(Source: Cave Creek Corner)
Dear Cave Creek Residents and Merchants,
The tragedy in Lahaina, Maui has been on my mind, yours, and I am sure many others. We grieve with those who have lost loved ones as the casualty count increases daily.
Of course, Cave Creek knows of the chaos and danger of wildland fire. Since the 2020 Cave Creek fires, the Town has been working to ensure rapid and decisive wildland fire emergency response while they’re small and controllable. Our fire department and town has its own engine, brush truck, water tanker and help of the entire automatic aid system if a brush fire breaks out.
But, prevention is the key! That’s why electronic signs are flashing warnings along roadways during fire season. Shoulders of roads with Town rights-of-way are sprayed to kill combustible brush and weeds so dragging trailer chains or careless disposal of cigarettes don’t have fire starting fuel. The Town also sponsors annual brush cleanup programs before fire season.
We also have a prohibition on fireworks and open flame during fire season. Permits are required ensuring work activities, like welding, can proceed safely after sufficient precautions are taken.
Further, the Town is currently constructing an emergency evacuation exit to the east along Arroyo Road for residents in the north and northeast portions of town. It will connect to Cave Creek Road at the eastern boundary. When finished, there will be directional signs. This will provide an escape route if Spur Cross or Schoolhouse Roads are blocked.
After Lahaina, the Town reviewed CodeRED, our system for evacuation and other emergencies. So far, over 5,300 local residents and businesses have already signed up for this early alert system and are called directly by the Town in the event of an emergency. CodeRED recently notified residents to cut water usage when a power upset caused a reduction in water flow. The overwhelming response kept the short-term loss of water to about 20 customers. This same system will alert the community if an incident like wildland fire should occur. If you have not signed up for this alert system, I highly recommend doing so and please encourage family and friends to also sign up.
I think it is essential for every resident to sign up on CodeRED. That early phone warning saves lives and provides more time for evacuating animals and/or precious goods. And, by the way, our rodeo grounds is used whenever there is an animal evacuation in the north valley.
So, please go to the Town website today and sign up. You will not be barraged with calls. It is used only in emergencies.
CodeRED: Sign Up!
Mayor Robert Morris
Town of Cave Creek
