The tragic California wildfires remind us of the wildfire danger that surrounds us. We pride ourselves on how our homes are immersed in the Sonoran Desert. But the recent proliferation of more and more dry invasive vegetation and the continuing 20+ year drought endangers our lives and property. We no longer have a fire season. Wildfires are now a year-round risk. The danger of wildfires is ever present. What can be done to mitigate this grave threat?
In Carefree, fire management requires a partnership between the Town, the Carefree Water Company, our homeowners, and Rural Metro.
Early last year Carefree took delivery of a new fire truck, replacing our worn out, obsolete, 18-year-old truck. Needed equipment and radios were replaced. To better position ourselves in the advent of desert wildfires, the Town purchased a brush truck. More investments totaling about $250,000 followed to ensure our first responders have the tools and environment they need. In the coming year, the Town anticipates a similar investment.
The Carefree Water Company maintains four water reservoirs, totaling 2.2 million gallons of water, and 412 fire hydrants within the Town of Carefree. These hydrants are tested annually in the spring, through a joint effort by the Carefree Water Company and Rural Metro. As part of the water consolidation project, some small diameter water lines were upgraded and new fire hydrants were installed on the east side of Black Mountain and the northern parts of Carefree. These newly installed fire hydrants on the east side of Black Mountain will become operational once the upgrade to the pump station servicing this improved water line is finished. Completion is anticipated by the end of 2025.
As we have witnessed in California, even the most robust fire departments have limitations when it comes to combating catastrophic wildfires. Fire hydrant systems provide a ready source of water for firefighting. But no fire hydrant system is designed to fight wildfires.
Individual action and community participation are key to protecting those we love and our property.
Homeowners should create a defensible space around their homes, eliminate combustive products against and on top of their homes, and seal cracks and crevasses from flying embers. Most home losses in a wildfire are from windblown burning embers, not by direct flame contact. The house and the landscaping adjacent to the home play a critical role in the structure surviving wildfire. The www.firewise.org website provides a wealth of valuable information.
Our Rural Metro firefighters will continue to offer Firewise sessions providing essential insights on reducing ignition risks on your property and implementing proactive strategies to protect your home. Sessions will resume next month. As sessions are scheduled, the Town will publish dates and times. Alternatively, Rural Metro will gladly present a Firewise session at Homeowner Association meetings.
Protecting lives and property in the age of the year-round fire season is a team effort requiring a partnership between the Town of Carefree, the Carefree Water Company, our homeowners, and Rural Metro. We must all do our part.
John Crane Mayor, Town of Carefree
