Arizona's hot, dry climate is perfect for wildfires. No matter where you live, a wildfire could happen at any time. You stand a better chance of protecting your family and property if you are practiced on how to react.

BE prepared

Before a fire, there are things you can do to prepare.  If asked to evacuate, put your plans into practice:

·         Turn off gas.

·         Leave garden tools attached to outside faucets to assist fire fighters if necessary.

·         Drive with your headlights on so other evacuees can see you through any smoke.

·         Follow the directions of law enforcement.

Protecting your home and create defendable space with landscaping:

·         Remove all fuels within your defensible space.

·         Introduce native vegetation.

·         Space trees 10 feet apart, and prune branches that hang below 6 feet from the ground.

·         Remove dead or dying trees and shrubs.

·         Maintain your irrigation system.

·         Clear your roof, gutters and eaves of debris.

·         Trim branches so they do not extend over your roof or chimney.

·         Move firewood and storage tanks 50 feet from your home.

Build or retrofit your home with non-flammable materials:

·         Use non-combustible roofing materials and install spark arresters in chimneys.

·         Cover exterior walls with fire resistant materials like stucco, stone or brick (vinyl siding can melt).

·         Use double-paned or tempered glass for exterior windows.

·         Make sure your home's address can be seen from the street.

BE curious
For more information on wildfire preparedness, visit:

·         Just in Case Arizona

·         Ready.gov

·         Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

·         Arizona State Forestry Division

·         Arizona Firewise