Contributed Artice
GLOBE – The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management’s Incident Management Team assumes operational duties of search and rescue efforts and debris removal to assist both Globe and Gila County. On Saturday, the city of Globe and Gila County signed a Delegation of Authority that allows DFMM’s IMT to manage operations between all partners, including the city, county, state, and local cooperative resources.
DFFM’s internal IMT took command of the operations on Saturday evening with more than 150 people supporting the team and field work. On Saturday, search and rescue crews, assisted by cadaver dogs, worked throughout the Pinal Creek drainage, conducting a primary search for any unaccounted-for and unreported missing individuals. On Sunday, a secondary search was conducted in the same area to ensure no vehicles or areas were overlooked. In addition, resources resumed work removing hundreds of propane tanks that washed across the highway into Globe and Wheatfields due to the storm and heavy flooding.
To provide for efficient and effective operations, the IMT divided management of the operations into three sections, including the Law Enforemt, Fire, Ne Hey Equipment branches The Law Enforcement Branch consists of six Search and Rescue teams from across the state including Maricopa, Graham, and Pima counties, along with Tonto Rim Search and Rescue Her the last 24 hours, those SAR teams have been working within creeks, checking vehicles, sifting through debris piles, and clearing areas with cadaver dogs. The Fire Branch includes two DFMM wildland fire hand crews and a US Forest Service hotshot crew. Crews are using chainsaws to cut debris within the creek crossings to alleviate the buildup and give SAR resources better access to conduct their searches. T/he Heavy Equipment Branch, including backhoes, skid steers, and excavators, is clearing mud and debris off the roads and removing the debris being cut by saw teams.
“These large-scale operations can be logistically challenging, and they can strain resources very fast,” said Department of Forestry and Fire Management Incident Commander John Truett. “The local first responders have been working around the clock since this catastrophic storm moved through the area on Friday. By allowing an Incident Management Team to take over operations, we can take the workload off of the locals, give them some relief, and an opportunity to get some rest.”
In addition to the SARs, the local first responders, and law enforcement, other agencies assisting DFFM’s efforts include the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the Department of Public Safety, and the Arizona Department of Transportation.
If a car, truck or propane tank has ended up on your property (commercial or residential) call Tony Manfredi, Community Development Department Director at (928) 961-0468.
Debris drop-off and staging areas to assist residents and businesses with flood cleanup efforts.
Roll-off containers are available at the following locations:
• Near El Ranchito
• Globe Public Library
• Near Highway 60 Motors
A designated debris drop-off location has also been established at the dirt lot below the Fields/Skate Park.
Please note: Mud should not be placed in roll-off containers. These containers are intended for flood debris, damaged materials, and general cleanup items
