Globe — With the recent Pinal Fire leaving more than 7,000 acres of burn scar, the potential for flash flooding throughout major areas of Gila County and the need for after-fire mitigation of properties were discussed at the June 20 Post Pinal Fire Community Meeting held at High Desert Middle School.

Representatives from local and federal agencies discussed the aftermath of the Pinal Fire as well as updated contingencies on how to prepare for and avoid potential threats as the impending monsoon brings rain and potentially hazardous runoff.

A welcome and fire incident review was presented by moderator Michael O’Driscoll, the director of Gila County Heath and Emergency Management. Panel members Tom Beddow of the Burned Area Emergency Response Team (BAER), Barry Johnson of the U.S. Forest Service, Ken Waters of the National Weather Service, Jerry Barnes of the City of Globe, Dave Deyman and Jacque Sanders of the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service and Carl Medford of Gila County Health and Emergency Management shared their respective updates and participation in keeping the local communities informed and prepared in the event of severe flash flooding of the denuded forest.

Drainage areas are already being cleared. Dropping more than 1,500 acres of hay mulch by helicopter is ready to begin as soon as a contract bid is accepted.

Gila County has applied for a federally funded grant from the Emergency Watershed Protection Program to assist in the clean up of private property by agency cooperatives which, granted as an emergency order, must be used within a ten day period. Homeowners, termed as cooperators, must voluntarily allow access to their properties for Gila County and Globe to assist in the clean up. If permission is not granted, non-cooperators’ properties will not be cleared of hazardous debris. 

Public participation forms were provided at the meeting and are available online at http://www.gilacountyaz.gov.

Sand bag tip sheets were distributed at the meeting with additional suggestions on proper preparation and usage. Complimentary sandbags are available in Central Heights at 5515 Apache Ave.

As a courtesy for the attendees, insurance company representatives were available after the meeting to discuss flood insurance. 

A Q&A session with panel members and attendees followed giving a synopsis of the meeting and advice to residents in preparation for the days ahead:

Q: What was the total acreage lost in the fire?

A. 7,196 acres

Q:  How much grant monies has been applied for to fund the mitigation of private property?

A:  $300,000

Q:  Given the destruction of the Pinal Fire, how worried are you (or how worried should we be as homeowners) to the potential flash flooding?

A.  We are not overly worried but certainly very cautious. This community meeting was not scheduled to alarm but to inform homeowners of how to prepare and/or avoid potential risks. We respect the unknown and are preparing aggressively for any level of threat to property and life based on any developing storm patterns.

Q: How are you preparing to deal with fences, property lines, man made/natural crossings, etc.?

A: In regards to fencing, we are suggesting that you cut your fencing and lay back away from potential flood areas at a convenient location so the fencing will not collect debris affecting water flow. The pre-cut fencing will be more easily restored to its existing condition rather than be permanently destroyed by potential damaging water flow. Temporary easements may be created and directed around existing structures and barriers to ensure the best possible protection against flooding.

Q: What happens if crossings are washed out. Is there a plan for warnings and/or evacuations?

A. We do have evacuation plans in place. The sheriff’s office, county and city public works service personnel and equipment will be strategically staged in preparation for such emergencies and will be mobile to move to the developing areas of concern as needed to repair or create new access crossings. You can contact Gila County Emergency Management for the currently established staging locations.

We suggest you register with Everbridge at ReadyGila.com to access warnings sent to your smart phones and other mobile devices for wireless emergency alerts. Alerts will also be available from the NOAA Weather Radio/Signal Peak transmitter as well as local radio stations. 

Q:  What if property owners do not grant access to their property as part of the Emergency Watershed Protection Program?

A. Those property owners will not benefit from the clean up and will risk potential flood damage to their properties as well as possible risk to neighboring land.

Moderator O’Driscoll thanked the residents for attending the meeting and reiterated that all participating agency representatives were available to speak with them directly following the meeting or they can be contacted at their respective offices to assist with additional questions and concerns.