Northern Arizona University’s student voice since 1914 Vol. 113 Issue 14 | April 28, 2022 — May 4, 2022
Tunnel Fire evacuees receive updates, reentry information Brian Klimowski, the Flagstaff representative for the National Weather Service, Editor’s note: As of Sunday April 24, those evacuated due to the Tunnel Fire have been given the “all clear” to return to their properties. This article was originally explained weather conditions have changed for the better, in terms of fighting the Tunnel Fire. In the following week, winds were not expected to reach speeds higher published online Friday April 23. than 20 mph. However, Klimowski said more smoke will likely begin filtering into the Doney Park area due to the direction of the winds. CAMILLE SIPPLE “You’re certainly going to feel it tonight,” Klimowski said. “With the oconino County officials held a second community briefing regarding the Tunnel Fire April 23 at Sinagua Middle School. The updates on the fire temperatures falling and the winds becoming light tonight, we are going to start as well as the reentry process were met with a mixture of responses from seeing smoke filtering into the Doney Park area. So just because you smell smoke tonight doesn’t mean the fire is any closer.” community members. Despite this reprieve in the weather, Klimowski warned of strong winds Patrice Horstman, the county board supervisor for District 1 and chair of the board, began the briefing with remarks on community support and commended returning April 26 through April 28 of the upcoming week, with speeds up to 35 mph. the patience of those affected. Continue reading at JackCentral.org Reentry process and concerns Both Incident Management Commander Randy Johnson and Coconino County Sheriff Jim Driscoll told community members that crews in the Doney Park area are working to ensure a safe return for all evacuated residents. Driscoll stressed the importance of an orderly and safe return process for residents. In order to avoid any harm to either returning residents or pets, Driscoll advised taking the reentry process slow and following all guidelines as laid out by first responders and the incident management teams. Once residents are informed that the area is open for reentry, the process will require residents to provide proper identification to confirm residency; residents will also be given ribbons to attach to their vehicles for identification purposes, Driscoll said. “We are keeping the area closed to other people,” Driscoll said. “Whether it’s people who just want to come out and look, the media or others who don’t have a need to be there immediately we’re going to hold off for several hours.” Highway 89 North will also remain closed for several hours, following the initial reentry announcements, as residents make their way back to their properties. Driscoll advised that upon reentry, residents remain in a “SET” status and be A man holds his head while officials update citizens on the impact of fire ready to leave again, should conditions change. suppression operations against the Tunnel Fire, April 20. As of the meeting, the Tunnel Fire had grown to over 19,000 acres northeast of Flagstaff. Current and upcoming weather conditions Brian Burke | The Lumberjack
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5K for a cause BRISA KAROW group of students and community members came together April 23 to raise awareness about sexual assault, an issue that has become a topic of many conversations at NAU in recent years. The Student Health Advocacy Committee (SHAC) collaborated with Northern Arizona Care and Services After Assault (NACASA) to organize the Annual Sexual Assault Awareness Month 5K Walk/Run. The event provided a chance for participants to exercise in the sunshine while learning about the services NACASA provides. Beginning at Lumberjack Stadium, the racecourse took participants along a north and central campus loop. Individuals took the opportunity to improve
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Sexual assault awareness run endorses community resources
their running time — achieving personal bests on the course. Others walked or jogged while holding conversations with those around them. While the focus of the 5K was on a serious cause, the participants created a cheerful atmosphere and raised over $2,800 for NACASA. The event allowed individuals to share their experiences and support for sexual assault awareness. Brooke Davis, the financial officer at SHAC and a member of the 5K initiative, said joining the club opened her eyes to how common sexual assault is in rural communities. Davis explained that NACASA does outreach programs with People of Color who are at higher risk for sexual violence. Native Americans in particular are twice as likely to be assaulted than all
other racial groups. However, on campus, sexual assault is becoming increasingly prevalent, Davis said. “Over the past few years, [NAU] has definitely had an elevated number of sexual assault cases on campus,” Davis said. “And even this past year, a lot of it was significantly underreported, and we’re just trying to bring more awareness this month.” SHAC collaborated with various organizations across Flagstaff, including NAUPD, FPD, Victim Witness Services and North Country Health Care to provide resources to students, Davis said.
Left: Participants run on Skydome Drive. Brisa Karow | The Lumberjack Right: Runners hype each other up as they get closer to the finish line at the SHAC 5K, April 22. Jonah Graham | The Lumberjack
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