Flagstaff’s beauty is undeniable—towering pines, sacred peaks, and miles of trails call many of us to live and build our lives here. But as longtime residents know, that beauty comes with risk. Wildfire is not just a possibility in northern Arizona—it’s an inevitability.
This month, Eric and Jess had the opportunity to attend a presentation by the Flagstaff Fire Department, and what they learned served as an important reminder: we all need to be prepared. With warmer weather arriving and more people heading outdoors, and after an unusually dry winter, the timing couldn’t be more critical.
Why Wildfire Preparedness Should Be Top of Mind
Living in Flagstaff means living in a fire-adapted ecosystem. Our ponderosa pine forests actually need periodic low-intensity fire to stay healthy. But when fires are suppressed or conditions are extreme—like drought, wind, and dry underbrush—those beneficial burns can turn catastrophic.
We’ve seen this firsthand.
The Radio Fire, which burned across the backside of Mount Elden in 1977, left a visible scar that residents still see today. That fire was a warning—but one we’ve seen repeated in recent years. The Museum Fire in 2019 burned dangerously close to homes and disrupted life for months. It left hillsides barren and unstable, leading to unprecedented flooding during monsoon season. Neighborhoods were inundated with mud and debris. Some families were forced to evacuate repeatedly, while others faced property damage and road closures that continued for years.
These events don’t just impact one season. Fires change flood zones. They alter the landscape, create long-term hazards, and leave entire communities reeling.
The Elden Fire of 1977, captured in this U.S. Forest Service photo, burned across the slopes of Mount Elden in Flagstaff, leaving a visible scar still seen today. This historic wildfire serves as a powerful reminder of the long-lasting impact of fire in northern Arizona’s fire-adapted forests—and the importance of community preparedness.
Defensible Space Starts at Home
The Flagstaff Fire Department emphasizes the importance of defensible space—clearing vegetation and combustible materials around your home to reduce the risk of ignition. This not only protects your property but gives firefighters a safer space to operate.
Start with Zone 1: the first 5 feet around your home. Remove anything flammable—wood mulch, dry leaves, or firewood piles—and replace it with rock or bare ground. Work outward into Zone 2 (5–30 feet) and Zone 3 (30–200 feet), thinning trees, clearing brush, and keeping grass trimmed low.
Harden Your Home Against Embers
In most wildfires, embers—not direct flames—are what ignite homes. These glowing particles can travel for miles and slip into vents, gutters, and siding. That’s why home hardening is key.
Simple upgrades like screening vents, installing gutter guards, using noncombustible siding, and sealing roof valleys can make a huge difference. Even small actions—like moving wooden patio furniture or planting low-growing succulents instead of flammable shrubs—can protect your home when seconds count.
The Importance of a Go Box
One thing we learned from past evacuations is how chaotic those moments can be. There’s often little warning, and the time to prepare isn’t when a fire is approaching—it’s now.
We recommend every household in Flagstaff create a Go Box or Emergency Bin. Include:
Copies of important documents (insurance papers, IDs, home deeds)
A list of emergency contacts and evacuation routes
Flashlights, batteries, a weather radio or scanner
N95 masks or bandanas (to help with smoke)
Prescriptions, glasses, and a basic first aid kit
Chargers, extra cash, and a few days’ worth of clothes and toiletries
Supplies for pets and kids
Store your bin in a spot that’s easy to grab on short notice. Keep a smaller version in your car as well—just in case you’re away from home when fire breaks out.
Be Ready. Be Set. Go Early.
Flagstaff follows the Ready, Set, Go! model of wildfire response. Here’s what that means in real life:
Ready: Know your risk, create defensible space, and have your Go Box packed.
Set: Monitor weather conditions and Red Flag Warnings. Sign up for emergency alerts.
Go: Don’t wait for an official evacuation order. If you feel unsafe or your route may be compromised, leave early.
Evacuating early not only protects you and your family—it frees up roads for emergency crews and gives firefighters room to work.
Final Thoughts: A Community Responsibility
Fire safety isn’t just an individual task—it’s a shared commitment. The steps we each take to prepare our homes and families can prevent widespread destruction. It’s not about fear—it’s about foresight.
So as we head into another dry season, let this be your reminder: now is the time to act. Review your fire plan, clear your yard, and talk to your neighbors. Please click for access to the Wildland Fire ACTION GUIDE. If you have questions, the Flagstaff Fire Department is an incredible resource—and we’re lucky to have them.
Because in Flagstaff, the beauty of living among the pines comes with a responsibility to protect it.
