KYAY Radio Prepares for Fire Season by Taking Emergency Management Training

By Kyler Edsitty

[San Carlos, AZ – February 17, 2026] – In 2024, the Watch Fire devastated the San Carlos Apache Reservation, burning 2,100 acres and 13 homes, causing hundreds of community members to evacuate. Two years later, the community is still recovering from this disaster. As wildfire season draws near, community leaders and broadcasters are preparing themselves for the worst.

Owned and operated by the San Carlos Apache Tribe, KYAY Radio broadcasts vital news and information to the San Carlos, Peridot, and Globe area. KYAY staff and local first responders participated in Native Public Media’s Emergency Management Plan (EMP) training. This training coaches broadcasters on how to protect their facilities and staff so they can stay on the air during times of crisis. KYAY was integral to the community during COVID-19 and the Watch Fire in broadcasting public safety information. Since residents depend on the station for updates, they need to prepare for any emergency to continue serving their community. 

Using the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) standardized approach to emergency planning, training participants learned the importance of preventing, mitigating, preparing, responding, and recovering from natural and human-caused disasters. This concept serves as the core of the station’s new EMP. It also acknowledges that the staff is in constant emergency preparation mode.

Next, the staff assessed the station’s ability to respond to different emergencies. This assessment includes determining if emergency drills occur often and if safeguards are in place to protect the station, its staff, and its continuous broadcast. Although the station had some capabilities to implement and grow, it had many communication safeguards that would secure its broadcast during emergencies.

Then, the participants assessed what hazards and threats could affect the station and its operations. Given previous events, the staff had concerns for wildfire, utility outages, and crime risk. With frequent and potential hazards identified, the participants can create individual emergency plans for each that include first responders and community resources. With experience in responding to wildfires, the staff was able to create a more robust wildfire emergency plan. The training participants also walked through the station to assess evacuation routes, potential hazards, and on-hand emergency equipment.

KYAY Radio Secretary Shannon Victor spoke to the importance of assessing all hazards that could disrupt the radio station.

“It was a much-needed training,” Victor stated. “We've got to sit and open the eyes of the community a little bit more. Now we will have the knowledge to be more prepared for any disaster.”

By the end of the training, KYAY radio drafted an EMP for potential hazards that includes better communication with local firefighters and law enforcement. As the EMP progresses, residents in San Carlos can rest assured that their local first informers are prepared and committed to broadcasting vital information.

“We built relationships that will advantage KYAY in the long run,” Victor stated. “Implementing this perspective gives us the advantage of being more aware and ready with a plan we can rely on. We are set on a new foundation moving forward.”

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