Canyon Mesa Country Club HOA Earns Prestigious Firewise USA Recognition

The Canyon Mesa Country Club Homeowners Association, situated on the south side of Jacks Canyon Road in the Village of Oak Creek, proudly received a Firewise USA designation on May 7, following its enrollment in the program on November 15.

Covering nearly 40 acres, Canyon Mesa comprises 173 lots and 170 townhomes, marking it as the third HOA in the Village to join this initiative after Firecliff Community Association and La Barranca II.

“Now the hard work begins,” said Firewise Committee Chairwoman Helen Campbell. “Every homeowner is obligated to complete one volunteer hour per year. We hire a crew for much of the work, allowing us to make substantial progress, but there is still much to be done.”

Firewise USA, established by the National Fire Protection Association, collaborates with Arizona’s Department of Forestry and Fire Management to help communities mitigate wildfire risks. To participate, communities must create a committee, conduct wildfire risk assessments, develop a three-year action plan, and organize community outreach events.

Upcoming plans include a clubhouse meeting in September, which Campbell said has generated excitement among residents. “An arborist will demonstrate a Firewise cutting technique over the summer, showing homeowners the difference before and after our approach. Many believe that being Firewise requires clearcutting, which is not true.”

The HOA’s action plan recommends a variety of proactive measures: installing 1/8-inch metal mesh on home vents, clearing dead trees, and trimming branches up to 10 feet off the ground. It also advises mowing native grasses to no more than four inches and regularly inspecting roofs and gutters. The annual budget dedicated to landscaping and fire mitigation is $257,171.

The decision to join the Firewise program stemmed from a personal experience by resident Ralph Stonehocker. After his home insurance was canceled due to high-risk assessments, he sought alternatives but found limited coverage options. His home sits adjacent to the Coconino National Forest, underscoring the community risks.

“This situation made me realize the urgency of the matter. I began reaching out and learned about Firewise,” Campbell added.

Stonehocker noted that several homes near the forest faced similar insurance cancellations, while others across the street remained unaffected.

Nick Hastings, an insurance agent with Crest Insurance, confirmed ongoing challenges in the insurance market for Northern Arizona over the last five years, citing many carriers exiting the market and others raising rates while diminishing coverage options. The HOA modified its bylaws in July 2021 to mandate individual homeowner insurance, with the association retaining coverage solely for common areas.

“Firewise certification helps reduce vegetation between homes and forests, lessening fire risks,” said Sedona Fire District Deputy Fire Marshal Kirk Riddell. “Limited fuel increases the chances of a home surviving a wildfire. In high-risk areas, many residents have seen insurance premiums rise or policies canceled.”

Riddell conducted property assessments as part of the Firewise certification evaluation, highlighting concerns where homes border Forest Service land. “In some places, there’s only about 10 feet between the forest and homes. Fortunately, most structures in the area are well-equipped with fire-resistant materials, essential at the wildland-urban interface.”

While Arizona insurers are not mandated to consider an HOA’s Firewise status for rate-setting, DFFM North Zone Prevention Captain Matt Rust observed that many communities joining Firewise later saw insurance retention improve. He mentioned additional communities in Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek, like Jordan Park, working toward similar certifications.

The Canyon Mesa action plan emphasizes ongoing cooperation with the Forest Service regarding adjacent land management and continuing homeowner education about fuel management practices.