Statement from the Prescott Fire Department January 10, 2025
The catastrophic fires in the L.A. area serve as a painful reminder of the wildfire risk within our own community. With no rain since the beginning of November and no appreciable precipitation anticipated in the near future, it is imperative that residents remain vigilant for wildfires, even in these colder winter months. This includes not only hardening our homes against a wildfire, but also includes being prepared to evacuate on a moment’s notice. Here are a few items to help create better outcomes:
- Have no flammable materials within five feet of your home. No tree branches or shrubs, no stacked woodpiles, no wooden patio furniture, and no lumber for that next big project.
- Be familiar with the Ready, Set, Go system, and register with Yavapai County for emergency notifications.
- Install the Genasys Protect application on your phone for rapid information regarding incidents. Both the City of Prescott and Yavapai County use this platform for evacuation zone notifications.
- Have an evacuation plan. Prepare an emergency “go” kit ready with 72-hours’ worth of food, water, and supplies. Know where to go, how you will get there, and what to bring.
- Do not delay evacuation waiting for a knock on the door from an officer telling you to evacuate. There is no guarantee this will happen when a fast-moving fire strikes.
Wildfires are a threat to our community year-round. More extensive information on creating defensible space around your home, improving your home’s resilience to wildfire, and how to be prepared to evacuate can be found at Prescott Fire Department’s website as well as the Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management. City of Prescott residents can request a free wildfire risk assessment of their home by contacting Prescott Fire Department at: pfd.wildfirerisk@prescott-az.gov or by calling Wildfire Risk Manager Conrad Jackson at 928-777-1700 ext 7065.
