SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Scottsdale's Mayor is calling for residents to help prevent wildfires from sparking in the city.
Wildfires are top of mind because of the wind-driven blazes burning in southern California. They continue to burn after sparking up on Jan. 7.
What they're saying:
"Mayor Borowsky who was sworn-in Tuesday, Jan. 14, is urging Scottsdale residents to exercise extreme caution and vigilance in the city’s natural open spaces," the Jan. 15 news release said. "These areas, while beloved for their beauty and recreational opportunities, are particularly vulnerable to wildfires during dry periods, fire department officials report."
Mayor Lisa Borowsky says she's requested Scottsdale Fire Chief Tom Shannon to do a comprehensive review of the city's wildfire prevention plans.
The review will look at existing prevention resources, personnel training, community education and emergency response plans.
"I have complete confidence in Fire Chief Shannon and his team to conduct a meticulous review and develop a robust, comprehensive wildfire prevention plan," Borowsky said. "This plan will ensure that our city is well-prepared to mitigate wildfire risks and respond effectively to any emergencies."
Local perspective:
Capt. Dave Folio with the Scottsdale Fire Department says we won't see dry fire hydrants in the Valley like some crews saw in southern California.
The most recent fire to plague Scottsdale was the Diamond Fire.
"If you saw the Diamond Fire, that's probably the biggest fire we've had recently, where we probably had, within an hour, two planes flying on that fire," he said. "It's all about resources and allocations of the resources."
The Diamond Fire burned near 128th Street and Ranch Gate Road and threatened dozens of homes in late June 2024. At one point, 1,145 residents living in the area were told to evacuate.
Capt. Folio says the fire started with a construction crew at a new build home cutting rebar. He says this has been the case with the last few fires in the area.
"Four years ago, we hired a fuel mitigation specialist that has actually identified certain areas in our city to thin out some of the brush," he explained in a FOX 10 report on Jan. 13.
What you can do:
The mayor offered some tips about how you can prevent wildfires.
- Do not leave a campfire unattended. Be certain that campfires are fully extinguished before leaving the area.
- Properly dispose of cigarettes and other smoking materials. Refrain from smoking in dry, grassy areas.
- Fireworks are not allowed in natural open spaces.
- Immediately report unattended fires or reckless behavior to the fire department.
- Don't park or drive on dry grass; a vehicle's exhaust can start a fire.
- Be careful when using equipment like lawnmowers or chainsaws that produce heat or sparks.
- Clear flammable plants to create defensible space around your home.