Wildfire is a natural phenomenon. Wildfire will happen. Pre-wildfire actions can reduce wildfire risk and decrease vulnerability of structural damage if/when it strikes your neighborhood. Yavapai Firewise is working to reduce wildfire risk in Yavapai County and striving to educate residents to take pre-wildfire actions. Our motto of “Living on the Edge” has two meanings: living on the edge of Arizona’s wildlands with all of the accompanying grace and beauty, and living with the danger of wildfire. Yavapai Firewise (Wildland/Urban Interface Commission ~ since 1990), is a volunteer non-profit organization. Its purpose includes the following priorities:
WHO WE ARE: We work in collaboration with members from Prescott National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, Arizona Department of Forestry & Fire Management, Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management, Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority, Prescott Fire Department, eleven other fire districts/departments, homeowner associations and private citizens. We strive to share information, coordinate activities, and invest in wildfire risk reduction. We do not work just in fire season, but throughout the year to reduce wildfire risk. Originally established as PAWUIC (Prescott Area Wildland/Urban Interface Commission) in 1990.
WHAT WE DO: We are focused on guiding the management of wildland/urban interface issues. We are investing in Firewise mitigation (selective thinning of brush to reduce vegetative fuel load), helping neighborhoods become Firewise-USA sites, and collaborating with local agencies.
Our Vision: All Yavapai County neighborhoods safely coexist with wildfire
Our Mission: Yavapai Firewise works to reduce wildfire risk in Yavapai County neighborhoods through education and joint efforts among neighborhoods and relevant agencies
Our Mottos: “Be Firewise” and “Living on the Edge”
Our Strategic Plan (long-term goals):
Goal 1: Yavapai Firewise will be fiscally sound with an annual balanced budget.
Goal 2: Yavapai Firewise will create and implement a strategic marketing plan to communicate with wildland/urban interface neighborhoods, expand Firewise sites, engage businesses, and recruit Yavapai County residents to engage in initiatives.
Goal 3: Yavapai Firewise will create and implement effective Firewise educational programs focused on reducing wildfire risk for Firewise sites and residents across Yavapai County.
Goal 4: Yavapai Firewise is sought after to provide assistance to wildland/urban interface neighborhoods, Firewise sites, and mitigation reimbursement grants across Yavapai County
Goal 5: Yavapai Firewise effectively communicates county-wide efforts to reduce wildfire risk.
WHAT IS MEANT BY “BE FIREWISE”? In its simplest form, “Be Firewise”, means applying Ember Preparedness and Defensible Space guidelines to reduce the vegetative fuel load around homes and structures. Ember Preparedness guidelines recommend residents cleanup needles, leaves, and any dead plant material from the yard, gutter, and roof. Defensible Space guidelines provide recommendation for selective thinning of brush with specific guidelines depending on the zone or distance from the structure (0-5, 5-30, 30-100, 100-300 feet). More details are available for all residents of Yavapai County through the local fire district office and Yavapai Firewise. For more information visit our website at YavapaFirewise.org or contact us at pawuic1@gmail.com.
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WHAT CAN YOU DO? It can be as simple as spreading the word! Discuss the importance to ‘Be Firewise’ with neighbors, friends, and family. Share the significance of defensible space and ember preparedness via social media. IF you live in a high-risk wildland/urban interface neighborhood, form a Firewise committee (we can help you through the process). In any case/situation, engage in pre-wildfire actions by creating defensible space and applying ember preparedness guidelines (we can provide brochures & checklist).
INTERESTED IN VOLUNTERING? We know your time is valuable. Volunteering with Yavapai Firewise provides great value in your neighborhood and our county. Join the effort and YOU can make a difference in your neighborhood. Volunteering enables you to use your skills/talents for good, helping others “Be Firewise.” You will meet others striving to make a difference relevant to this important cause. Volunteers engage in…
Each volunteer is matched to a role that aligns with personal interests and strengths.
You can choose a role or tell us your interests and create your own role.
You make a difference by investing your time in purposeful and rewarding work that has tangible results and adds value to your life and your neighborhood. Most volunteer roles will involve a time commitment of fewer than four hours per month, and can be accomplished from your own home. To explore options, visit our website at YavapaiFirewise.org or contact us at pawuic1@gmail.com.