MCCWPP5-YEARUPDATE 141003-REDUCED.PDF

Aguila
Maricopa County
Apache Junction
Community Wildfire Avondale
Buckeye
Protection Plan Update
Buckeye Valley
September 2014 Cave Creek
Circle City/Morristown
Carefree
Chandler
El Mirage
Fountain Hills
Gila Bend
Glendale
Gilbert
Guadalupe
Goodyear
Harquahala
Litchfield Park
Mesa
New River
Peoria
Phoenix
Paradise Valley
Queen Creek
Rio Verde
Scottsdale
Sun City
Sun City West
Arizona State Forestry Division Sunflower
Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management Sun Lakes
US Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management Surprise
Tonto National Forest Tempe
Fort McDowell Indian Community Tolleson
Gila River Indian Community Tonopah
Tohono O’odham Indian Nation San Lucy District Wickenburg
Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Wittmann
Youngtown


TABLE OF CONTENTS
List of Tables ....................................................................................................................................... ii
List of Figures ...................................................................................................................................... ii
List of Photos ....................................................................................................................................... ii
Acronyms and Abbreviations ............................................................................................................ iii
I. Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 1
II. Community Mitigation Plan ........................................................................................................ 7
A. Wildland Fuel Reduction Priorities ........................................................................................ 7
1. Fuel Reduction Projects Completed to Date ................................................................... 7
B. Prevention and Loss Mitigation ........................................................................................... 15
1. Prevention and Loss Mitigation Projects Completed to Date ......................................... 16
2. Promote Community Involvement and Improved Public Education,
Information, and Outreach ............................................................................................ 17
III. Action Recommendations and Implementation ...................................................................... 21
A. Identified Action Items for Protection Capability and Reduced
Structural Ignitability ........................................................................................................... 23
IV. Monitoring Plan ......................................................................................................................... 27
APPENDIX A. Cumulative Risk Levels, by Percentage of Each Community WUI ..................... 29
APPENDIX B. Identified Treatment Management Units .............................................................. 31
APPENDIX C. Fuel Modification and Treatment Plans ............................................................... 39
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 3.1. 2014 Action Recommendations for Wildland Fuel Modification ........................................... 21
Table 3.2. Wildland Fuel Reduction Projects Implemented 2010–2014 ................................................ 22
Table 3.3. 2014 Action Recommendations for Structural Ignitability and Public Outreach .................... 24
Table 3.4. 2014 Additional Recommendations for Enhanced Public Education,
Information, and Outreach ............................................................................................................. 26
Table 4.1. Summary of Community Wildfire Protection Goals Completed 2010–2014 ......................... 27
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1.1. Land Ownership and Core Planning Team Areas within
Maricopa County WUI ...................................................................................................................... 5
Figure 2.1. Projects in Relation to Maricopa County WUI ..................................................................... 13
Figure 2.2. Wildfire Ignitions Occurring within or adjacent to the Maricopa County WUI
from 1980 through 2009 and 2010 through early September 2014................................................. 19
LIST OF PHOTOS
Photo 2.1. Example of Gate, Access Point, and Piped Culvert within the Rio Verde WUI ...................... 8
Photo 2.2. Xeroriparian Corridors Mapped for Potential Wildland Fire Hazard in
Paradise Valley ................................................................................................................................ 9
Photo 2.3. Tribal Nations Response Team Type 2 Hand Crew Conducting
Fuels Reduction ............................................................................................................................. 10
Photo 2.4. Fuels Reduction along Fort McDowell Road South of Yavapai Road .................................. 10
Photo 2.5. Vegetation Condition within Corgett Wash before Fuels Reduction .................................... 12
Photo 2.6. Vegetation Condition within Corgett Wash after Fuels Reduction ....................................... 12
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ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
APS Arizona Public Service
ASLD Arizona State Land Department
ASFD Arizona State Forestry Division
BLM Bureau of Land Management
CWPP community wildfire protection plan
HFRA Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003
IGA intergovernmental agreement
MCDEM Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management
PPE Personal protection equipment
SRP Salt River Project
TNF Tonto National Forest
WUI wildland-urban interface
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I. INTRODUCTION
Beginning in September 2009 the Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management (MCDEM)
established a Core Planning Team composed of Federal, Tribal and State Wildland Fire Resource Staff,
Municipal Fire Department staff, and other wildfire resource specialist, community and individual interested
parties to develop a county-wide community wildfire protection plan compliant with the Healthy Forests
Restoration Act of 2003 (HFRA) (MCDEM 2010, Maricopa County Community Wildfire Protection Plan).
The collaborative planning process utilized to develop the Maricopa County Community Wildfire Protection
Plan (MCCWPP) is described in Section 1, pages 1–13, of the 2010 MCCWPP. The MCCWPP was
completed in April 2010 and was approved or concurred by 70 agency, fire departments and organizations.
Since adoption of the MCCWPP the Core Planning Team and cooperating agencies have been actively
working toward achieving the goals established in the MCCWPP.
During the MCCWPP planning process MCDEM and the core planning team analyzed the potential of
catastrophic wildland fire for all at-risk communities and unincorporated areas in Maricopa County.
Figure 1.1 shows land ownership boundaries within Maricopa County and the associate Core Planning
Team areas. The analyses resulted in the determination that there are 3,072,461 acres of Wildland Urban
Interface (WUI) within 43 Maricopa County communities which are composed of 120,252 acres (4%) of
high risk wildland fire risk, 1,749,491 (57%) acres of moderate risk and 1,202,717 (39%) acres of low
wildland fire risk (See Appendix A).
During the analysis the Core Team established the following overarching goals of the MCCWPP
(MCCWPP 2010:11–12):
• Improve fire prevention and suppression, emphasizing firefighter and public safety
• Reduce hazardous fuels, emphasizing public and private property protection
• Restore forest, rangeland, and riparian health
• Promote community involvement and provide for community protection
• Recommend measures to reduce structural ignitability in the wildland-urban interface (WUI)
• Encourage economic development in the communities from vegetative treatments
• Promote development of wildfire emergency evacuation and communication plans
• Integrate use of the MCCWPP with surrounding community and agency fire management plans
The environmental elements used by the Core Planning Team to identify wildland fire risk to community
WUIs include wildland vegetative fuel hazards, comparison of average and extreme rainfall years,
consideration of aspect and local topography, historical fire occurrence, and wildfire ignition history. These
environmental factors were coupled with community-based characteristics and values, such as local fire
resource preparedness, infrastructure, evacuation routes, and population/structure density. An external
element, the Fire Insurance Service Organization ratings, was also used as an influencing factor in
determining wildland fire risk to communities within the WUI. The wildland fire analyses and results are
described in Section 2, pages 14–51, of the 2010 MCCWPP.
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In order to reduce the risk of, and enhance response to, unwanted wildland fire the Core Planning Team
developed recommendations for the management of hazardous wildland fuels; enhanced wildland fire
protection capabilities; public education, information, and outreach; and support for businesses and
industries centered on local wood products, woody biomass, and wildland vegetative fuel management.
The Core Planning Team also identified the MCCWPP administrators—Maricopa County fire chiefs,
Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management (MCDEM), Tonto National Forest (TNF), Arizona
State Forestry Division (ASFD), and Bureau of Land Management (BLM)—who will mutually work toward
implementing and monitoring the MCCWPP action recommendations.
