Flagstaff officials are encouraging residents to dispose of pine needles in four specific dumpsters in different parts of the city. It's one of the city's efforts to reduce wildfire dangers.
“And this is really just an initiative to help reduce pine needle and fine fuels on the ground in preparation for wildfire season and to also take some stress off our both bulk trash pickup as we enter that season as well," said Noah Baker with the Flagstaff Fire Department.
Baker says eliminating fuel for fires helps prevent the rapid spread of fire through someone’s property.
“Anytime we have the opportunity to encourage people to rake up pine needles, it does greatly reduce the risk of wildfire encroaching on their property," he said.
The pine needle drop-off event will continue until May 2. The dumpsters' locations can be found on Flagstaff's website.
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The Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim is now under Stage 1 fire restrictions, meaning visitors are allowed to light camp fires in designated areas at maintained campgrounds. -
Officials have lifted fire restrictions for the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, citing increased moisture and cooler temperatures. -
The state’s two largest fires, the Sycamore and Pocket fires, are approaching containment. But state officials warn that risks could persist as monsoon activity is beginning to pick up. -
Communities in Colorado and Utah are reporting drops in tourism as fires burn nearby and smoke floats in. -
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