The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) announces another investment into the state of Arizona to aid with critical support of wildfire prevention and mitigation needs in Yavapai County. The investment stems from the USDA – US Forest Service’s Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG) program, which provides funding to at-risk communities with limited financial resources – to protect residents from catastrophic fire.
This grant cycle, the USDA – US Forest Service earmarked nearly $250,000 to Central Fire and Medical Authority (CAFMA) to develop a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). While Yavapai County currently has a CWPP, this new protection plan will dovetail into the county’s existing plan to provide for additional proactive planning, specific to CAFMA’s response area. According to a press release from the USFS, the proposed CWPP plans to support the needs of 110,000 people within multiple communities, including portions of unincorporated Yavapai County.
DFFM developed specific state guidelines for CWPP plans and the planning processes. The agency will work with CAFMA to formulate their CWPP and provide guidance for development of the risk assessment and planning tool.
“Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority is an important partner to our agency. We applaud their successful application and the proactive measures being taken to safeguard their communities. CAFMA is a robust department that services a large portion of Yavapai County with significant Wildland Urban Interface issues. This planning document will allow them to prioritize project areas for mitigation, strengthen fire response capacity, along with education and outreach,” said Aaron Casem, Division Chief with the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management’s Prevention Division.
Currently, Arizona has 11 active CWPPs with four new plans being developed for Coconino, Graham, Pima, and Santa Cruz Counties.