To prioritize treatments, the Core Team identified 112 wildland treatment management units within 53 sub-
WUI designations within Maricopa County (See Appendix B). These treatment units were analyzed and
categorized according to potential risk for wildfire. Each unit was also ranked and described along with a
recommendation for its preferred treatment type and method (See Appendix C). Preferred treatments were
recommended for treatment management units identified as high risk. These treatments are designed to
meet the wildland fuel modification objectives, enhanced wildland fire protection and public education and
outreach goals of the MCCWPP. The collaborative process for developing wildland fuel reduction
recommendations; developing comprehensive wildland fire prevention and loss mitigation
recommendations and recommendations for public outreach and education is presented in Section 3 of the
2010 MCCWPP, pages 81–101.
During the development of the MCCWPP, the Core Planning Team identified action recommendations,
implementation schedules, and project partners, necessary to achieve priority goals outlined in the 2010
MCCWPP. Action recommendation included identifying priority treatment areas for fuel reduction projects.
Treatment areas were identified within the WUI to create survivable space through treatments within the
home ignition zone, the use of strategically placed fuelbreaks, and the modification of hazardous wildland
fuels. Additional action recommendations identified by the Core Planning Team were designed to reduce
structural ignitability. Reduction of structural ignitability is achieved through evaluation; maintenance; and,
at times, upgrades to community response facilities, capabilities, and equipment. Action recommendation
also described is the promotion of community involvement and the role of community education and
outreach, homeowner responsibility and participation in reducing the threat of wildland fire. Priority action
recommendations for fuels reduction, reduced structural ignitability, and public outreach is described in
Section 4 of the 2010 MCCWPP, pages 102–109.
The Core Planning Team determined that, as needed, the MCDEM, in coordination with the countywide
community MCCWPP Working Group, would produce a report detailing the success of MCCWPP project
implementation and overall progress toward meeting MCCWPP goals. The MCCWPP Working Group
reports successful grant awards received for implementing the MCCWPP action recommendations to the
MCDEM. Successful grant awards and projects accomplished are necessary for the production of an
annual monitoring report describing accomplishments toward achieving MCCWPP goals. The Core
Planning Team established performance measures during the 2010 MCCWPP planning process to be
evaluated in each annual monitoring report. The Administrative Oversight, Monitoring, and Reporting
recommendations are presented in Section 5 of the 2010 MCCWPP, pages 110–112.
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The MCCWPP administrators have produced an annual report of successful grant awards and projects
implemented in 2011 and 2012 designed to meet MCCWPP goals. As the cooperating agencies have
completed the fifth year of working toward implementation of the MCCWPP action recommendations, the
Core Planning Team through MCDEM produced this Five-Year Update of the Maricopa County Community
Wildfire Protection Plan combining all agency actions conducted subsequent to the approval of the
MCCWPP into a single report and will update Section 4 of the 2010 MCCWPP.
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Figure 1.1. Land Ownership and Core Planning Team Areas within Maricopa County WUI
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II. COMMUNITY MITIGATION PLAN
Section 3 of the MCCWPP outlines priorities developed by the Core Planning Team in 2010 for wildland
fuels treatments, as well as the recommended methods of treatment and management strategies for
mitigating the potential spread of catastrophic wildland fire throughout the WUI. Section 3 also presented
recommendations for enhanced wildland fire protection capabilities as well as public education,
information, and outreach objectives. During the 2014 review of the MCCWPP the Core Planning Team
does not believe the priorities or recommendations developed during the 2009 – 2010 planning process are
in need of revision and are in line with current agency and department goals and objectives. To track
progress and to continue achieving the goals and objectives set forth in the 2010 MCCWPP, MCDEM and
the Core Planning Team agreed that the 2010 MCCWPP should be updated to show accomplishments and
include any amended priority recommendations for achieving goals through 2020.
A. Wildland Fuel Reduction Priorities
After determining the areas at greatest risk for wildland fire (Section 2 of the 2010 MCCWPP), the Core
Teams developed a series of proposed actions, including residential treatments; a series of firebreaks
appropriate for the wildland fuel types; and fuel mitigation treatments for undeveloped landscape areas.
The wildland vegetative fuel and firebreak recommended treatments developed in 2010 were designed to
meet the MCCWPP goals of enhancing firefighter and public safety, reducing hazardous wildland fuels on
public and private lands, improving fire prevention and suppression, restoring riparian and rangeland
health, involving the community, and expediting project implementation.
To prioritize wildland fuel mitigation projects, the Core Team analyzed wildland fuel hazards, fire history,
and at-risk community values. This combined risk assessment was compiled in a single community base
map depicting areas of low, moderate, and high-risk evaluations. These risk areas were further identified
and categorized into a total of 112 site-specific management areas (treatment management units) within
the WUI, with an overall risk value was determined for each treatment management unit (See Appendix B).
Hazardous fuels reduction recommendations for each treatment management unit vary by constituting
either a single firebreak in appropriate width and length within the WUI or broader land treatment
applications of wildland fuel reduction and habitat restoration within the WUI. The complete listing and risk
rating of all wildland fire management units and associated treatments is contained within Section 3 of the
MCCWPP, pages 84–93.
The following information identifies completed and ongoing projects designed to meet the goals and
objectives identified in the 2010 MCCWPP. Figure 2.1 identifies projects in relation to identified treatment
management units within the MCCWPP WUI.
1. Fuel Reduction Projects Completed to Date
Rio Verde (RV)
The communities of Rio Verde and Tonto Verde have embraced the Community Wildfire Protection Plan
and have become certified Firewise communities under the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Firewise program. Jointly, the communities have created a nonprofit 501(c)3, known as the Verdes Wildfire
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Protection Association, to raise funding for ongoing fuels maintenance and community wildfire support
programs.
Rio Verde RV1
• Completed fuels reduction in all common and riparian areas within the communities of Rio Verde
and Tonto Verde
• Completed fuels reduction on all private parcels within the communities of Rio Verde and Tonto
Verde
• Complete fuels reduction on the parcel of property known as the Rio Verde Ranch
• Recommended treatments 1,2,3,4,6 and 7 were completed
• All Rio Verde and Tonto Verde properties are included in an ongoing two year fuels maintenance
schedule
• National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) analysis is currently underway as necessary to gain
approval for a 100’ wide fuels reduction/fuel brake on the eastern border of the Rio Verde and
Tonto Verde communities with the Tonto National Forest Cave Creek Ranger District.
• Utility and fire suppression access has been enhanced
• Salt River Project (SRP) supported and participated in the fuels reduction/fuel break project on the
eastern border of McDowell Mountain Park and the Rio Verde Fire District.
• SRP and Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) constructed road access and
an emergency access security gate into the SRP right of way (Photo 2.1).
• The community of Tonto Verde received a sub-grantee award ($20,000) for a fuels reduction project
on the western border of the Tonto Verde Community in an area of volatile fuel conditions and
explosive population growth over the past few years.
