Fire Danger Level 4

The Peeples Valley Fire Department has raised our Fire Danger to Level 4, Very High. – Propane cooking and warming fires are allowed in an established devise. Outdoor power equipment may be used if equipped with an appropriate spark arrestor. No fireworks or target shooting of any kind. Burn permits will not be issued.

Fires start easily from all causes, and immediately after ignition, spread rapidly and increase quickly in intensity. Spot fires are a constant danger. Fires burning in light fuels may quickly develop high-intensity characteristics; such as, long-distance spotting and fire whirlwinds, when they burn into heavier fuels. Direct attack at the head of such fires is rarely possible after they have been burning more than a few minutes.

Yavapai county is at Stage 2 fire restriction. Read more about these restrictions here.

Chili Bingo is Back

The Peeple’s Valley Fire Auxiliary has brought back their popular night of Chili dinner and Bingo. Support our fire department and join in on the fun.

Save the date, May 10, 2025 at 5PM

click to enlarge

Tragedy for Ruger Ranch Family

On April 1, around 5:30 PM, a tragic head-on collision between a car and truck occurred near Ramblin Dan’s restaurant in Congress. In that moment, Samir and Debbie Rafeedie were killed along with the driver of the truck. Ruger Ranch owners are caring for their animals until family members can make long term arrangements.

Fire Danger Level 2 – Moderate

When the fire danger is “Moderate,” it means that fires can start from most accidental causes, but the number of fire starts is usually pretty low. If a fire does start in an open, dry grassland, it will burn and spread quickly on windy days. Most wood fires will spread slowly to moderately. Average fire intensity will be moderate except in heavy concentrations of fuel, which may burn hot. Fires are still not likely to become serious and are often easy to control

Peeples Valley Fire District crews will conduct burns when appropriate weather conditions allow. Outdoor fires are allowed in an established screened pit.  Burn permits will be issued on a limited basis.

For clarifications, please call the department at 928-427-9400 or use the website “contact PVFD” link, peeplesvalleyfire.org.

Traffic Alert – March 29 & 30

Next weekend if you are traveling up for the POA meeting, be advised there is a AZ Game and Fish Expo at the Ben Avery facility from 9 AM – 3 PM on both Saturday and Sunday. This can cause significant traffic delays. If you’re travel plans take you north on I-17 to Carefree Highway, it is advised to take the 303 from I-17 to Lake Pleasant Parkway, then go north to West Carefree Highway (74) to continue your drive. Use this route for your return trip to Phoenix.

2025 Annual POA Meeting

The big meeting is coming up!! March 29th at 10:00 am. Refreshments will be there starting at about 9:45.

We’re having it at the Yarnell Community Center this year, so we hope to see you there in person!

If you’re unable to attend in person, and you’d like to attend via Zoom, contact the POA secretary for Zoom meeting information at secretary@blackhawkpoa.com

Hope to see you there

2025 Vegetation Mitigation (updated)

Soon (mid February), another vegetation mitigation will begin. This will be happening between State Route 89 and the Ruger Ranch gate, primarily on the North side of the road. This year’s work will be 2500 acres (compared to last year’s 700 acres). Though most of the work will be done further away from Ruger Ranch Road, support vehicles and workers will be present. Please slow down and follow directions and signage. They are working to protect us.

Please inform your visitors and contractors. We don’t want to see anyone get hurt.