Prescott Area Wildland Urban Interface Commission

Yavapai Firewise is accepting nomination for its 2025 Board of Directors. We especially need volunteers for Vice Chair and Secretary but all positions are available.

If you'd like to nominate yourself or someone else (with their permission), contact Anita at [email protected].

Elections will be held at the November 1, 2024 meeting.

The Monthly Stakeholder meeting is September 5th. If you are new to our meetings, we meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Yavapai County Emergency Management building at 1100 Commerce Dr in Prescott 86305
Phone: (928) 771-3321.

For Zoom information, contact Yavapai Firewise administrator: [email protected].

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Help Make Labor Day Safe

Be extra careful this Labor Day weekend when you are outside.

Fire season is not over, a single spark, in the right conditions, can make or break an entire fire season. Let’s ensure we’re not that spark this holiday weekend.

With high and dry conditions in the forecast for this weekend, here are some tips for how you can recreate responsibly:

1. Don't throw old ci******es on the ground. Only dispose of lit ci******es and other smoking materials in ashtrays or a cup of water so they don't ignite another source.
2. Keep away from dry vegetation.
3. Never park vehicles on dry vegetation and be sure to have a working spark arrestor on your off-road vehicles.
4. Find campfire restrictions where you're camping.
5. Keep a shovel and water close by your campfire. Use the water to drown out the campfire and the shovel to stir water and coals to cool it down.
6. Completely put out the fire before you leave.
7. Keep the fire small
For additional Tips and Supplies check out FireWiseStore.com

Please share with your community

Prepare and Protect!

The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management reminds everyone that their Firewise Community renewals are due November 11, 2024.

Now is the time to get your inspections done.

If you need help completing your renewal or need to set up an inspection, contact Anita at [email protected].

LASER is hosting a fabulous Home Tour on Saturday, October 26th, featuring 4 gorgeous homes in the Williamson Valley Area, lite bites, and raffle items. Tickets are on sale now on our website www.laser-shelter.org, $40 per person. See the attached flyer for more information.

We hope you will spread the word - tell your friends, neighbors, and club members, post the flyer, and purchase a ticket for you and a friend.

Our vision is that every barn animal has a safe haven in disasters. Come support LASER and be inspired by these beautiful homes. See you there!

Cathy Heath, Secretary
Large Animal Shelters & Emergency Readiness
www.laser-shelter.org
"In times of crisis, your STABLE solution!"

TITLE III FOREST FEES PROGRAM

YAVAPAI COUNTY, Arizona. – The Yavapai County Board of Supervisors is taking applications for the 2024-2025 Title III Forest Fee Program. The funding available for this program is approximately $119,549. Funding will be on a reimbursement basis.

Project proposals will be considered from both inside and outside County government. All eligible projects must fit into one of the following categories:

* To carry out activities under the Firewise Communities Program to provide to homeowners in fire-sensitive ecosystems education on, and assistance with implementing techniques in home siting, construction, landscaping, and maintenance around a home that will decrease the risk of injury, death of individuals and decrease risk of damage and destruction of a home as a result of a wildfire in the area.
* To reimburse the participating county (Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office Only) for search and rescue and other emergency services, including firefighting and law enforcement patrols, that are: a) performed on federal land after the date on which the use was approved under subsection, and b) paid for by the participating county.
* To cover training costs and equipment purchases directly related to the emergency service described in Paragraph 2.
* To develop and carry out Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP) hazardous fuels reduction projects, wildfire mitigation assessments, removal of vegetation identified as contributing to fire risk in the CWPP and conducting a community volunteer workday focused on implementing fire mitigation measures.

The deadline for submission of applications for 2024-2025 funding is Friday, August 30, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Applications will initially be screened for funding eligibility, reviewed by the Yavapai County Emergency Management Division for greatest need and submitted to the Board of Supervisors for review and preliminary funding determinations at the October 2, 2024, Board of Supervisors meeting. Following the publication of the preliminary project list and a 45-day notice and comment period, final allocations will be approved at the December 4, 2024, Board of Supervisors meeting. For more information contact Lucy Frank, Budget Analyst at (928) 442-5205 or by email at [email protected]. Application forms are available on Yavapai County’s web site at

Yavapai, AZ Official website for Yavapai County Government.