Photo 2.1. Example of Gate, Access Point,
and Piped Culvert within the Rio Verde WUI
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Management Area MA 11
• Completed fuels reduction on the East border of McDowell Mountain Park bordering the
communities of Rio Verde and Tonto Verde consisting of a 100’ wide fuel reduction fuel break
• Fuels reduction along northern fence boundary of park
• Recommended treatments 1,2,3,4,6 and 7 were completed
• Two year maintenance schedules are in place for all treated areas
Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) GRIC6, GRIC5, GRIC3
• SRP fuels reduction within 100 foot ROW from the GRIC/COP border which is Pecos Road, west
from I-10 then due west on the City of Phoenix to 51st Avenue have been completed.
Paradise Valley (PV) PV 1
• Wash mapping for potential fuels reduction within washes (Photo 2.2)
• A re-assessment of wildfire risk within and adjacent to the Mummy Mountain Preserve was
conducted
• Paradise Valley Town Council adopted ordinance Number prohibiting the use of fireworks within
500 yards of the Mummy Mountain Preserve
Photo 2.2. Xeroriparian Corridors Mapped
for Potential Wildland Fire Hazard in Paradise Valley
Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation (FMD1)
• Fuels reduction along Fort McDowell Road south of Yavapai Road accomplished utilizing Tribal
Nation’s Response Team Type 2 hand crew while the crew was staffed for severity in June of 2013
(Photos 2.3 and 2.4).
• Fuels reduction completed in July of 2013 by Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Public Works
Department at Fort McDowell Road and the We Ko Pa Trail.
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• Additional fuels reduction being conducted on the Verde River north of the Fort McDowell Yavapai
Nation Farms building. This thinning is being done by Tribal members in preparation for a cultural
ceremony later this year (2014).
Photo 2.3. Tribal Nations Response Team
Type 2 Hand Crew Conducting Fuels Reduction
Photo 2.4. Fuels Reduction along
Fort McDowell Road South of Yavapai Road
Fountain Hills (FH1)
• Fuels reduction within Ashbrook Wash
• Fuels reduction within Balboa Wash
Phoenix (PHX1)
• Addition of Anthem Firewise community
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Scottsdale (S2)
• Addition of Ancala West Firewise community
• Approximate 12 acres of vegetation removal (salt Cedar and desert broom) in Desert Diamond
Estates
Scottsdale (S3)
• Approximate 5 acres of vegetative thinning in desert washes
Buckeye (BE1)
• Fuels reduction treatments conducted on vacant residential parcels
Buckeye Valley (BEV2, BEV3)
• Approximately 423 acres of Salt Cedar fuels reduction completed within Gila River corridor
Queen Creek (QC1)
• The Town of Queen Creek has two washes, Queen Creek and Sonoqui, which cross the community
from east to west. From Power Rd. to Riggs Rd. “areas along and in the Sonoqui Wash [posed] a
low to medium threat” according to the Town of Queen Creek Fire Department 2009 Wildland Fire
Risk Assessment. The wash also posed a flooding hazard. The Town in cooperation with the Flood
Control District of Maricopa County (FCDMC) undertook several projects to mitigate the flood
hazard to the area. The projects had the added benefit of mitigating the wildland hazard due to the
need to widen the wash.
Litchfield Park (LP1)
• Starting in 2009, the City of Litchfield Park began a fuel reduction project on a 20 acre plot of land
referred to as La Loma Ranch, the Paul Litchfield Homestead. This plot of land was gifted to the
City by Paul Litchfield’s family. The 20 acre plot is located on the corner of Litchfield Road and
Camelback Rd. in Litchfield Park. The land is home to Paul Litchfield’s La Loma Ranch home and
several out buildings. Paul Litchfield, the founder of Litchfield Park, had his home during the
developing years of the City of Litchfield Park. His daughter Edith Denny and her husband
continued to live in the home until their deaths 2008 and 2009. After the City accepted the gift of the
property, the first project was to clear the land on and around the property to reduce available fuel.
This project cleared available fuel 30 feet from the home and throughout the 20 acres. This is
ongoing and is being maintained each year.
Goodyear (GY4)
• Maricopa County and the BLM have entered into Cooperative Agreement #L09AC15613 whereas
BLM has agreed to provide grant funding to the County through Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance (CFDA) #_15.242 to support the National Fire Plan. Pursuant to this Agreement,
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Maricopa County would reimburse certain Arizona political subdivisions for approved costs and
expenses incurred in connection with the Maricopa County Community Wildfire Protection Program.
• In 2014 the City of Goodyear entered in to a subgrantee reimbursement agreement to mitigate fuels
in Management Area 7. The project area is in the Corgett Wash, located in the northwest area of
the Estrella Mountain Park development (Photos 2.5 and 2.6).
• An IGA was reached between the City of Goodyear and the Arizona Department of Forestry which
provided sawyer teams for the project. The Goodyear Wildland Response Team also participated in
the effort. Multiple chevron fire breaks were cut and general thinning, chipping and removal of
debris from non-native plant species occurred over a roughly 3 to 5 acre area.
Photo 2.5. Vegetation Condition within
Corgett Wash before Fuels Reduction
Photo 2.6. Vegetation Condition within
Corgett Wash after Fuels Reduction
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Figure 2.1. Projects in Relation to Maricopa County WUI
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B. Prevention and Loss Mitigation
The MCCWPP is intended be used as a resource to help coordinate long-term interagency mitigation of
catastrophic wildfire events in at-risk communities within Maricopa County. The MCCWPP Core Team
established specific goals for wildland fire prevention and loss mitigation as follows during the development
and implementation of the 2010 MCCWPP:
• Improve fire prevention and suppression for firefighter and public safety and to protect private
property
• Promote community collaboration, involvement, and education
• Recommend measures to reduce structural ignitability in the Maricopa County MCCWPP WUI
• Preserve the aesthetics and Wildfire values within riparian areas
• Identify funding needs and opportunities
• Expedite project planning through partnerships with ASFD, BLM, and other private and public
entities in managing wildland fire risk within the WUI
A major component of prevention and loss mitigation is cooperative agreements between agencies and
public utilities to accomplish similar goals and objectives. In the development of the 2010 MCCWPP the
MCDEM and Core Team discussed the advantage of working cooperatively with Salt River Project (SRP)
and Arizona Public Service (APS) utility companies in maintaining acceptable wildland fuel conditions
within their respective rights-of-way and easements as well as cooperative agreements for vegetation
management on lands adjacent to APS and SRP right-of-way. This cooperative agreement has allowed
agencies and public utilities to implement fuels reduction treatments and implement access points in high
hazard areas as identified in the Fuels Reduction Section of this update.
The Core Planning Team has responded to many wildland fires throughout the Maricopa County WUI
communities. Subsequent to the adoption of the 2010 MCCWPP approximately 420 wildland fire ignitions
have occurred within or adjacent to the Maricopa County WUI communities. The continuing need for highly
trained and efficiently equipped fire fighters remains evident. The overarching goal of fire fighter and public
safety protection from unwanted wildfire is paramount to the Core Planning Team. The Core Planning
Team has worked cooperatively to implement the prevention and loss mitigation goals established in the
2010 MCCWPP. During the years of 1980 through 2009, prior to developing the MCCWPP there were
5010 wildfire ignitions reported through the Federal and State agencies, averaging 167 wildfire ignitions per
year (http://wildfire.cr.usgs.gov/firehistory/, Arizona State Forestry Division 2009). Wildfire ignition data from
2010 to current is incomplete. Federal wildfire ignition history data is available for 2010 through 2013
http://wildfire.cr.usgs.gov/firehistory/). Wildland fire ignitions from the Arizona State Forestry Division were
not available for 2010, 2011, and 2012, but are available for 2013 through early September 2014. These
data sets recorded 417 wildfire ignitions from 2010 to early September 2014, averaging 104 fires per year.
