Yavapai News

It is a crucial moment for residents of Prescott to prepare for the impending wildfire season. With the late spring and early summer ushering in drier weather, the likelihood of wildfires increases significantly. Mayor Phil Goode of the City of Prescott underscores the need for individuals to take proactive measures. "Wildfire is the greatest natural disaster threat our community faces," he states, encouraging the community to prepare their homes and businesses for potential fires.

One of the key steps in getting ready for wildfire season is enhancing the safety of homes against falling embers. According to the mayor, "Eighty percent of the homes destroyed in a wildfire are from the embers landing on and near the home." This can be mitigated by maintaining cleanliness around homes, such as removing debris from roofs, clearing rain gutters, and eliminating combustible materials within five feet of a residence.

For residents in need of additional assistance, the City offers several resources. The Forestry Crew will chip branches removed from properties and provide free chipping services to homeowners. Additionally, free vegetation dumping is available every Saturday in April at the City of Prescott Transfer Station.

Preparing for potential power outages is another essential aspect of readiness. The local energy provider, APS, may implement Public Safety Power Shutoffs in severe fire conditions. Residents are advised to ensure their APS account information is current to receive timely alerts.

For ongoing information concerning fires and evacuations, citizens are encouraged to register for notifications with the County through AlertYAVAPAI. Mayor Goode advises using reliable sources like the Genasys Protect app to stay informed about critical situations rather than relying on potentially misleading social media posts.

In conclusion, Mayor Goode urges the community, "Prepare for the upcoming fire season now, and don’t wait until the last minute." He emphasizes communal efforts for safety preparation, acknowledging the contributions of Wildfire Risk Manager Conrad Jackson to the preparation endeavors.

Phil Goode, Mayor, City of Prescott