The annual multi-agency Prescott Basin Operation Drill is scheduled to take place on April 4-5, 2025, near the Groom Creek area south of Prescott, Arizona (T13N, R2W, Sec 22). The Prescott National Forests hosts the annual exercise for local fire, police, and emergency responding agencies to train together with live fire in preparation for the upcoming wildfire season in Yavapai County.
Who: The Prescott National Forest, Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority, City of Prescott Fire, Bureau of Land Management, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management, and several other local fire agencies, fire mangers expect smoke impacts to be light and visible from multiple locations including Prescott, Chino Valley, and surrounding communities.
What to Expect:
The training will feature hands-on exercises, covering:
- Fire suppression techniques on live fire (pending favorable weather conditions)
- Coordinated response strategies between different agencies
- Testing of communications and equipment
- Testing of new technologies for evacuation zones
- Inside look at incident management teams and wildland firefighting
Local agencies will train with 3-6 small fires to strengthen their ability to protect people, property, and the environment in a region that has faced increasing wildfire risks in recent years.
Why It Matters:
The Prescott Basin Operations Drill underscores the growing importance of collaboration as wildfire seasons become longer and more severe. By sharing expertise and resources, agencies build a robust defense against future fire threats in Arizona’s wildlands, ensuring safer communities and preserved natural areas.