Figure 2.2 shows wildfire ignitions occurring within and adjacent to the WUI from 1980 through 2009 and
2010 through early September 2014.
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1. Prevention and Loss Mitigation Projects Completed to Date
During the 2010 MCCWPP planning process the Core Planning Team stated that actions which reduce fire
risks and promote effective responses to wildland fires and reducing the risk of wildland fire igniting and
spreading throughout the WUI must be undertaken. Therefore in 2010 the Core Planning Team developed
the following recommendations to enhance protection capabilities for at-risk communities within Maricopa
County:
• Obtain one fully functional Type 6 engine and one fully functional Type 1 engine for wildland fire
response by local fire departments and districts.
• Actions Implemented
• Rural Metro has permanently placed a Type 6 brush engine in Cave Creek
• Sun Lakes Fire District acquired a Type 6 Brush Truck through a grant from the Gila River
Indian Community
• Queen Creek Fire and Medical Department upgraded Tender 411 from a Type 2 Support
Only to a Type 1 Tactical unit.
• Develop additional wildland fire preplans for all high-hazard locations across Maricopa County
where they have not been adopted.
• Actions Implemented
• Salt River Indian Community completed the Fire Management Plan and Fuels Reduction
Plan.
• In 2013 the Queen Creek County Island Fire District (QCCIFD) was created. On May 1st, the
Queen Creek Fire and Medical Department became the fire and emergency medical service
provider for the QCCIFD. The QCCIFD includes a four square mile section of the southern
portion of the Town of Queen Creek. This area begins the wildland urban interface transition
to the foothills of the San Tan Mountains Regional Park.
• Since 2009 the Chandler Fire Department has responded to over 300 natural vegetation
fires within their district boundary
• Develop and maintain mutual-aid agreements with neighboring fire departments or districts for
wildland and structural fire response support and other emergency response.
• Actions Implemented
• A4 - All mutual aid agreements with agencies that border the Rio Verde Fire District are in
place.
• Queen Creek Fire and Medical Department has also supported the Southwest Type 2
Incident Management Team (IMT) with an assigned team member since 2012.
• Arrange for the acquisition, operation, and maintenance of a green-waste disposal site within
reasonable proximity to the citizens and encourage the use of the disposal site for all vegetative
material removed during wildland fuel treatments on private lands within the WUI.
• Actions Implemented
• A2 - Green waste disposal is available to all residents within the Rio Verde Fire District.
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• Encourage fire departments and districts to participate in annual multi-agency wildland fire safety
training conducted prior to the fire season.
• Actions Implemented
• A5 - An all hazard emergency management plan is being developed with the cooperation of
MCDEM
• Continue support for wildfire training available annually through Fire Central
• Develop new water sources developed in key areas
• Actions Implemented
• Rio Verde Fire Department identified potential water sources on their golf course for
helicopter dipping
• Scottsdale Fire Department identified potential water sources on their golf course for
helicopter dipping
• Ft. McDowell Fire Department will continue to work with Goldfield community to improve
water supplies
• Identify helicopter dip sites in the vicinity of the communities of Goldfield and Sunflower
2. Promote Community Involvement and Improved Public Education,
Information, and Outreach
The Core Team developed recommendations for implementing public outreach programs to help create a
citizenry that was informed of wildfire danger and supportive of actions designed to reduce the number and
effects of wildland fire incidents. The goal, as stated in the 2010 MCCWPP, is to “have residents support
concepts of Firewise landscaping and naturally functioning wildland systems through restoration
management and rapid response to wildland fire.” The components of the public outreach
recommendations include the following:
• Expand the use of current public information tools for fire-safe residential treatments as an
immediate action step. This will be accomplished through information mailers to homeowners,
presentations by local fire departments and districts, and the development of specific promotional
materials by Maricopa County.
• Actions Implemented
• A3 - Within the Rio Verde Fire District a fire awareness program is in place with annual
community fire safety meetings.
• Place fire-danger information signs on major access roads throughout the WUI. Community
bulletins and other public service announcements concerning wildfire threat and preparedness
should be developed with assistance from ASFD, BLM, and Maricopa County.
• Actions Implemented
• A7 - Roadside fire danger signs are in place for the Rio Verde Fire District.
• Replace and maintain fencing adjacent to high-use and illegal off-road-vehicle use areas within or
adjacent to the WUI.
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• Actions Implemented
• I4 - Coordinated with the Cave Creek Ranger District to construct new fencing north and
south of the Rio Verde Ranch to control and direct off road vehicle use along the West bank
of the Rio Verde river riparian area.
• Improve dispatch and alerting capabilities by establishing a community emergency alert system.
The County and local communities will continue to jointly investigate an emergency contact
autophone redial system for emergency public communication.
• Actions Implemented
• Queen Creek Fire and Medical Department added a new VHF mobile radio to Tender 411
that is field programmable and cloneable.
• E3 - The Rio Verde Fire District purchased 3 new multi-band King radios for wildland
communications.
• Provide enhanced and coordinated firefighting training and equipment, such as personal protective
equipment (PPE) and second-generation fire shelters, for newly certified wildland firefighters and
volunteer firefighters.
• Actions Implemented
• Queen Creek Fire and Medical Department instituted annual department-wide wildland
urban interface training in 2012. The training is department designed and area specific.
• Through a combination of new hires and existing personnel receiving additional training,
Queen Creek Fire and Medical has increased its number of wildland trained personnel
(S130/S190) from two in 2010 to six in 2014.
• Assist in implementing a Firewise Communities/USA Recognition program in communities where
the program is supported by the local fire departments and districts. The Firewise Communities
approach emphasizes community and individual responsibility for safer home construction and
design, landscaping, and maintenance. The Core Team will also help identify high-priority
communities that would most benefit from a Firewise Communities program.
• Actions Implemented
• Currently there are four communities in Maricopa County that have the Firewise designation
(one in Anthem, one in Scottsdale and one in Rio Verde and one on Tonto Verde).
• The ASFD is supporting several communities that are in the process of becoming Firewise
communities.
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Figure 2.2. Wildfire Ignitions Occurring within or adjacent to the Maricopa County WUI from 1980 through 2009 and 2010 through early September 2014
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III. ACTION RECOMMENDATIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION
The Core Planning Team developed action recommendations during the 2010 planning process that are
necessary to meet the MCCWPP goals and objectives. The series of recommendations are intended to
reduce structural ignitability, improve fire prevention and suppression, and enhance public outreach.
