(Source: Cave Creek Corner)
Dear Cave Creek Residents and Merchants,
May, June and July up to the start of the Monsoons are the times of year with the highest potential for wildfire. The two major fires in 2020 were both in May. Red Flag days (high winds, dry conditions and hot temperatures) are particularly risky. The Town has severe restrictions on sparks and fires in fire season and on Red Flag warning days to reduce the risk of a fire starting. Both fires Cave Creek experienced in 2020 were human caused! There are also potentially severe civil and criminal penalties for negligently starting a fire.
Our local utility, Arizona Public Service (APS) is also taking prevention seriously. They clear a defensible area around critical power poles and have a program to reduce certain equipment that can cause ground level sparks in a malfunction.
During normal operation, much of their equipment automatically turns a section of line back on after a fault. This reduces the time power is not flowing to homes and business. That policy is changed during fire season.
When risk is high, power is NOT automatically turned back on. To ensure the line is safe to energize, an employee physically inspects the equipment to detect damage that could cause sparking. This takes some time because an employee must travel to the location and physically inspect the equipment.
So, if power goes out during fire season and is taking longer than normal to return, it is likely due to that physical inspection. Safety is always top priority. This policy improves wildfire safety for all of us.
There are also many examples of the Town of Cave Creek and local agencies working to reduce wildland fire risk. Just off the top of my head I can list the U of A agricultural extension, Maricopa County, Tonto National Forest, and the State Lands department.
Further, as a reminder, during fire season the Town of Cave Creek has an extra fire crew manning the Town’s brush truck during the day. We can also count on the instant dispatch of dozens of fire trucks if needed from our Automatic Aid partners.
However, the best and only sure defense from wildland fire is – prevention. Avoid creating ignition sources, remove dry and dead vegetation, and create that defensible space around your buildings.
Regards,
Mayor Robert Morris
Town of Cave Creek
