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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