THE WLY CORNER OF THE SUBDIVISION; TH S51°52’00”E ALONG THE SWLY LINE OF THE SUBDIVISION 300.00’ TO THE NWLY AZ HIGHWAY 66 RIGHT-OF-WAY; TH S38°08’00”W ALONG HIGHWAY RIGHT-OF-WAY 400.32’ TO THE ELY CORNER OF THE 66 BUSINESS FRONTAGE ADDITION UNIT 2; TH N51°52’00”W 300.00’ ALONG THE NELY LINE OF UNIT 2, TO THE NLY CORNER OF UNIT 2; TH S3°08’00”W 1794.32’ ALONG THE NWLY LINE OF UNIT 2 TO THE S LINE OF SEC 12; TH CONTINUING S38°08’00”W INTO SEC 13 A DISTANCE OF 205.68’ TO THE WLY CORNER OF UNIT 2; TH S51°32’00”E 300.00’ ALONG THE SWLY LINE OF UNIT 2 TO AZ HIGHWAY RIGHT-OF-WAY; TH NELY ALONG RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE THROUGH SECS 13 AND 12 TO THE E LINE OF SEC 12, T22N,R16W, AND TH CONTINUING ALONG RIGHT-OF WAY THROUGH SEC 7, T22N, R15W TO THE N LINE OF SEC 7; TH WLY ALONG THE N LINE OF SEC 7 TO THE NW CORNER OF SEC 7 ALSO BEING THE SW CORNER OF SEC 6, T22N,R15W, TH NLY ALONG THE W LINE OF SEC 6 TO THE NW CORNER OF SEC 6; TH ELY ALONG THE N LINE OF SEC 6 AND 5 TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH THE NWLY RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF THE BURLINGTON NORTHERN RAILROAD; TH SWLY ALONG NWLY RIGHT-OF WAY THROUGH SEC 5, T22N, R15W TO THE W LINE OF SEC 5; TH SLY ALONG W LINE TO THE SW CORNER OF SEC 5, ALSO BEING THE SE CORNER OF SEC 6; TH WLY ALONG THE S LINE OF SEC 6 TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH THE NWLY RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF THE BURLINGTON NORTHERN RAILROAD TH SWLY ALONG NWLY RIGHT-OF WAY THROUGH SEC 7, T22N, R15W, AND SECS 12, 13, 14 AND 23 T22N, R16W TO THE INTERSECTION OF BURLINGTON NORTHERN RIGHT-OF-WAY AND A POINT LYING 700’ SELY OF THE AZ HIGHWAY 66 SELY RIGHT-OF-WAY AT ENGINEER’S STATION POINT ON TANGENT 470+00 OF STATE ROUTE 66; TH NWLY PERPENDICULAR TO THE HIGHWAY SELY RIGHT-OF-WAY TO THE SELY RIGHT-OF-WAY OF STATE ROUTE 66; TH SWLY ALONG HIGHWAY RIGHT-OF-WAY THROUGH SECS 23 AND 22 TO THE S LINE OF SEC 22; TH ELY ALONG S LINE SECS 22 AND 23 TO THE ITNERSECTION OF S LINE AND THE SELY RIGHT-OF-WAY OF BURLINGTON NORTHERN RAILROAD; TH NELY ALONG SELY RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH THE E LINE OF SEC 14, T22N, R16W; TH SLY ALONG THE E LINE OF SECS 14 AND 23 to the NW Corner of par described as the S1/2 of the SW1/4; S1/2 OF the N1/2 of the SW1/4; S1/2 of the N1/2 of the N1/2 of the SW1/4, SEC 24, T22N, R16W; TH ELY along the N line of said par last mentioned to the NE Corner thereof; TH SLY along the N-S Center SEC line for SEC 24 to the S1/4 Corner thereof; TH ELY along the S line of SEC 24 TO THE SE CORNER OF SEC 24 ALSO BEING THE NE CORNER OF SEC 25; TH SLY ALONG THE E LINE OF SEC 25 TO THE SE CORNER OF SEC 25 ALSO BEING THE NW CORNER OF SEC 31, T22N,R15W; TH ELY ALONG THE N LINE OF SEC 31 TO THE NE CORNER OF SEC 31; TH SLY ALONG THE E LINE OF SEC 31 TO THE SE CORNER; TH WLY ALONG THE S LINE OF SEC 31, T22N,R15W, AND SECS 36, 35, 34 AND 33, OF SAID T22N,R16W, TO A POINT OF INTERSECTION WITH THE SELY BOUNDARY OF THE BURLINGTON NORTHERN RAILROAD RIGHT OF WAY, WHICH POINT OF INTERSECTION BEING 2,640.0 FEET MORE OR LESS, WEST OF THE SE CORNER OF SEC 33, T.22N.,R.16W.; TH SWLY ALONG THE SE BOUNDARY OF THE BURLINGTON NORTHERN RAILROAD RIGHT OF WAY, PASSING IN AND THROUGH SECS 4, 5 AND 8, T21N,R16W TO A POINT OF INTERSECTION BEING 990.0 FEET, MORE OR LESS, NORTH OF THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE SAID SEC 8, T21N,R16W; TH PROCEEDING IN A GENERAL WLY DIRECTION TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING Together with THE SW1/4 of SEC 21, T22N,R16W; EXCEPT THE S 42 FEET OF THE E 35 FEET THEREOF; EXCEPT THE N 50 FEET; EXCEPT JORDAN RANCH RD IN T22N, R17W, SEC 14 LYING BETWEEN PARCELS 330-14-014G, 330-14-013E & 330-14-013F; ALL OF SUNDOWN RD, ALL OF BULL MOUNTAIN DR AND PORTION OF CHERUM RD BEING THAT PORTION LYING ELY OF THE SE1/4 OF THE SE1/4 OF SEC 13 AND A PORTIONS OF FOUNTAIN HILLS RD BEING THOSE PORTIONS LYING SLY OF PARCELS 330-32-001 & 330-32-002 IN T22N, R17W, SEC 13. AND EXCEPT ANY PORTIONS OF THE ABOVE DESCRIPTION LYING WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF KINGMAN.

