DFFM Sparks Community Spirit with Firewise Workday at Coffee Pot Subdivision

On February 3, hand crews from Diablo Canyon and Phoenix, alongside inmates from the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM), carried out brush removal efforts at the Cottages at Coffeepot Homeowners’ Association in Sedona. This initiative underscores the community’s commitment to fire safety.

Tiffany Davila, DFFM Public Affairs Officer, praised the Cottages at Coffeepot for their proactive stance, stating, “Coffee Pot is a Firewise USA community and they’ve been instrumental in getting other Sedona communities involved.” The collaboration aimed to clear common areas, benefitting local residents.

This community effort marks a part of DFFM’s broader initiative to support Firewise communities throughout Arizona. “We’re expanding our efforts down to southern and central Arizona,” said DFFM North Zone Prevention Captain Matt Rust. This project represents the first of many planned engagements across the state.

Established in December 2020, the Cottages at Coffeepot HOA became the first community in the Sedona Fire District to achieve Firewise USA certification, an accolade aimed at fostering safety through brush reduction and fire planning. Chairwoman of the Cottages Firewise Committee, Catherine Knox, noted that their HOA initiated the program to prepare for potential emergencies, particularly wildfires.

Knox expressed hope that other communities would adopt similar fire preparedness measures. Efforts already underway include Firewise recognition for LaBarranca II on June 8, 2023, and Firecliff Community Association on September 6, 2024. An Uptown HOA is also planning a visit to learn from their experiences.

Despite progress, Knox emphasized misconceptions about Firewise practices, specifically concerns about clear-cutting around homes. “We wanted residents to see that landscaping can coexist with fire safety,” she said.

Current weather conditions, including low precipitation and elevated temperatures in Phoenix, have prompted concerns of an early fire season. Davila highlighted the importance of homeowner engagement in fire prevention efforts. “The fires in California have spurred more interest among Arizona residents in becoming Firewise certified,” she remarked. Community members play a crucial role in protecting their properties, alongside state initiatives.

“It’s never too early to start creating defensible space around your homes,” Davila added. Simple yard maintenance steps can help ensure safety against potential wildfires. Community members are encouraged to act proactively.

Homeowners associations interested in Firewise certification or those seeking a free fire risk assessment can reach out to Sedona Fire District Deputy Fire Marshal Kirk Riddell at (928) 204-8926 or via email at kriddell@sedonafire.org.