At the end of each year, projects implemented from the 2010 MCCWPP action recommendations were to
be monitored for effectiveness of meeting MCCWPP objectives. The Core Planning Team envisioned that
for the life of the MCCWPP, recommendations for additional projects would be made for each future year
on the basis of project performance from the previous implemented projects. During the Five-Year Update
the action recommendations within the 2010 MCCWPP were reviewed for current status. Action
recommendations that have been completed are to be replaced by new priority actions while those that
have not been completed will remain a priority. The table below reflects the current status of 2010 action
recommendations and includes new priority recommendations. The Core Planning Team is committed to
working toward implementation of the 2014 Action Recommendations presented below through 2020.
Table 3.1 displays the 2014 priority for constructing firebreaks and landscape wildland fuel treatments
within the WUI as recommended by the Core Planning Team. Table 3.2 identifies wildland fuel reduction
projects implemented from 2010 through 2014.
Table 3.1. 2014 Action Recommendations for Wildland Fuel Modification
Management Location and Project Estimated Treatment Costb
Areaa Description Partner Status
SF2 Lands along SR 87 MCDEM, ASFD, and TNF 2,153 high-risk acres, 30% of lands Continue
to the south of the to be treated over 3 years priority to 2019
community estimated to be 215 acres/year in
of Sunflower FY 2011–14 = $72,250.00/year;
cost estimated to average
$350.00/acre on federal, ASFD,
and private lands
R3 Lands along the I-10 MCDEM, ASLD, ASFD, and 1,412 high-risk acres, 30% of lands Continue
corridor, south of the Daisy Mountain Fire District to be treated over 3 years priority to 2019
community of estimated to be 140 acres/year in
New River FY 2011–14 = $49,000.00/year;
cost estimated to average
$350.00/acre on federal, ASLD,
and private lands
GRIC1 Gila River corridor MCDEM, Gila River Indian 8,180 high-risk acres, 30% of lands SRP right-of-
west of St. Johns Community, and Bureau of to be treated (riparian acres) over way fuels
Indian Affairs Pima Agency 3 years estimated to be 90 reduction
acres/year in FY 2011–14 = completed.
$315,00.00/year; cost estimated to Remains a
average $350.00/acre on tribal priority to 2019.
lands
GB2 Gila Bend Valley MCDEM, ASFD, BLM, and 403 high-risk acres, 30% of lands Continue
north of the Gila Bend Fire District to be treated (riparian acres) over priority to 2019
community of Gila 3 years estimated to be 40
Bend acres/year in FY 2011–14 =
$14,000.00/year; cost estimated to
average $350.00/acre on private
lands
Maricopa County Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update September 2014
21

Table 3.1. 2014 Action Recommendations for Wildland Fuel Modification
Management Location and Project Estimated Treatment Costb
Areaa Description Partner Status
Firebreak 1- to 2-year rotating ASLD, ASFD, CNF, TNF, 500 acres/year of light understory Land within Rio
maintenance maintenance of fine MCDEM, and participating fuel treatments in excess of Verde Fire
and light fuels in fire departments and districts 4 acres treated/10-hour day at District is on a
Firebreaks SF1, $830.00/day costs = 2 year rotating
NR2, GR4, and GB2 $415,000.00/year maintenance
plan
Continue
priority to 2019
a SF = Sunflower; NR = New River; GRIC = Gila River Indian Community; GB = Gila Bend.
b Total acres to be treated during the life of the plan; one-third of acres estimated to be treated based on site-specific analysis,
which will determine actual acres available for treatment in each area.
Table 3.2. Wildland Fuel Reduction Projects Implemented 2010–2014
Management Location and Project
Areaa Description Partner Treatment Status
MA 11 McDowell Mtn. Regional Park Rio Verde FD, East Border McDowell Mt Completed/
MCDEM, ASFD Park, Northern fence line park ongoing
boundary
RV1 Lands north and east on Fort Rio Verde FD, Common and riparian areas, Completed/
McDowell Indian Community MCDEM, ASFD Rio Verde Ranch, Eastern ongoing
border of McDowell Mt Park,
RV1 Lands north and east on Fort Rio Verde FD, Western border of Tonto Verde Completed/
McDowell Indian Community MCDEM, ASFD ongoing
GRIC6, GRIC5, Lands north of Beltline Road to GRIC, SRP Fuel reduction in SRP ROW Completed/
GRIC3 north boundary of GRIC ongoing
Lands north of Beltline Road to
north boundary of GRIC
Lands along SR 347 east and
west of I-10 corridor to the tribal
boundary
PV1 Municipality of Paradise Valley Paradise Valley FD Washes mapped for hazard Completed/
fuels, Risk assessment on ongoing
Mummy Mt Preserve,
Ordinance prohibiting fireworks
in Mummy Mt Preserve
FMD1 Tribal trust lands of Fort McDowell Fort McDowell Fort McDowell RD, We Ko Pa Completed/
Indian Community Yavapai Nation FD Trail, Verde River north of Fort ongoing
McDowell Yavapai Nations
Farm
FH1 Town of Fountains Hills Fountain Hills FD, Ashbrook Wash, Balboa Wash Completed/
ASFD, MCDEM ongoing
PHX1 North of I-10/I-17 junction, east of MCDEM, ASFD Addition of Anthem Firewise Completed/
Tolleson, west of Community ongoing
I-17 north to the community of
New River
S2 Lands north of Salt River Pima- Scottsdale FD, Addition of Ancala West Twelve acres
Maricopa Indian Community and ASFD, MCDEM Firewise Community, Desert thinned
SR 101 corridor Diamond Estates
September 2014 Maricopa County Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update
22

Table 3.2. Wildland Fuel Reduction Projects Implemented 2010–2014
Management Location and Project
Areaa Description Partner Treatment Status
S3 Lands adjacent to west boundary Scottsdale FD, Vegetation thinning in washes Approximately
of McDowell Mtn. ASFD, MCDEM five acres
thinned
BE1 Lands in the NE corner of the Buckeye FD Vacant residential parcels in Completed/
municipal boundary Buckeye ongoing
BEV2, BEV3 Lands SE of Buckeye adjacent to BLM Salt Cedar reduction in the Approximately
north boundary of Buckeye Hills Gila River corridor 423 acres
Regional Park
Lands west of Buckeye Regional
Park, including Gila and
Hassayampa River confluence
QC1 Municipality of Queen Creek Queen Creek and Queen Creek and Sonoqui Completed
Flood Control wash channel enhancement
District of Maricopa
County
LP1 Municipality of Litchfield Park Litchfield FD La Loma Ranch Approximately
20 acres
GY4 Lands south of the city of MCDEM, BLM, Corgett Wash adjacent to Completed
Goodyear, including portions of Goodyear FD Estrella Mountain Park
Estrella Mtn. Regional Park and development
Gila River
a MA = Management Area, RV = Rio Verde, GRIC = Gila River Indian Community, PV = Paradise Valley, FMD = Fort McDowell
Yavapai Nation, FH = Fountain Hill, PHX = Phoenix, S = Scottsdale, BE = Buckeye, BEV = Buckeye Valley , QC = Queen Creek,
LP = Litchfield Park, GY = Goodyear, SF = Sunflower; NR = New River; GRIC = Gila River Indian Community; GB = Gila Bend.
A. Identified Action Items for Protection Capability and Reduced
Structural Ignitability
The Core Team and collaborators have worked collaboratively to evaluate; maintain; and, where
necessary, upgrade community wildfire preparation and response facilities, capabilities, and equipment.
