Sedona brush fire in the Village of Oak Creek in April 2016. One home was lost as a result of the fire. Photo by Robert Wooten.
Sedona AZ (May 7, 2016) – On Friday, May 13, 2016, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Camp Verde, Clarkdale, Sedona, Montezuma-Rimrock, and Verde Valley Fire Districts, in cooperation with the City of Cottonwood and City of Jerome Fire Departments, U.S. Forest Service, Yavapai County Emergency Management, and the Cottonwood Public Safety Communications Center will conduct a wildland training exercise in the area of north Bill Gray Road, east of East State Route 89A, Cottonwood.
The goal of this exercise is to test local fire agencies’ initial response to a wildfire incident. This will include managing the initial incident, requesting additional resources as needed, and maintain effective communications throughout the exercise.
“With fire season just around the corner this is a timely exercise in preparation for the upcoming wildland fire season. Working together will help in identifying strengths and weaknesses before an actual event,” explained Sedona Fire District Training Officer Michael Duran.
Fire agencies throughout Sedona and the Verde Valley are prepared to rapidly respond and mitigate a potential wildfire incident. You can help your local fire fighters help you by being prepared in the event of a wildfire in your area by answer these questions:
Are you ready?
Be fire-adapted and ready. Take personal responsibility and prepare long before the threat of a wildland fire so your home is ready in case of a fire. Create defensible space by clearing brush away from your home. Use fire-resistant landscaping and harden your home with fire-safe construction measures. Assemble emergency supplies and belongings in a safe place. Plan escape routes and make sure all those residing in the home know the plan of action.
Are you set to go?
Maintain your situational awareness. Pack your emergency items. Know how to receive and stay aware of the latest news and information on the fire from local media, your local fire department and public safety.
Are you prepared to go?
The key is to act early. Follow your personal wildland fire action plan. Also be sure to adhere to your local jurisdiction’s evacuation processes. Doing so will not only support your safety, but will allow firefighters to best maneuver resources to combat the fire.
For additional information on doing your part to prepare for a wildfire contact your local fire agencies, www.firewise.org or www.wildlandfirersg.org/Resident.
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