Pima County Supervisors Gear Up for Wildfire Prevention Efforts

Pima County supervisors have taken significant steps towards enhancing wildfire protection measures following a supportive meeting on Tuesday. The Board of Supervisors voted to instruct county staff to create a wildfire mitigation plan and added an agenda item to pursue a sales tax referral aimed at funding local fire districts through the state Legislature.

Supervisor Steve Christy, representing Green Valley, proposed the wildfire mitigation plan. His colleague, Matt Heinz from Sahuarita, pushed for the legislative lobbying initiative. This mitigation strategy will focus on improving land clearing and brush management in areas most at risk for wildfires and will include assessing county-owned properties for necessary maintenance.

In addition to public land management, the plan will explore ways to assist residents in mitigating wildfire risks on their private properties. This support may involve providing resources for brush disposal or offering financial incentives to residents in remote areas, as highlighted by Christy.

The timeline for the plan’s development has also been expedited, with the supervisors agreeing to receive an initial draft within 90 days instead of the usual 120. Emphasizing the urgency, Christy noted the recent devastating fires in the Los Angeles area, including the Palisades Fire, which scorched over 23,700 acres and led to more than 200,000 evacuations.

“We’re deluding ourselves if we think it can’t happen here,” Christy remarked, referencing past incidents like the Sawmill Fire in 2017, which affected 47,000 acres. He cautioned that Pima County shares similar environmental and topographical characteristics with regions that have suffered major wildfires.

Christy reiterated that the public expects proactive measures from the county to reduce wildfire risks on public lands, especially in light of the current dry conditions this winter.

Efforts to combat wildfire threats are not limited to proposed plans. The county collaborates with volunteer organizations to manage invasive species like buffelgrass and stinknet, which exacerbate fire risks. Innovative strategies have included utilizing goats to help clear brush from vulnerable areas, a program that may expand based on successful pilot projects.

During the meeting, Christy highlighted the need for increased fire district support, especially in underserved areas like Elephant Head, where emergency response times can exceed 20 minutes. This situation poses substantial risks during fires. The cessation of services by the Helmet Peak Volunteer Fire Department has intensified these concerns.

To better fund fire protection, Heinz’s proposal for establishing a countywide sales tax of one-tenth of a cent to benefit all fire districts also received unanimous backing from the board. This initiative stems from recent tragic events in Los Angeles and aims to create sustainable funding for local fire services. Heinz noted that voter support for similar measures previously showed promise, despite statewide opposition.

A comprehensive presentation from various fire districts is forthcoming, which will aid in assessing the specific needs and financial requirements essential for improving fire safety measures throughout Pima County. The collaboration of various agencies will be crucial for enhancing community resilience against wildfires.