Table 3.3 lists the 2014 and remaining 2010 action recommendations proposed by the Core Team for
consideration by individual fire departments and districts for structural ignitability and public outreach within
their respective jurisdictions.
The MCDEM and the Core Planning Team has implemented public outreach and education programs for
residents to heighten awareness and understanding of the threat that wildland fire poses to the
communities. The MCCWPP 2014 priority recommendations for promoting community involvement
awareness and participation in fire prevention are presented in Table 3.4.
Maricopa County Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update September 2014
23

Table 3.3. 2014 Action Recommendations for Structural Ignitability and Public Outreach
Specific Estimated
Project Partner Project Recommendation Cost Timeline Status
MCDEM and E1—Wildland Fire Purchase one Type 3 New acquisition with Begin grant Decision made
Queen Creek Protection and fire engine for use by standard equipment applications in not to purchase
Fire Department Reduced Queen Creek Fire $280,000.00 2010; purchase
Ignitability Department in 2011
MCDEM and E2—Wildland Fire Purchase one Type 6 New acquisition with Begin grant Completed
Sun Lakes Fire Protection and fire engine for use by standard equipment applications in
District Reduced Sun Lakes Fire $131,000.00 2010/2011;
Ignitability District purchase in
2011/2012
MCDEM, TNF, A1—Wildland Fire Construct a series of Install water-storage Locate and Continue priority
CNF, ASFD, Protection and 5,000-gal water- facilities/year: install one water- to 2019
ASLD, and Reduced storage facilities $5,000.00/facility storage facility in
associated fire Ignitability located strategically 2010
departments throughout residential
and districts areas
MCDEM and A2—Enhanced Wildfire Public Produce and publish Begin grant Completed
Gilbert Fire Public Education, Education Brochures community specific applications in
Department Information, and wildfire informational 2010; continue
Outreach brochures on an ongoing
basis in 2011
MCDEM and E3—Wildland Fire Obtain one Type 6 New acquisition with Begin grant Rural Metro has
Rural/Metro, Protection and brush truck for standard equipment applications in placed one Type
Cave Creek, Reduced wildland fire response $131,000.00 2010; purchase 6 from fleet at
and Carefree Ignitability within the in 2011 Rural Metro's fire
Fire Cave Creek and station in Cave
Departments Carefree Creek
communities
MCDEM, TNF, E4—Wildland Fire Obtain 10 handheld King digital Obtain grant The Rio Verde
CNF, ASFD, Protection and programmable radios programmable funding in 2010 Fire District
ASLD, and Reduced for firefighter dispatch handheld radios, purchased 3 new
associated fire Ignitability and communication $1,380.00/radio: multi-band King
departments $13,800.00 radios for
and districts wildland
communications
MCDEM, TNF, A2—Enhanced Work with land Locate and Begin planning Green waste
TNF, ASFD, Public Education, agencies for the coordinate with land with agencies in disposal is
ASLD, and Information, and acquisition, management agency; FY 2009/10; available to all
associated fire Outreach operation, and excavate pit and implement in residents within
departments maintenance of a fence: $20,000.00 FY 2010/11 the Rio Verde
and districts green-waste disposal Fire District
site within reasonable Continue priority
proximity to to 2019
community
MCDEM, TNF, A3—Enhanced Develop a fire-safety Promote and conduct Solicit funds for Continue priority
CNF, ASFD, Public Education, awareness program a community fire- promotion, to 2019
ASLD, and Information, and for community groups awareness day at brochures, and
associated fire Outreach local fire departments event materials
departments and districts: in 2014; conduct
and districts $2,000.00 in 2015
Create fire-safety and Development, Solicit funds for Rio Verde FD has
fire-awareness printing, and production and a fire awareness
posters for public distribution costs: printing in 2014; program with
places $5,000.00 publish and post annual
in 2014 community fire
safety meetings.
Continue priority
to 2019
September 2014 Maricopa County Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update
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Table 3.3. 2014 Action Recommendations for Structural Ignitability and Public Outreach
Specific Estimated
Project Partner Project Recommendation Cost Timeline Status
MCDEM and E5—Wildland Fire Obtain one Type 6 New acquisition with Begin grant Continue priority
Glendale Fire Protection and brush truck and a standard equipment applications in to 2019
Department Reduced water tender for $131,000.00; 1,500- 2010; purchase
Ignitability wildland fire response gal water tender, 4- in 2011
within Glendale wheel drive:
$186,000
MCDEM and E6—Wildland Fire Obtain one Type 3 New acquisition with Continue grant These units
Sun City West Protection and engine and a water standard equipment applications, would respond
Fire District Reduced tender for wildland $215,000; 2,500 gal Solicit/acquire from new fire
Ignitability fire response within water tender. Capital funding station 104 under
the Sun City West $350,000: 1,000 for purchase in construction and
Fire District gpm/600 gal Type 3 2015. opening in Spring
Engine. 2015
MCDEM and E7—Wildland Fire Purchase two water New acquisition with Begin grant 2014 update
Paradise Valley Protection and tenders for use by standard equipment applications in addition
Fire Department Reduced Paradise Valley Fire $225,000.00; 3,600- 2015; purchase
Ignitability Department gal water tender in 2017
MCDEM, ASFD, A6— Wildland MCDEM, BLM, ASFD Staff hours Establish in 2014 update
BLM, Buckeye Fire Protection meet annually to pre- anticipated to be no spring 2015 and addition
FD and Reduced plan fire attack, areas more than 40 hours annually each
Ignitability of needed fuels per agency staff spring thereafter
mitigation and annually for pre-
monitoring of treated planning
areas in BE1, BE2,
and BE3
MCDEM, ASFD, A7—Work with APS will coordinate Staff time, Begin planning in Continue priority
CNF, TNF, SRP and APS on annual ROW coordination efforts, FY 2010/11; to 2019
BLM, APS, vegetative vegetative research, and implement in FY
SRP, and management management meetings: $5,000.00 2012
associated fire treatments within treatment
departments and adjacent to coordination meeting.
and districts utility corridors
where
opportunities exist
a Projects are designated by project type (E = equipment; A = administrative) but not ranked in order of importance.
Maricopa County Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update September 2014
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Table 3.4. 2014 Additional Recommendations for Enhanced Public Education,
Information, and Outreach
Equipment/
Project Partner Projecta Expense Timeline Status
MCDEM, CNF, A8—Establish and Construction and Construct and Continue priority to 2019
TNF, BLM, ASFD, maintain roadside fire- placement: implement in
and associated danger warning signs and $5,000.00 FY 2010/11
fire departments other informational and
and districts directional road signs
along major roads as
determined by the
Maricopa County Fire
Officers Association
A9—Create and distribute Development, Develop in FY 2010; Continue priority to 2019
community bulletins printing, and distribute continually
distribution costs:
$5,000.00
I2—Acquire Redzone, or Software and data Acquire software and Continue priority to 2019
equivalent software, and recorder: $1,300.00 complete assessments
field data recorders or Assessment in FY 2010/11;
PDAs (personal digital completion: implement
assistants) to complete $2,000.00 recommendations in
home fire assessments FY 2011
and implement fire-safe
recommendations
I3—Encourage private Marketing plan to be Initiate community Continue priority to 2019
businesses that perform developed marketing planning
Firewise land treatments; meetings in FY 2011
encourage market
development of WUI by-
products from vegetative
fuel mitigation programs
I4 MCDEM, CNF, TNF, Assess in 2011, Estimate $6,000.00m Cave Creek Ranger District
BLM, ASFD, and initial plan for 1 mile per mile of standard and Rio Verde FD
associated fire of new or repaired 4-wire fencing constructed fencing north
departments and districts fencing and south of the Rio Verde
Replace and maintain Ranch to control and direct
fencing adjacent to high off road vehicle use along
OHV (off-highway vehicle) the West bank of the Rio
use areas Verde river riparian area.
