Wildfire Prevention

Arizona’s beautiful desert landscape is a place of natural wonder, but it is also highly vulnerable to wildfires. As a rural town surrounded by open spaces and native vegetation, it is crucial that we take proactive steps to reduce fire risks and protect our homes, businesses, and natural environment. Here’s what you need to know about wildfire prevention and preparedness in our community.

When Fire Threatens

When a wildland fire approaches your home, your family's safety should be your first concern. Have an evacuation plan in place and practice it, especially if you have young children. Call 911 immediately in the event of a fire.

In cases of a large fire, listen to local radio or news stations for the latest developments and follow recommended actions. Your compliance ensures our ability to protect your home and our community.

Remember, brush fires can start anywhere—in forests, on the sides of roads, in alleyways, even in your backyard. But you can take action to prevent them. Protect your home from urban wildland fires.

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Understanding the Risk: Brush Fires and Invasive Plants

Mid-April through September marks the brush fire season here in Arizona. These fires threaten, damage, and even destroy the homes and properties of our residents. Wildland fires aren't limited to just remote raw desert areas; they also occur frequently inside town limits.

Brush fires occur frequently on vacant lots near residential areas. Fires can even begin on residential desert landscaping.

Residential structures in traditionally remote areas have a higher risk of fire during the summer months. At Carefree Fire Department/Rural/Metro, we encourage residents to take the necessary steps to protect their homes and communities from these all-too-often preventable fires.

Invasive plant species, such as buffelgrass, red brome, and fountain grass, are particularly dangerous as they burn hotter and faster than native plants, increasing fire hazards.

To reduce the risk of brush fires:

  • Remove dead or dry vegetation around your property.

  • Identify and replace invasive plants with fire-resistant native species.

  • Maintain defensible space by keeping plants and trees trimmed.

Firewise USA: Community Fire Safety

Our town is proud to participate in Firewise USA, a national program that helps communities prepare for and mitigate wildfire risks. Firewise principles include:

  • Creating defensible space around homes and structures.

  • Using fire-resistant building materials for roofs, siding, and decks.

  • Developing an emergency evacuation plan for families and businesses.

Residents are encouraged to work together by clearing community spaces, hosting educational events, and staying informed on fire safety initiatives.

Firewise USA Website

Get Involved: Community Action for Fire Prevention

Wildfire prevention is a community effort. Here’s how you can help:

  • Attend local Firewise meetings and workshops.

  • Volunteer for community clean-up events.

  • Support efforts to remove invasive plants from public lands.

  • Educate your neighbors about fire safety practices.

By working together, we can significantly reduce wildfire risks and keep our town safe. Let’s make wildfire prevention a priority and protect the beauty of Arizona’s desert landscape for generations to come.

For more information on wildfire safety, visit Arizona Firewise or contact our local fire department.

Relevant Links & Documents:

Protecting Your Home: Wildfire Prevention Tips

Defensible Space Map

1. Maintain Defensible Space: The 3 R's
Creating defensible space is crucial for protecting your home from wildfires. The Three R’s of Defensible Space are:

  • Removal – Eliminate dead or highly flammable vegetation.

  • Reduction – Trim and thin existing vegetation to slow fire spread.

  • Replacement – Swap out hazardous plants for fire-resistant alternatives.

Most of the homes in our town are situated in desert areas with mostly native plants surrounding the property and with no fencing. We recommend creating a 30-foot area of defensible space. Using the 3 R's (Removal, Reduction, and Replacement), homeowners can create an area free of dried grass or other highly flammable vegetation around the home.

A properly designed and maintained defensible space provides an area where firefighters can position themselves to protect your home. Also, the elimination of potential fuel sources reduces the probability of the house being consumed in a wildfire.

2. Harden Your Home

  • Install ember-resistant vent covers.

  • Use Class A fire-rated roofing materials.

  • Keep gutters and roofs free of debris.

  • Store firewood at least 30 feet away from structures.

3. Safe Outdoor Practices

  • Avoid using equipment that creates sparks on windy days.

  • Never leave campfires unattended and ensure they are completely extinguished.

  • Dispose of cigarettes properly—never toss them into dry grass.

4. Emergency Preparedness

  • Sign up for local fire alerts and emergency notifications.

  • Have an emergency evacuation plan and a go-bag with essentials.

  • Know multiple routes out of town in case of road closures.