*****Description of the boundaries of Valle Vista Fire District*****

SECs 22, 23, 24, E ½ 26, 34 and the portions of Sec. 36 lying NLY of the SE right-of-way line of AZ Highway 66 To include THE right-of-way of Painted Rock Drive through SECs 26 & 27 IN T24N,R15W together with SECs 30 and a portion of SEC 31 lying NLY of the SE right-of-way line of AZ Highway 66 IN T24N,R14W together with SECs 2, 3, E ½ 10, E ½ 15, lying NLY of the SE right-of-way AZ Highway 66, A portion of SEC 11 lying NLY of the SE right-of-way AZ Highway 66 known as Arizona West To include right-of-way of AZ Highway 66, in SECs 1, 2, 11, 14 and 15 in T23N,R15W, SEC 36, T24N,R15W, and SEC 31, T24N,R14W together with Arizona Trust Lands SEC 11, SEC 15, SEC 21, SEC 22, SEC 28, and Sec 32 (entire Section) including those portions of State Trust Lands including AZ HIGHWAY 66 and Right-of-Way to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Right-of-Way in T23N,R15W.

KINGMAN AREA: When local Fire Chiefs decided to work together rather than compete against each other for grant funds, some were skeptical of potential results. These doubts were put to rest last week when five local fire departments (Hualapai Valley FD; Valle Vista FD; Lake Mohave Ranchos FD (Dolan Springs); Truxton FD; and Chloride FD) received notification that each department had been successfully awarded one or more grants for fire protection. The first round of grants co-sponsored by the United States Department of Interior and Arizona State Land Department consisted of two possible grants, the Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Grants or Rural Fire Assistance (RFA) Grants. The Fire Chiefs from each department provided input after evaluating each departments needs to Fire Chief Wayne L. Eder of Hualapai Valley FD who then compiled the information and completed the grant applications. The results are encouraging. The following are the awards received to date:

Total funds awarded on this round of grants equates to $76,851 between the five departments. The departments are also working on several other grants, all of which are designed to improve the capabilities of the departments and their ability to support each other during major emergencies. Several of these grants look promising, as departments have received preliminary notifications of the following awards:

“Too often, grant writers work against each other to compete for grant funds. By demonstrating an ability to work as a team, our departments have become successful in receiving grants which will benefit a wider range of people and areas in Mohave County”. Eder, 8/06

For information concerning this information, please feel free to contact any of the departments listed below:

The Hualapai Valley FD responded to a possible tree fire in the 3600 block of John L on Thursday August 17, 2006 at approximately 15:30 hours. Hualapai Valley FD responded with one Engine Company and one Battalion Chief with a total of three personnel. When the Battalion Chief arrived on scene and found no tree on fire. The owner of the property advised the Battalion Chief that he had called in the tree fire and knew that this was the only way to get the fire department to respond to get a cat out of the tree. When the Battalion Chief advised the property owner that they would not get the cat out of the tree and that when the cat got hungry he would climb down from the tree.

