Arizona State Representative David Cook, R-Globe, in comments regarding a U.S. Air Force Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that outlines plans to release flares at lower altitudes in its Military Operations Areas (MOAs) in Arizona, has called on the Air Force to include stronger wildfire prevention measures.

It is an issue that resonates strongly in a state experiencing drought and plagued by wildfires, including the devastating Telegraph and Mescal Fires of 2021.

While acknowledging that Arizona is an important place for training operations, Cook said the Air Force's Final EIS should be mindful of fire risks. “Releasing flares during times when fire restrictions are in place poses an unnecessary risk to residents,” Cook said. “The military must recognize the danger these flares pose to Arizona communities and ensure that no flares are deployed on days when state or local fire restrictions are active.”

MOAs proposed for optimization include the Outlaw, which includes the Globe area and the western edge of the San Carlos Apache Reservation, and the Jackal, which stretches across the rest of the reservation. The Air Force's Draft EIS, published this August, proposes lowering the floor in both MOAs to 500 feet; currently these are at 8,000 feet for the Outlaw and 11,000 feet for the Jackal.

The Air Force's Draft EIS can be read online at

https://www.arizonaregionalairspaceeis.com/media/5zuprqlw/public-draft-eis_main-document.pdf.

Public comments on the Draft EIS can be submitted through Oct. 9, 2024 at https://www.arizonaregionalairspaceeis.com/comments.