With wildfire season now a year-round concern in Yavapai County, local authorities are ramping up efforts to help residents protect their homes and land from the threat of wildfires, which could be particularly vicious this year due to a lack of significant winter rainfall. The Board of Supervisors has taken action by extending the availability of a free slash drop-off program intended to encourage community members to make their properties "firewise."
Under the program, residents in Yavapai County can dispose of their unbagged brush and vegetation such as yard trimmings, tree branches, and leaves, without cost, though they must refrain from including household trash, tree stumps, lumber, or metal, among other non-vegetative materials. The extended period for this program now runs until June 15, 2025, a modification from its initial April 1 end date, in a preemptive measure to stave off potential disasters—as mentioned in a statement obtained by YCSOAZ.
County officials have provided a schedule for drop-off at various county Transfer Stations, with varying days of operation across locations including Black Canyon City, Camp Verde, Congress, Mayer, Paulden, Seligman, and Skull Valley. Drop-off services are available to residents from 8am to 4pm on designated days, ensuring ample opportunity for all to participate. This initiative is crucial in light of the increased population growth in the area, which elevates the risk and potential impact of wildfire incidents.
In addition to promoting the slash drop-off program, YCSO is actively encouraging all residents, especially those in unincorporated areas, to sign up for their "alert-YAVAPAI - Everbridge" notification system. This can aid in timely emergency communication and is easily accessible via text or through their website. The "KNOW YOUR ZONE" initiative by Genasys and the smart911.com registration for special instructions to first responders are part of the county's broader READY-SET-GO preparedness strategy, as outlined in the resources found on yavapaiready.gov.
As YCSO, Emergency Management, and fire suppression agencies unite in their call to action, Yavapai County's governing body seeks to elevate the collective consciousness on wildfire readiness. Supervisor Chris Kukyno, reflecting on past close calls during the Board meeting on Wednesday, said, "It took a big scare back then, and I want to say we are in a big scare now." Board Chairman Mary Mallory also emphasized the importance of vigilance and preparedness in her remarks, "We need to have our property clean and we need to be alert." These statements, shared by YCSOAZ, are a clear call for all residents to engage in proactive fire prevention measures as they brace for a potentially perilous wildfire season.