The property owner became very upset and started making threatening comments to the fire personnel. At this time the Battalion Chief requested M.C.S.O. to respond to the scene to take a report on threats made and to also report misuse of the 911 system for false reporting. At this point the property owner became very confrontational and the Battalion Chief advised the property owner to go wait under the shade and to await the arrival of the Deputies. The property owner was still threatening the fire personnel, when one of the Firefighters noticed the owner going into his residence. The Firefighter made the comment “hey he just went inside do you think he is going to get a gun or something” we positioned ourselves behind the fire truck when the same Firefighter said “he’s got a gun”. The fire crews along with a young boy that was looking at the fire truck ran across the street behind a residence when they heard the first shot. The Battalion Chief radioed to the dispatch center that shots were fired, as the fire crews and young boy ran down the alley the heard a second shot being fired.

The fire crews and the young boy placed themselves behind some vehicles in an empty lot and awaited the arrival of M.C.S.O… When M.C.S.O. arrived on scene and set up a perimeter the fire crews waited for further instructions. When M.C.S.O. subdued the property owner and requested medical to the scene. The same three personnel that initially responded for the tree fire and that were shot at, also responded to treat the property owner for the minor injuries received during his arrest. The property owner refused any further treatment and refused transportation to the hospital, after the fire crews assessed his vital and injuries. No injuries were reported by the fire personnel and the young boy. The crews advised no matter what the situation was they knew they had a patient to treat and that is there job.

Any additional information relating to this incident may be directed to Battalion Chief Brian Davenport at (928) 757-3151

The Hualapai Valley Fire Department responded to an unknown fire north of the Hualapai Valley Fire District and Kingman Industrial Park at approximately 17:00 hours. Crews were notified by an Engine Company that was returning to quarters after a medical assignment that they could see heavy black smoke coming from the area of the Kingman Industrial Park. Hualapai Valley FD responded with a full structure assignment with request for mutual aid from several local agencies for water tenders. Hualapai Valley FD responded with three Engine Companies, one Ladder Company, two

Water Tenders, our rehab unit and two Battalion Chief with a total of 15 personnel. Hualapai Valley FD was assisted by one Water Tender with one personnel from the city of Kingman FD, two Water Tenders and one Brush Engine with five personnel from the Pinion Pines FD; an additional Water Tender was requested from Golden Valley FD but was later cancelled do to the fire being contained. When the initial responding Engine Company arrived on scene they found and reported heavy black smoke with heavy fire load of pallets that were threatening another stock pile of pallets. Crews initiated an aggressive defensive stance to a small wash that separated the two stock piles of pallets. A perimeter was set up around the fire with three different sectors and all three sectors reporting to the incident commander. With the high winds that were encountered coming from the south/east this assisted the Firefighters with fire containment and prohibited the fire from spreading to the second stock pile of pallets. With the coordinator mutual aid agreement with surrounding fire agencies the resources of Engine Companies and Water Tenders that responded. Crews were able to keep a constant flow of water and some class “A” foam on the fire throughout the whole incident. There were approximately one to two hundred thousand pallets that were involved with several vehicles, a couple of travel trailers and some machinery. The fire was contained to the first pallet pile within 90 minutes, but crews remained on scene until approximately 23:00 hours doing an extensive mop-up and overhaul putting out hot spots. No injuries were reported by any Civilians or Firefighters. Fire cause and origin are undetermined do to the heavy fire damage and no dollar loss is available at this time. Kingman FD also assisted with a possible structure fire within the Hualapai Valley FD while crews were committed to the pallet fire. No information was available at the time of this press release on this incident. Hualapai Valley FD was able to place a reserve Engine in service to continue providing coverage for the Fire District in which they responded to a medical call.

Any additional information and picture regarding this incident may be obtained from Battalion Chief Oscar Lopez (928) 757-3151.