MCDEM, CNF, A10-Firewise Garden – The BLM would pay Initiate planning to 2014 update addition
TNF, BLM, ASFD, Develop one or more for the plants and locate site in 2015,
and associated Firewise Gardens to installation and the implement in 2015
fire departments serve as a visual tool for organizations would
and districts potential Firewise provide upkeep.
Communities.
MCDEM, CNF, A11- Firewise Community Funding for Continue to promote 2014 update addition
TNF, BLM, ASFD, Recognition Program materials, staffing Firewise Communities
and associated material for WUI community meetings USA program to WUI
fire departments Communities and support communities in 2015
and districts
a Projects are designated by project type (A = administrative; I = infrastructure) but not ranked in order of importance.
September 2014 Maricopa County Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update
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IV. MONITORING PLAN
Monitoring is essential to ensure that the MCCWPP goals are met. The MCCWPP administrators, local fire
departments and districts, MCDEM, ASFD, TNF and BLM agreed to monitor the progress of the of the
2010 MCCWPP action recommendations to determine the effectiveness of completed and ongoing projects
within and adjacent to the WUI. Effective monitoring of the MCCWPP and documentation of projects and
goals achieved allows for a cohesive CWPP and assists in determining future projects that are in line with
the goals and objectives of the MCCWPP.
The CWPP Working Group is tasked with identifying appropriate grant and other funding opportunities
necessary to implement the action recommendations of the MCCWPP. Grant information should be
routinely searched to identify updated grant application cycles and requirements.
The Maricopa County Annual Report form which is located in Section 5, page 112, of the 2010 MCCWPP
is updated and presented in Table 4.1. The Annual Report form outlines the performance measures that
the MCCWPP Working Group uses to assess MCCWPP performance against goals for any planning year
or span of years. In addition to monitoring the listed performance measures the MCCWPP administrators
assess the current status of wildland fuel hazards and include any new or developing issues not covered
by the 2010 MCCWPP. As new issues arise, recommendations to address needs are identified, and the
MCCWPP is updated as necessary to meet the MCCWPP goals.
Table 4.1. Summary of Community Wildfire Protection Goals Completed 2010–2014
Goal Performance measure
Improve fire Reduction of wildland fire occurrence and acres burned (unplanned) in the WUI:
prevention and • Green-waste disposal sites available in high-risk communities.
suppression
• In place in the Rio Verde FD
• Type 3 fire engine acquired by Queen Creek Fire Department.
• Queen Creek FD will not move forward remove from priority recommendation
• Type 6 brush truck acquired for use in Carefree and Cave Creek sub-WUIs.
• Completed
• Type 6 brush truck acquired for use in Sun Lakes sub-WUI.
• Completed
• Effectiveness monitoring of fire prevention and suppression will include the following:
—Acres burned and degree of severity of wildland fire
• Ongoing
—Percentage of wildland fire controlled on initial attack
• Ongoing
—Number of homes and structures lost to wildland fire
• Ongoing
• New water sources developed in key areas.
• Consistent fire training in use.
• Wildland firefighter PPE (personal protection equipment) acquired as needed.
• Ongoing
Maricopa County Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update September 2014
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Table 4.1. Summary of Community Wildfire Protection Goals Completed 2010–2014
Goal Performance measure
Reduce Effective treatment of high-risk areas by acre:
hazardous • Number of treated acres of nonfederal WUI lands that are in Condition Class 2 or 3 are identified as
vegetative fuels high priorities by the Maricopa County MCCWPP and should be moved to Condition Class 1 or another
acceptable level of wildland fuel loading and continuity.
• Ongoing
• Acres treated to acceptable fuel levels within priority treatment management areas.
• Ongoing
• Total acres treated through any fuel-reduction measures, including prescribed fire, that are conducted
in, or adjacent to, the WUI. The change of condition class should be determined for small projects or
treatment areas through the use of the LANDFIRE database.
• Ongoing
Restore Acres of fuel reduction or watershed enhancement treatments that meet restoration treatment guidelines for
watershed riparian habitats:
health • Coordination with and support of MCDEM, ASFD, ASLD, TNF, and BLM in implementing and
determining social, economic, and environmental effects of riparian restoration treatments (Treatments
7 and 9, see Table 3.1 in Mitigation Plan).
• 0 acres
• Acres of saltcedar-invaded riparian areas identified and undergoing restoration treatments.
• Wash Channelization in Queen Creek
• Fuel reduction in riparian areas in Rio Verde and Tonto Verde
• Paradise Valley fuels reduction in washes
• Fountain Hills fuel reduction in Ashbrook and Balboa Washes
Promote Initiation of public outreach programs:
community • Countywide community MCCWPP Working Group initiated.
involvement
• Completed in 2011
• Public outreach programs and promotions implemented to enhance volunteer efforts to reduce
hazardous fuels.
• Initialed in Rio Verde
• Number and areas (community or dispersed residents) of private landowners supporting and
implementing fuel reduction projects.
• Four Firewise communities other communities in the process
• MCDEM and local fire departments and districts developed and implemented evacuation plans for
identified high-risk areas.
• Ready-Set-Go is being implemented
• Roadside fire-danger warning signs in English and Spanish installed at strategic points within the WUI.
• English signage in Rio Verde
• Green-waste disposal and processing site secured and operational.
• Available since 2011
• Fire-awareness articles printed in local newspapers.
• None to date
• Fire-safety awareness program, posters, and information available in public places.
• Initialed in 2011
Encourage Wood-products industry growth and diversification to use all sizes of material removed by fuel-
economic reduction treatments:
development • Number of value-added wood products developed by the community.
• None to date
• Number of new markets (local firewood sales) for local products created.
