State Forestry Installs Fuel Break in Yavapai County to Decrease Wildfire Risk

Phoenix, AZ (11/28/17) - The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management recently completed an 18-acre fuel break in Yavapai County to reduce the threat of wildfires and ensure sustainability of our state lands.

State Forestry crews reduced overgrown vegetation and diseased trees around the community of Pinon Oaks to create a fire buffer, in the event of a wildfire, and to give all mature and healthy trees the ability to thrive.

Fuel breaks have shown to be valuable during large wildfires such as the Tenderfoot Fire in Yarnell the summer of 2016 and again during the June 2017 Goodwin Fire south of Prescott. Prior to the Goodwin Fire a 270-acre fuel break had been installed near Mayer which acted as a barrier between the fire and the town, forcing the fire to shift directions away from the community.

“The overall intent of these fuel break projects is to reduce the risk of devastating wildfires, save homes, ensure firefighter and community safety, and increase the health of our forests and state lands,” said State Forester Jeff Whitney.

Over the past few years, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management identified multiple areas that fall within the Wildland Urban Interface that have heavier-than-normal fuels which hinder fire suppression activities, if a wildfire should occur.

The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management participates in NFPA's Firewise® Communities Program, a program that teaches people how to adapt to live with wildfire. As a homeowner, there are simple things you can do to reduce the risk of your property from wildfire. For more information on how you can be proactive and create defensible space around your community please visit: http://www.firewise.org or speak with any of your local Fire Agencies.

For more information, contact Tiffany Davila at 602-540-1036 or by email at [email protected]
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