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Councilman Greg Stanton's
Letter to the Editor
Ahwatukee Foothills News
July 15, 2005
Homeowners urged to take precautions this fire season
Dear Editor:
Our beautiful desert preserve helps create a great quality of life in Ahwatukee Foothills.
But the nature that draws many of us here also brings a fire risk. Last winter's heavy rains left behind lush, green grass and brush. Combine it with our intense, dry summer heat and the conditions are perfect for large wildfires.
In recent years, most of the big Arizona wildfires were far away from the city. But this year, the fire near Cave Creek, the second biggest brush fire in Arizona history, made it very clear that wildfires can strike close to home.
If we all come together and pitch in, we can help minimize the fire risk.
Two concepts that are very basic can make a huge difference. First, think of cleaning up your yard just like you think of housekeeping inside your home. Do it every week and keep your yard in a safe, clean condition.
Here are basic tips:
- Clear brush, weeds and piles of wood, yard waste and trash at least 30 feet away from your home. That's called defensible space and it makes it much easier for firefighters to protect your home should a brush fire threaten it.
- Clear weeds and mow your grass often.
- Remove low branches and cut all branches that hang over your roof.
- Keep your irrigation system working and your plants appropriately watered.
The tips listed above are especially important if your home borders the mountain preserve, where you also should create a 10-foot buffer zone between your yard and the preserve.
Another key idea is to remember that though lightning starts some wildfires, people are the culprits most of the time. That stray cigarette out the window, backyard brush burn or even just a spark from your vehicle can start a major fire.
Use common sense and follow the rules while you are hiking, biking or getting together in the mountain preserve. Open fires are banned for the season in South Mountain Park/Preserve. Also, no smoking outside of enclosed vehicles and no propane or gas grills outside of established picnic areas. The Parks and Recreation Department can guide you. Call 602-495-5458. Visit phoenix.gov/fire and click on Fire and Smoking Ban in Phoenix Desert Parks for more tips.
Remember the basics housekeeping, 30 feet of defensible space and common sense caution and follow these tips to keep Ahwatukee Foothills safe from wildfires.
Greg Stanton
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Bob Khan
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Councilman
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Assistant Chief
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City of Phoenix District 6
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City of Phoenix Fire Department
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