Supervisors and county emergency staff used their May 28 meeting to describe recent wildfires that damaged homes near Oracle and to urge residents to register for PEN, the Pinal Emergency Notification System.

Vice Chair McClure and other supervisors described two recent fires near Oracle that required evacuations. McClure said rapid response by local fire districts and a Department of Forestry and Fire Management “hotshot” crew limited damage; he said five homes were lost in one incident but no lives were lost. McClure also recounted a contractor who backfilled a dug roadway the morning of a fast‑moving fire; McClure said that temporary action “saved lives” by enabling evacuations.

Supervisor Jeff Surdy and Scott Hamilton, Pinal County’s director for open space, trails and regional parks, advised residents about heat-safety during summer outdoor recreation. Hamilton stressed hydration, protective clothing, planning around peak temperatures and the risks of hiking when few other people are present.

Jasmine Castro, with Pinal County Public Health and the Office of Emergency Management, explained how PEN works and how to register. She told residents to go to pinalnow.gov/pens, enter name, address and contact details, and opt into text messages if desired. Castro said PEN allows the county to geofence a precise area and notify people by phone, text and email when responders issue orders; accounts can include needs for special assistance such as medical devices or mobility assistance to help first responders prioritize help during evacuations.

County staff asked residents to sign up for PEN and to monitor official channels during active fire and heat events. No county policy change was proposed; the briefing was informational.

Why it matters: The presentation combined immediate public‑safety guidance for heat and wildfires with actionable instructions for how residents can receive time‑sensitive evacuation and safety notices through the county’s PEN system.