By Jen Rinaldi

In anticipation of the upcoming summer after a parched and windy winter, I had the opportunity to interview Grace Payne, the Communications Manager and Advanced Public Information Officer, And JD Pepper Timber Mesa’s Fire Marshal regarding fire preparedness on our mountain. Given the unusually dry winter we have experienced, concerns about potential fire hazards have been mounting among the community.

Pepper is impassioned about this. “A fire of the magnitude of the Rodeo-Chediski fire could forever alter a mountain community such as ours. All commerce and tourism could be lost for generations to come.” That dire warning has been in all our minds as we ease into spring with little to no snowfall.

The Importance of Fire Preparedness

Both JD Pepper and Grace Payne emphasized the critical importance of fire preparedness, especially considering the current dry conditions. Both acknowledged the heightened anxiety within the community but assured me that proactive measures are being taken to mitigate fire risks. Pepper stressed the importance of us being the stewards of our community. Both encourage property owners to be proactive in containing risk on their own properties while officials work to make our parks, forests and communities safe.

Fire Prevention Programs

The City of Show Low, in collaboration with Fire Marshal Pepper, has developed a comprehensive set of fire prevention programs aimed at safeguarding residents and property. Grace Payne elaborated on several key initiatives:

• Community Education: One of the primary focuses is educating the community about fire safety practices. This includes workshops, seminars, and distribution of informational materials that cover topics such as creating defensible space around homes, proper storage of flammable materials, and fire-safe landscaping. Grace Payne and the City of Show Low are hosting events all summer long to keep fire safety in the forefront.

• Basal Scoring: Basal scoring, as explained to me by JD Pepper, is the practice of counting trees in any given area to take into consideration the density of the forest. The sum of the basal area for all trees in the stand is the total stand basal area, a common measure of stand density and tree size and a very important piece of information for making stand-management decisions. Many recreational areas here on our mountain have a high Basal score, meaning that there are too many trees per acre. Fire Marshal Pepper would like to see a 60-80% score rather than 100-300% score. The city of Show Low and parts of Pinetop Lakeside are actively working on thinning and cutting dead or bark beetle infested trees. These strategically cleared areas are crucial to the health and fire resistance of our community.

• Controlled Burns: Controlled or prescribed burns are being planned to reduce the amount of combustible vegetation. Trained professionals carefully managed these burns to minimize risk and enhance the health of the forest ecosystem.

• Emergency Response Plans: Payne highlighted the importance of having a robust emergency response plan in place. The Fire Marshal’s office has been conducting drills and simulations to ensure that all emergency personnel are well-prepared to act swiftly and effectively in the event of a fire.

• Public Alerts and Warnings: The City of Show Low has invested in advanced alert systems to keep residents informed about fire risks and evacuation orders. Payne encouraged everyone to sign up for local alert services and to stay tuned to official communication channels. They have Apps available through Apple and Google. These Apps will alert you of present fire dangers, controlled burns, and closures.

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/city-of-show-low-az/id6479614916

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.apptegy.showlowcity&hl=en-US&pli=1

Collaboration with Local Agencies

Both Pepper and Payne also mentioned the collaboration between the City of Show Low and various local, state, and federal agencies. This cooperation ensures a coordinated approach to fire prevention and response. The city works closely with the U.S. Forest Service, Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, and neighboring municipalities to share resources, information, and best practices. These teams are comprised of the Forest Service, Emergency Management, and the County. All meet bimonthly or more to determine which stage of alert we are in.

At the date of this article, we are in stage one.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions prohibit igniting, building, maintaining, or using any fire at all times, including charcoal and briquettes. Smoking outdoors is also prohibited.

Residents’ Role in Fire Preparedness

While the city and its partners are doing their part, Payne stressed that residents also play a crucial role in fire preparedness. She urged community members to take the following actions:

• Create Defensible Space: Clear vegetation and flammable materials from around your home to create a buffer zone that can help protect your property in case of a fire.

• Follow Fire-Safe Landscaping Practices: Use fire-resistant plants and materials in your landscaping to reduce the risk of fire spreading to your home.

• Stay Informed: Regularly check for updates on fire conditions and heed any warnings or evacuation orders issued by authorities.

• Prepare an Emergency Kit: Have a kit ready with essential supplies such as water, food, medications, and important documents in case you need to evacuate quickly (I will add that you must also plan for your pets and livestock!). I was the Santa Cruz County Fair and Rodeo Grounds’ manager during the fires in Sonoita in 2017. I was shocked by how many people had a plan for themselves but not their animals. You will need carriers, meds, food and if you have a high strung animal, you may want to ask your vet for tranquilizers in case of emergency as animals feel your stress.

• Develop a Family Emergency Plan: Ensure that all family members know what to do and where to go in the event of a fire. Practice your plan regularly.

Pepper and Payne’s insights into fire preparedness and prevention programs provide a reassuring perspective on the efforts being made to protect our community. Both are passionate about keeping our community safe. While the dry winter poses a significant risk, the proactive measures implemented by the City of Show Low and the Fire Marshal’s office, along with the active involvement of residents, can significantly reduce the threat of wildfires. By working together and staying vigilant, we can ensure a safer summer for all.

NOTE: At the time this article is being edited, the white Mountains are getting dumped on by nearly a foot of snow, with more to come in the following days. This does not mean that it will last through the spring, which is our fire season, and we hope our readers will continue to follow proactive fire safety.