The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management has set aside $2 million to fund wildfire prevention projects covering 3,000 acres statewide.
Supported by both state and federal funding, the investment is part of broader efforts to reduce the threat of wildfires in Arizona by protecting critical infrastructure, and restoring forests and watersheds.
As part of the Healthy Forest Initiative, crews will focus on reducing the dry, overgrown vegetation that fuels wildfires.
Like the latest phase of the Peeples Valley Fire District’s Model Creek project, where funds will go to improve fire control measures and create an evacuation route for residents. Crews will thin trees and reduce vegetation by over half on more than 50 acres.
Another of the 10 projects that benefit from the funds will help create a firebreak between the Oracle community and Coronado National Forest.
The Salt River Project will also receive support for wildfire risk reduction.
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Commentator Herb Paine argues that for too long, we've operated under the illusion that growth is limitless and resources are infinite. But, he says, nature is not negotiable.
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The Brady Fire was 49% contained on Thursday and evacuations in the community of Pine Flats have been lifted, according to Inciweb. The cause of the blaze is still under investigation.
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A local Tempe bookstore called Wijaya started a donation drive, encouraging members of the community to give books in support of those affected by wildfire in Pacific Palisades, California.
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Rising costs and cancellations by insurers citing wildfire risks have garnered attention in California, where many Los Angeles County residents are struggling to recover from deadly wildfires. It's a problem in Arizona, too.
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Lawmakers at the Arizona Capitol want to require the state’s utility companies to prepare plans to reduce wildfire risks across the state, but critics argue the bill’s fine print will actually make it harder for residents to hold power companies accountable when they cause those fires.