Ponderosa Fire Department

10/21/2026

TRAFFIC ALERT – I-40 EASTBOUND

Ponderosa Fire District Engine 823 and Chief 81, along with Lifeline, and Arizona DPS, are currently on scene of a two-vehicle motor vehicle accident near milepost 176 on Interstate 40 eastbound.

Two patients have sustained minor injuries.

IMPORTANT TRAFFIC INFORMATION:

* I-40 eastbound is currently reduced to ONE LANE.
* Traffic is backed up to approximately milepost 174.
* Emergency vehicles and debris are present on the interstate.

Motorists are urged to use extreme caution, reduce their speed, and move over for emergency personnel. Expect delays and consider alternate routes if possible.

Please help keep our first responders and fellow motorists safe.

10/20/2026

LET THE PUMPKIN BATTLE BEGIN!

Our Ponderosa Fire District crews have traded their firefighting tools for pumpkin-carving tools, and now it’s YOUR turn to decide who takes home the bragging rights!

🔥 A-Shift
🔥 B-Shift
🔥 C-Shift
🔥 Crew 8

Who carved it best? YOU decide!

Take a look at all four entries and cast your vote by commenting with your favorite crew’s name below! Or email us at [email protected]

🏆 May the best pumpkin win!

10/20/2026

PLANNED BURN NOTICE — October 20, 2026

A green waste burn is planned for this morning at the old dump pit at the end of Forest Road 900, off Forest Road 74, in the Pittman Valley area.

Smoke is expected to be heaviest during ignition. Lighter smoke may linger afterward until the material finishes burning or rainfall extinguishes it.

Please be aware of smoke in the area and use caution when traveling nearby.

10/15/2026

Exciting News from Station 82!

We’re excited to announce that our new MagneGrip Exhaust Removal System has officially been installed at Station 82!

This long-awaited improvement is an important investment in the health and safety of our firefighters. The system captures harmful diesel exhaust directly from our apparatus, helping prevent dangerous fumes and carcinogens from circulating throughout the station.

Our firefighters dedicate their lives to protecting our community, and we’re committed to doing everything we can to protect them in return.

A safer station means a healthier future for the men and women who serve our community.

10/10/2026

10/09/2026

What powers your phone, tablet, or scooter?

Lithium-ion batteries keep our everyday devices running, but overheating or damage can create a fire risk.

Ponderosa Fire District invites families to watch “The Power and Danger of Lithium-ion Batteries” together. Designed for students in grades 3–8, this video explains how batteries work and simple ways to stay safe at home and school.

Watch here: https://sparkyschoolhouse.org/resource/video-power-danger-lithium-ion-batteries/

The critters are learning about fire safety. In this animated video, kids will follow the critters as they head to the fire station to meet Sparky the Fire Dog® and learn all about smoke alarms and having a home fire escape plan. Their adventure also takes them to Bunny's house to practice what the...

10/08/2026

Forest Service News Release
Contact: Kaibab National Forest Public Affairs Office
[email protected]
www.fs.usda.gov/r03/kaibab


Fire managers plan prescribed fires on Williams Ranger District beginning tomorrow
Favorable weather conditions in place for hazardous fuels reduction work
(Williams, AZ, October 7, 2026) — Kaibab National Forest fire managers plan to begin ignitions on over 3,200 acres of prescribed fire units on the Williams Ranger District tomorrow, which will produce noticeable smoke in and around the community of Pumpkin Center and Kendrick Mountain Wilderness, and south of the Bill Williams Mountain area and from South Perkinsville Road.

We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.

Areas may close to the public for several days for public safety. Watch for warning signs along roads near all prescribed fire areas before and during burns.

Residents and visitors may experience smoke during the prescribed burns. For more detailed information about air quality, go to AirNow online or download the app. When driving, slow down and turn on your headlights when you encounter smoke on the road. Traffic control may be present on roads for the safety of drivers and fire personnel.

Prescribed burns are always dependent upon multiple conditions, including personnel availability, fuel conditions, weather, and approval from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. Prescribed burns may be changed or canceled last-minute if burn conditions do not meet criteria outlined in advance.

For the latest information at any time of the day, details and updates about all prescribed fire projects on the Kaibab National Forest can be found on InciWeb, which is updated any time new information is available.

Click here for a PDF of this news release with maps.

The Kaibab National Forest covers 1.6 million acres including wilderness areas up to 10,418 feet above sea level. From canyons to prairies, peaks to plateaus, the forest (in the Colorado Plateau) offers layers of opportunity for discovery.

10/08/2026

SMALL ACTIONS, BIG IMPACT!

This Fire Prevention Week, Ponderosa Fire District reminds you that safe charging habits can help prevent lithium-ion battery fires:

- Use a manufacturer-approved charger.
- Charge on a hard, flat surface.
- Stop using devices that become unusually hot, swell, or smell strange.
- Unplug when fully charged.
- Charge e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outside when possible, keeping exits clear.
- Keep devices in sight while charging on a flight.

Swipe through these reminders and share with your family. Make safe charging an everyday habit!

10/07/2026

How safe are your family’s charging habits?

Take the Family Power Check together! Use this checklist to review your routine, then choose one charging habit to improve this week.

Ponderosa Fire District encourages every family to make safe charging part of everyday life. Small actions. Big impact!

10/06/2026

Safe charging is a superpower!

For Fire Prevention Week, October 4–10, Ponderosa Fire District reminds you to use the right charger, charge on a hard surface, and unplug when fully charged. Small habits can help prevent battery fires and keep your family safe.