Scottsdale Fire looks at new plan to combat wildfires
SCOTTSDALE, AZ (AZFamily) — In response to the increased risks and concerns regarding the fires in California, the city of Scottsdale and Scottsdale Fire Department are developing a new plan to protect residents and their properties better.
“We’ve been receiving numerous calls from concerned citizens, and we’re discussing this topic frequently, especially given the current situation in California. Any area with development occurring in a wildland-urban interface poses a risk,” said Scottsdale Fire Marshal Kristi Gagnon.
With 147 days without rain, Scottsdale Fire indicates that the fire risk is extremely high.
Scottsdale Fire has been engaged in year-round efforts to ensure community preparedness for years. “We conduct over 30,000 assessments on residential homes in the wildland-urban interface,” Gagnon explained.
Known as the Hazardous Vegetation Assessment, this program allows Scottsdale Fire to monitor which homes are clear of hazards and which may require attention. “We assess which homes are at risk and identify areas of overgrowth that may need to be addressed,” Gagnon added.
In addition to inspecting homes before the summer, Scottsdale Fire conducts road abatement work and collaborates with homeowners’ associations (HOAs) and communities to develop fire prevention plans.
While these prevention efforts are crucial, Scottsdale Fire acknowledges that several changes are necessary to enhance home protection. “There is a Natural Area Open Space (NAOS) Ordinance. These areas are designed to create aesthetically pleasing environments and provide refuge for wildlife and vegetation,” explained Assistant Fire Chief Kerry Swick.
While Swick appreciates NAOS’s value in preserving the desert landscape, he noted some challenges. Due to the ordinance, Scottsdale Fire cannot enter these areas to clear brush or other flammable materials. Swick pointed out that there are currently extensive NAOS regions that could present a fire hazard.
This new plan aims to enable Scottsdale Fire to continue its prevention efforts while introducing additional strategies to better protect the city. The department also hopes to acquire a drone capable of detecting plant moisture to help identify dry areas.
Scottsdale Fire stated that the new plan must be presented to and approved by the city council before any changes can be implemented.
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