Overlay (Fall, FY 24/25)

Please be advised that Asphalt Paving and Supply in conjunction with Yavapai County will be performing a mill and fill pavement replacement on Prescott Country Club Boulevard and Turquoise Circle in the Prescott Country Club and an asphalt overlay on Jefferson Street in Mayer. Construction will begin September 03, 2024, and continuing through October 24, 2024. Road construction will consist of milling the existing asphalt, crack fill and rubber chip seal with a two-inch asphalt overlay on Prescott Country Club Boulevard. On Turquoise Circle work will consist of a taper mill and two-inch overlay with guardrail adjustment and replacement. Jefferson Street will consist of an asphalt overlay and shoulder work. One lane of traffic will remain open at all times; however, motorists may encounter lane restrictions, reduced speeds, and flagging operations throughout the work zones. Motorists should expect minor delays and allow extra time to get through the construction area. Please follow all traffic control devices when traveling through the work zone.

City of Prescott chipping services asks that you CALL them at 928-777-1700 X7930 for the next 6 to 8 weeks as they work on their automated work order system.

White Spar and Bean Peaks Trailheads Closed Thursday, August 22, for final grading

PRESCOTT, AZ – August 19, 2024 – The White Spar and Bean Peaks trailheads will be closed Thursday, August 22nd for final grading. These trailheads are located on the Bradshaw Ranger District of the Prescott National Forest, approximately 3 miles south of Courthouse Square in downtown Prescott, on the east side of Highway 89.

We expect the work to be complete by the end of the workday allowing for access to open back up in the evening. While the trailheads will be closed, the trails themselves remain open and users will be able to pass through the trailhead areas. It is critical that trail users refrain from parking along Highway 89 for the safety of themselves and motorists. Trail users should also avoid parking in the White Spar Campground, which is reserved for overnight visitors only. Goldwater Lake and the Watershed Trailhead, both on Senator Highway, provide alternative parking for access to the area’s trails.

These new trailheads are the direct result of the Prescott National Forest’s collaborative trail planning efforts. This process was initiated in 2013 and has authorized approximately 150 miles of new trail and 15 new trailheads. The construction of the White Spar and Bean Peaks trailheads was completed in partnership with the City of Prescott and was funded though the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act.

Yavapai County Citizens Academy:Deepen Your Understanding of Local Government

YAVAPAI COUNTY, Arizona. - Calling all Yavapai County residents 18 and over! Want to gain a deeper understanding of how your local government works? The Yavapai County Citizens Academy is your chance to learn firsthand.

Registration opens on August 19, 2024! This free, eight-week program will run from September 19th through November 7th, every Thursday from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at 1015 Fair St. in Prescott. Dinner is included!

What you'll gain:
* Insights into the inner workings of Yavapai County government
* Clearer understanding of how county services impact your daily life
* Open communication channels with County leaders and fellow residents
* Enhanced knowledge of various County departments and their roles
* Opportunity to ask questions and engage in collaborative learning (not political debate!)

Limited Space Available!

With only 20 spots available, register early to secure your place. Apply online at YavapaiAZ.GOV or through the following link: https://www.yavapaiaz.gov/County-Government/Board-of-Supervisors/Citizens-Academy

Questions? Contact the Yavapai County Communications Office at 928-442-5204 or email [email protected] for more information.

Citizens Academy Click here to view form.

Fire and Police Department Provide Child Safety Seat Inspections

Please call your local department at their non-emergency (NOT 911) phone number to make an appointment for a car seat inspection. Qualified, experienced Car Seat Technicians attend events throughout the year; follow your local departments on social media for dates and times.