A major structure fire caused significant damage to a model home at a mobile home sales lot in the Butler area Friday night. The Hualapai Valley FD received a report of a structure fire at 9:28 PM and responded with the Fire Chief; one (1) Battalion Chief; three (3) engine companies; one (1) ladder company; and one (1) brush engine, with a total of fourteen personnel. Firefighters arrived in the area of Northfield and Castle Rock and encountered a well involved fire in the attic of a new triple wide modular home at a home sales facility. Firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze which was fed by melted tar and shingles as the fire spread throughout the attic area. The City of Kingman Fire Department was requested to respond to two separate medical emergencies, and additional assistance was requested from the Valle Vista and Pinion Pines fire departments. The Valle Vista and Pinon Pines Fire Chiefs both responded along with one (1) Engine Company from Pinon Pines FD. Extensive work was done by firefighters to track the fire which had spread through walls and concealed areas. The last fire unit was released at 2:00 AM Saturday. Damage was estimated at $65,000 for structure and contents and was apparently caused by an electrical short. This fire had apparently burned for some time in the attic before a passer by noticed the smoke. No injuries were reported.

“Assistance from the surrounding fire departments was greatly appreciated during this incident. This fire demonstrates the need for cooperation between fire departments, and that all fire departments in Mohave County rely on their neighbors for assistance during major emergencies.” Eder 6/06

For additional information, please contact Fire Chief Wayne L. Eder at (928)757-3151.

Wayne L. Eder
Fire Chief

HACKBERRY, AZ: The Hackberry Homeowners Association is currently considering the possibility of annexing into the Valle Vista Fire District. Hackberry is located six miles north of Valle Vista on Route 66 and has never had an organized fire department. With the growth in the area, some residents have voiced an interest in obtaining emergency services. The Hackberry HOA contacted the Valle Vista Fire District to discuss annexation. With the pending consolidation with the Hualapai Valley Fire District, Valle Vista Fire Chief Victor Riccardi, Sr. requested that Hualapai Valley Fire Chief Wayne L. Eder become involved in the process.

A meeting with representatives of the Hackberry Homeowners Association and representatives of the two fire districts occurred Tuesday 5/16/08 at 6:00 PM at the Hackberry General Store. Wayne Eder made a presentation on the services provided by the fire districts, and covered frequently asked questions before opening a question and answer session. Both Chief Riccardi and Chief Eder field questions, with the majority of the residents present in favor of annexation. The Homeowners Association will be discussing this subject at their next meeting to determine if enough interest warrants the circulation of petitions. The Homeowners Association plans to contact Chief Riccardi within the next two weeks to discuss the annexation process.

With the proposed consolidation of Valle Vista and Hualapai Valley, and the recent agreement with Truxton Fire District, the fire departments are in an ideal position to protect the Hackberry area. Hualapai Valley is also working closely with the Bureau of Indian Affairs on a proposal to protect Federal buildings in Valentine and Peach Springs.

“The cooperation between residents, fire districts, and the BIA is promising to improve emergency services throughout the area along Route 66 from the Kingman City limits to Peach Springs. Much of this area has been without formal emergency services, and the growth in the area demands some type of basic services to meet the needs of residents, businesses and visitors. We are pleased that we have been contacted to assist these areas in meeting their emergency services needs.” Eder, 5/06

A single-engine 1964 Beechcraft 23 crash landing caused concern for a pilot and Hualapai Valley Fire Personnel Friday (5/5/06) at the Kingman Airport. The Hualapai Valley Fire Department received a report of an aircraft fire at 08:37 AM and responded with the Fire Chief; a Battalion C

DEPARTMENT	CHIEF	TELEPHONE
Hualapai Valley/Truxton	Wayne L. Eder	(928)757-3151
Valle Vista	Victor A. Riccardi, Jr.	(928)692-2000
Lake Mohave Ranchos	Dave Estenson	(928)767-3300
Chloride	O.W. Watkins, Jr.	(928)565-4803

Department	Chief	VFA	RFA	Project
Hualapai Valley	Wayne L. Eder		14,561	Wildland Equipment/Radios
Valle Vista	Victor Riccardi		18,343	Wildland Equipment/Radios
Lake Mohave Ranchos	Dave Estenson	4,800	9,455	Communications System
Chloride	O.W. Watkins		15,131	Wildland Equipment/Radios
Truxton	Wayne L. Eder		14,561	Wildland Equipment/Radios

DEPARTMENT	CHIEF	TELEPHONE
Hualapai Valley/Truxton	Wayne L. Eder	(928) 757-3151
Valle Vista	Victor A. Riccardi, Jr.	(928) 692-2000
Lake Mohave Ranchos	Dave Estenson	(928) 767-3300
Chloride	O.W. Watkins, Jr.	(928) 565-4803