Ponderosa Fire Department

06/07/2026

While assigned to the California Prepo, our crew responded to a residential structure fire in Kern County, assisting local resources with fire suppression efforts.

Wildland assignments often bring unexpected challenges, and our firefighters are always prepared to answer the call when help is needed. After a long deployment and an eventful journey home, our crew returned safely to Ponderosa Fire District. We are grateful for their hard work, dedication, and willingness to serve wherever they are needed.

Please join us in welcoming them home and thanking them for representing our district with professionalism and pride.

06/05/2026

06/03/2026

Our wildland firefighters continue to represent Ponderosa Fire District while assigned in California. Whether assisting stranded motorists with a tire change, supporting incident operations, completing project work, or helping maintain access and infrastructure, our crews are wherever they’re needed.

Thank you to our firefighters for their hard work, professionalism, and commitment to helping others both on and off the fireline. Stay safe, crew, we’re proud of you! ONE MORE DAY!

05/31/2026

Today is the final day of Wildfire Preparedness Month.

Please join us in thanking our wildland firefighters who work tirelessly to protect our communities, forests, and homes.

Living in a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) means wildfire preparedness is everyone’s responsibility. Take time to create defensible space, have an evacuation plan, and stay fire aware.

Together, we can help keep our community safe.

05/30/2026

A Special Visit to Station 82

Our crew at Station 82 had the privilege of welcoming the team from the Shadows Foundation and their incredible Paws for Heroes service dogs.

These amazing dogs do more than provide companionship, they offer support, comfort, and independence to veterans and first responders facing physical and emotional challenges. Spending time with them was a great reminder of the positive impact animals can have on our well-being, especially in professions that regularly encounter stress and trauma.

We would like to thank the Shadows Foundation and their volunteers for taking the time to visit our firefighters, share their mission, and introduce us to these remarkable dogs. The smiles throughout the station said it all!

Thank you for everything you do to support those who serve our communities.

05/28/2026

At Tuesday night’s board meeting, we were excited to officially pin Richard Duran as Engineer with Ponderosa Fire District.

Richard is quickly working his way up through the ranks at PFD through his strong work ethic, dedication, and willingness to step up wherever he is needed. In addition to his daily responsibilities, he is currently attending paramedic school and continuously takes on projects that help move the district forward.

His positive attitude, initiative, and commitment to serving both the department and our community do not go unnoticed. We are proud to have Richard on our team and look forward to watching his continued growth within the fire service.

Congratulations, Engineer Duran!

05/28/2026

At Tuesday night’s board meeting, we were proud to officially pin Shelby Erickson as Captain with Ponderosa Fire District.

Shelby brings a tremendous amount of knowledge, leadership, and experience to our team. Prior to joining Ponderosa, he spent many years with Highlands Fire District and also served as Superintendent of Bear Jaw. His dedication to the fire service and to the communities he has served is evident in everything he does.

We are incredibly fortunate to have Shelby as part of the Ponderosa family and look forward to the leadership and mentorship he will continue to provide in his new role.

Congratulations, Captain Erickson!

05/27/2026

Last night, we had the honor of recognizing Joe Deutschman for his dedicated service as a Reserve Firefighter with Ponderosa Fire District since 2010.

For the past 16 years, Joe has generously given his time, knowledge, and commitment to both our department and the community we proudly serve. His willingness to step up whenever needed and support our personnel has made a lasting impact on Ponderosa Fire District.

We are incredibly grateful for Joe’s years of service, dedication, and continued support. Thank you, Joe, for being such a valuable asset to our department and community.

05/26/2026

FIRE RESTRICTION UPDATE – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

We’ve received several questions regarding current fire restrictions within our response area and want to help clarify what restrictions are currently in place across Coconino County, Coconino National Forest, and Kaibab National Forest.

CURRENT STATUS (as of today)
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions ARE IN EFFECT for:
• Unincorporated Coconino County lands within the Coconino National Forest (CNF)
• Unincorporated County lands within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests and Forest Lakes

NO Fire Restrictions are currently in effect within the Kaibab National Forest (KNF) boundaries.

WHAT STAGE 1 RESTRICTIONS MEAN

Under Stage 1 restrictions:
• Campfires may still be allowed within a developed site
• A “developed site” must have at least a 15-foot clearance from vegetation and combustible materials, including overhead clearance
• Smoking, equipment use, and other ignition sources may still be restricted depending on conditions and location

PRIVATE PROPERTY & SHORT-TERM RENTALS

Coconino County has clarified that fire restrictions apply to private property located within restricted areas of unincorporated Coconino County, including short-term rentals (STRs).

However:
• Properties located within the Kaibab National Forest boundaries are currently NOT under fire restrictions
• STR owners/operators should provide fire restriction information to guests

Restrictions can change quickly due to weather and fire conditions. Please continue monitoring official updates before using campfires or other ignition sources.

For official updates:
• Coconino County
• U.S. Forest Service - Coconino National Forest
• U.S. Forest Service - Kaibab National Forest

Please help us keep our communities safe and informed this fire season.