Several of our area fire departments are scheduling a smoke alarm walk over the next several months. They will especially focus on lower income areas and homes of elderly citizens.

If you need help getting, installing, or changing the battery on your smoke alarm(s), contact your local fire department at their non-emergency phone number (NOT 911).

Pile Burning Planned August 14 - August 31, 2024 in the Prescott Basin

PRESCOTT, AZ, August 12, 2024 - Fire managers on the Bradshaw Ranger District plan to take advantage of the moisture received as they look to burn debris piles in and around the Prescott Basin near Aspen Creek, Butte Creek and Ponderosa Park. Ignitions are planned to start today Wednesday, August 14, 2024, and continue through Saturday, August 31, 2024, as conditions allow. Fire managers expect smoke impacts to be light and visible from multiple locations including Prescott, Chino Valley, and surrounding areas. As nighttime temperatures cool, smoke may linger in drainages and valleys.

In the interest of safety, forest visitors are reminded to obey all traffic signs and use caution when traveling in the vicinity of prescribed burns as firefighters and fire-related traffic will be in the area.

The purpose of this project is to reduce hazardous fuels following thinning and fuelwood removal. Reducing hazardous fuels will help reduce the threat of high-severity, high-intensity wildfire to the public, adjacent private property, and communities. Burning debri left over from brush crush and thinning projects requires moisture in the surrounding vegetation and typically produces much lighter smoke than broadcast burning.

Prescott National Forest’s land management strategy is centered on long-term forest health and includes reducing forest fuels and using prescribed fire on the landscape. Reducing hazardous fuels will help reduce the threat of high-severity, high-intensity wildfire to the public, adjacent private property, and communities.

The project also furthers the goals of the Forest Service’s national Wildfire Crisis Strategy to restore forests so they are less vulnerable to extreme wildfires that can risk lives and property; and impact watersheds and wildlife habitat.

All prescribed fire activity is dependent on the availability of personnel and equipment, weather, fuels, conditions that minimize smoke impacts as much as possible, and approval from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (www.azdeq.gov).

Messages will be posted on social media when managed fires are ignited on the Prescott National Forest:
* Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PrescottNF/
* Twitter https://twitter.com/PrescottNF

For fire information please call (928) 925-1111; or stay up to date on Prescott National Forest news by checking the Prescott NF website and following us on Facebook and Twitter.

Home Page | ADEQ July 15, 2024 | ADEQ Comments on EPA's Proposed Action for AZ's Regional Haze SIP for the Second Planning Period | View Letter >

Copper Basin Trailhead Construction August 12 - 30

PRESCOTT, AZ, August 9, 2024 – Prescott National Forest is beginning construction on the Copper Basin Trailhead on the Bradshaw Ranger District. Work will begin Monday, August 12 and the area will be closed to the public through August 30 while construction occurs. The new trailhead takes the place of two designated dispersed camping sites that will be relocated directly across Copper Basin Road, ensuring no loss of camping opportunities.

The Copper Basin Trailhead is located approximately 7 miles southwest of Prescott, along Copper Basin Road. The trailhead provides additional trail access for all users but specifically provides equestrian (trailers) access to the 54-mile-long Prescott Circle Trail.

This project was authorized in 2017 through the Greater Prescott Trails Planning Process. Funding for the project is being provided through annual appropriations to the Prescott National Forest Recreation Program.

Thank you for your patience while we make these improvements to provide better access to our public lands.

Trail users and visitors to the Prescott National Forest can obtain information on alternate trail opportunities via the following:

Prescott NF Forest Website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/prescott/
Bradshaw Ranger District, (928) 443-8000

Prescott National Forest - Home Prescott National Forest - Home

Old Highway 66 Rubberized Chip Seal (FY 24/25)

YAVAPAI COUNTY, Arizona - Please be advised that Cactus Asphalt in conjunction with Yavapai County will be performing rubberized chip seal, fog seal and guardrail replacement operations on Old Highway 66 between Pica Camp Road and I-40 Crookton Road interchange. Construction work will include placing a 3/8’’ chip seal shoulder on Crookton Road, a rubberized chip seal on the entire road surface, a fog seal, and small sections of guardrail replacement along the project length. The chip seal is a rapid moving construction method, so public impact should be minimal.

Construction will begin August 19, 2024, and continue through November 07, 2024. One lane of traffic will remain open at all times; however, motorists may encounter lane restrictions, reduced speeds, and flagging operations throughout the work zones. Motorists should expect minor delays and allow extra time to get through the construction area. Please follow all traffic control devices when travelling through the work zone. # # #

Yavapai County Lifts Fire Ban

Effective Thursday, August 8, 2024, at 8:00 a.m., Yavapai County will lift its Stage 1 Fire Restrictions due to recent and forecasted rain.

PLEASE NOTE: Public lands in Yavapai County, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the Tonto National Forest will stay under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. For more information about the specific locations that are still under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, use the links above.

Before doing any open burning, please contact your local fire jurisdiction. Even though Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are lifted in unincorporated areas of Yavapai County, local fire jurisdictions will decide if they will also lift their restrictions.

Ashley Ahlquist, Yavapai County Emergency Manager, expressed, “We’re seeing better conditions that allow us to lift these fire restrictions, but let’s make no mistake—fire safety is a year-round commitment. As we come out of Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, we must always remain alert and informed to protect our community."

For more information about Fire Restrictions and the Yavapai County Outdoor Fire Ordinance visit www.YavapaiReady.gov/fireban.

Prescott National Forest Rescinds Fire RestrictionsOn Thursday, August 8 at 8:00 A.M.

PRESCOTT, AZ – August 7, 2024 – The Prescott National Forest will lift all fire restrictions on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. Stage 1 restrictions have been in place across the forest since June 6, 2024. Fire managers continually evaluate conditions across the forest to help determine when to implement or rescind fire restrictions. Enough rain has fallen across the forest to increase fuel moisture levels and decrease fire danger.

The public should remain vigilant while visiting the forest, regardless of restriction levels.

* Leaving your campfire unattended is illegal all year round. Campfires must be dead out – cold to the touch – before you walk away.
* Fireworks are always prohibited on National Forest Land.
* When recreational target shooting, bring a shovel and water or fire extinguisher in case of sparks, place your targets on dirt or gravel, away from grass; take your “trigger trash” with you and remember exploding targets are always prohibited.

Know Before You Go! Statewide fire restriction information can be found at www.wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions. The map shows current fire restrictions on federal and state managed lands in New Mexico and Arizona.

For information on the Prescott National Forest, check out the Prescott NF website and following us on Facebook and Twitter.

Fire Restrictions | Arizona Interagency Wildfire Prevention At this point, only fire restrictions on federal and state managed lands are displayed. For county and municipal fire restrictions, please go to the specific county or city websites.

Wade Ward, APS Wildfire Mitigation Manager, made an interesting presentation at the August Yavapai Firewise meeting.

For more information about their mitigation efforts see aps.com/wildfire and aps.com/psps.

APS Public Safety Power Shutoff Protecting you and your community from wildfire

Support Animal Disaster Services Dine to Donate! Fundraising Night at the Texas Roadhouse on Monday, August 12 from 4 to 8 pm.

Bring a copy of this flyer one paper or on your phone to have 10% of your total food purchases donated to Animal Disaster Services.

Reminder:

Yavapai Firewise (PAWUIC) has moved their offices to:

201 N. Montazuma, #230 in the new City Offices Building.

Email and phone numbers are unchanged.

Yavapai County fire departments remind everyone we are still under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Predictions show above average fire activity for August.

Be Fire Wise! Be Safe!

Stage I Fire Restrictions:

• NO residential burn permits will be issued.
• Use of model rockets is PROHIBITED.
• Use of fireworks and other pyrotechnic displays are PROHIBITED except upon approval of a pyrotechnics permit.
• NO smoking outside of vehicles, outside of residential yards, or outside of designated smoking areas.
• NO outdoor use of fi****ms.
• Cooking, warming, or campfires (ash or ember producing) ARE ALLOWED at single and multi-family residential properties and Town parks (where approved) but MUST BE attended at all times.

You can access ON FIRE: The Report of the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission discussed at this morning's meeting athttps://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/wfmmc-final-report-09-2023.pdf or on our website at https://yavapaifirewise.org/additional-resources

Recommendations produced by the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission (Commission) chart a course forward for comprehensive policy change to address the wildfire crisis. Taken together, these recommendations are intended to help lead the nation toward better wildfire outcomes including diminished loss of life and property, and functioning and resilient ecosystems. While the Commission’s focus was on federal legislative action, it is this body’s intent that the solutions proposed in this report will also be relevant and useful to federal agencies; state, local, and Tribal governments; the non-governmental, private, and academic sectors; and the public at large.

www.usda.gov

You can access a copy of the WUI Virtual Handbook for Property Fire Risk Assessment & Mitigation discussed at this morning's meeting at https://www.sfpe.org/wuihandbook/home or on our website at https://yavapaifirewise.org/additional-resources.

Home - WUIHandbook The site home page

Prescott NF offices now open to the public on Wednesdays

Prescott, AZ, July 19, 2024—The Bradshaw/Chino Valley and Verde Ranger District offices will now be open to the public Mondays – Fridays after having been closed on Wednesdays in recent years due to a staffing shortage. Customer Service Representatives will be available to assist visitors, answer questions and sell maps and forest permits from Monday – Friday, except on Federal Holidays.

Office locations, phone numbers, and schedules:

Bradshaw/Chino Valley Ranger Districts
344 S. Cortez Street
Prescott, AZ 86303
(928) 443-8000
8:30 a.m. – noon and 12:30 – 4:00 p.m.

Verde Ranger District
300 East Highway 260
Camp Verde, AZ 86322
(928) 567-4121
8:30 a.m. –12:30 p.m. and 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Two Fuels Reduction Projects in Yavapai County

Yavapai County encourages everyone to be alert and follow all warning signs when traveling through Williamson Valley Road during fuels reduction project.

Starting the week of August 12, the Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) will begin working on a 263-acre fuels reduction project located 9 miles northwest of Prescott and 2 ½ miles southeast of the community of Williamson. The Granite Oaks project takes place on State Trust land as part of the department’s prioritized community protection through hazardous fuels reduction.

Project work takes place along the east and west sides of Williamson Valley Road. The road runs through the project from Scarlet Road on the north end, Granite Oaks Drive to the east, and Buchanan Drive and Vista Lanes to the west. The project sits adjacent to the Prescott National Forest on the south end. Residents in the area should be mindful of heavy equipment traveling along Williamson Valley Road. Project managers expect no road closures or traffic impacts. However, drivers along the road should use caution as part of the project sits along Williamson Valley Road.

Yavapai County Board of Supervisors Chairman Craig Brown said, “This is a project I have been working on for years and am excited to see this important work begin. It is long overdue and will continue the work Yavapai County does to bring fire protection where it is needed most.”

The goal of the Granite Oaks project is to reduce the connectivity of dense and hazardous fuels within the wildland urban interface through mastication work. Masticators are heavy pieces of equipment used to break apart and chip vegetation, such as shrubs and small, woody trees. This strategically designed plan allows for safer and more manageable fire suppression operations. Most importantly, these projects protect communities from catastrophic wildfire.

DFFM is also working on another mastication project in Yavapai County, south of Prescott Valley and southeast of the Stoneridge neighborhood. Charcoal Gulch is a 600-acre fuels reduction project also designed for wildfire risk reduction and community protection. Projects like Charcoal Gulch and Granite Oaks protect communities, provide firefighters with a manageable and safe area to work from and help slow a fire’s spread and intensity.