• None to date
September 2014 Maricopa County Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update
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APPENDIX A. CUMULATIVE RISK LEVELS, BY PERCENTAGE
OF EACH COMMUNITY WUI
Cumulative Risk Levels, by Percentage of Each Community WUI
Maricopa County CWPP High Risk Moderate
Community Sub-WUI (%) Acres Risk (%) Acres Low Risk (%) Acres Total Acres
Aguila 0 0 17 728 83 3,692 4,420
Apache Junction 3,239*
Wickenburg <1 34 34 12,837 65 24,338 37,209
Circle City/Morristown <1 42 45 23,029 55 28,648 51,719
Buckeye 2 6303 66 190,471 32 92,722 289,497
Peoria 3 3,994 44 69,920 53 82,569 156,483
Chandler 1 568 29 12,317 70 30,356 43,241
Tonopah Valley 1 601 72 69,087 27 26,180 95,868
El Mirage 3 228 19 1,392 78 5,709 7328
Buckeye Valley 0 0 73 56,010 27 20,692 76,703
Gila Bend 1 1,015 73 65,602 26 23,719 90,336
Harquahala 1 1,247 74 91,175 25 31,015 123,436
Goodyear 1 998 70 112,438 29 47,723 161,159
Youngtown 1 8 25 374 74 1,123 1,503
Gila River Indian 24 42,324 53 94,066 23 39,725 176,114
Community
Phoenix 5 18,568 44 157,858 51 185,007 361,433
Cave Creek 0 0 52 16,437 48 15,122 31,560
Sunflower 18 4,536 65 16,033 17 4,252 24,820
Scottsdale 4 5,642 58 72,237 38 48,307 126,185
Tempe <1 5 13 3,062 87 20,832 23,989
Rio Verde 18 5,740 58 18,744 24 7,616 32,100
Mesa 3 4,012 40 46,981 57 67,805 118,798
Gilbert <1 191 29 14,013 71 34,228 48,432
Guadalupe 0 0 1 10 99 689 699
Queen Creek 1 254 36 9,032 63 15,895 25,181
Carefree <1 37 67 3,952 33 1,938 5,927
Paradise Valley 1 133 51 5,409 48 5,037 10,579
Fountain Hills 1 116 63 7,836 36 4,563 12,515
Salt River Pima-Maricopa 5 2,968 57 32,475 38 21,866 57,309
Indian Community
Avondale 6 2,585 63 27,968 31 13,983 44,537
Litchfield Park 7 164 31 659 62 1,360 2,183
Maricopa County Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update September 2014
29

Cumulative Risk Levels, by Percentage of Each Community WUI
Maricopa County CWPP High Risk Moderate
Community Sub-WUI (%) Acres Risk (%) Acres Low Risk (%) Acres Total Acres
Glendale 4 2,199 25 15,666 71 43,882 61,747
Fort McDowell Indian 11 2,834 42 10,355 48 11,937 25,126
Community
Surprise 3 2,670 63 48,967 33 25,898 77,535
Sun City 1 120 9 726 90 8,254 9,100
Sun City West 7 1310 46 8004 47 8203 17,517
Sun Lakes 5 210 29 1,121 66 2,533 3,864
Tonto Hills 11 55 19 87 70 338 480
Tolleson <1 11 69 2,727 30 1,230 3,967
Wittmann 1 189 91 14,547 8 1,308 16,044
New River 5 3,769 45 36,469 50 40,568 80,807
Management Area 1 2 816 78 27,502 20 7,116 35,433
Management Area 2 2 1,385 84 60,714 14 10,110 72,209
Management Area 3 0 0 72 37,765 36 19,006 52,771
Management Area 4 0 0 72 19,636 28 7,677 27,313
Management Area 5 0 0 74 21,261 26 7,514 28,775
Management Area 6 <1 70 57 50,048 42 36,691 86,810
Management Area 7 0 0 84 18,934 16 3,655 22,589
Management Area 8 0 0 78 44,611 22 12,791 57,402
Management Area 9 1 322 38 17,129 61 27,541 44,992
Management Area 10 3 1,197 82 37,155 15 6,547 44,898
Management Area 11 1 513 79 31,179 20 7,730 39,422
Management Area 12 2 270 49 11,118 49 11,095 22,483
Total* 4 120,252 57 1,749,492 39 1,202,717 3,072,461
Source: Logan Simpson Design Inc.
*Treatment areas not equal to area risk assessment due to data-rounding errors.
September 2014 Maricopa County Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update
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APPENDIX B. IDENTIFIED TREATMENT MANAGEMENT UNITS
Identified Treatment Management Units
Treatment State
Management Map Risk Location Recommended Total Federal Trust Nonfederal Tribal
Unit ID Value and Description Treatmenta Acres Acres Acres Acres Acres
Avondale AD1 M City of Avondale north 1,2,3,4,7,9 25,856 424 3,861 21,388 184
and south of I-10
AD2 M Lands south of AD1, 1,2,3,8 8,958 2 2,631 2,273 6,325
including portions of
Estrella Mtn. Park
Aguila AG1 L Lands immediately west 1,2,3,8,9 4,760 0 4,271 490 0
of Wickenburg boundary
Apache AJ1 L Municipal boundary of 1,2,3 3,329
Junctionb Apache Junction in
Maricopa County
Buckeye BE1 M Lands in the NE corner 1,2,3,4,7,8,9 56,203 13,989 4,341 37,368 0
of the municipal
boundary
BE2 M Lands north of, and 1,2,3,4,7,8,9 48,435 1,672 14,469 32,295 0
adjacent to, west
boundary of White Tank
Mtn. Regional Park
BE3 M Lands NE of community 1,2,3,4,7,8,9 41,963 1,843 6,261 33,859 0
center
BE4 M Lands NE of town and 1,2,3,7,9 40,655 10,861 10,546 19,248 0
south of White Tank
Mtn. Regional Park
BE5 L Lands SW of town and 1,2,3,6,8 23,306 0 1,740 21,566 0
north of Gila River,
including Palo Verde
Nuclear Generating
Station
BE6 L Lands SE of town, north 1,2,3,8 25,684 0 1,257 24,427 0
of Gila River
BE7 L Lands SE of town, 1,2,3,4,5,6, 7, 9 28,798 5,289 1,511 21,998 0
including Gila River
BE8 M Lands south of Buckeye 1,2,3,4,5,6, 7, 9 25,818 7,182 4,727 13,909 0
Hills Regional Park
within and east of Gila
River
Buckeye BV1 M Lands west of the town 1,2,3,4,5,6, 7, 36,681 357 12,133 25,191 0
Valley of Buckeye adjacent to 8,9
Hassayampa River
BV2 L Lands SE of Buckeye 1,2,3,4,5,6, 7, 13,329 1,746 78 11,505 0
adjacent to north 8,9
boundary of Buckeye
Hills Regional Park
BV3 M Lands west of Buckeye 1,2,3,4,5,6, 7, 26,893 11,304 5,980 9,609 0
Regional Park, including 8,9
Gila and Hassayampa
River confluence
Maricopa County Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update September 2014
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Identified Treatment Management Units
Treatment State
Management Map Risk Location Recommended Total Federal Trust Nonfederal Tribal
Unit ID Value and Description Treatmenta Acres Acres Acres Acres Acres
Cave CC1 M Town of Cave Creek, 1,2,3,4,5,8 24,043 2,718 8,.556 12,769 0
Creek Cave Creek Recreation
Area, north to TNF
boundary
CC2 L Lands NE of Cave 1,2,3,4,5, 8 7,551 2,424 676 4,452 0
Creek to TNF boundary
Circle City/ CCMT1 L Town of Circle 1,2,3,4,5, 8 52,608 9,100 28,723 14,785 0
Morristown City/Morristown and
immediate surrounding
lands
Carefree CF1 M Town of Carefree and 1,2,3,4,5, 8 5,927 0 79 5,849 0
immediate surrounding
lands
Chandler CH1 L Municipality of Chandler 1,2,3 43,241 0 90 43,151 0
El Mirage EL1 L Municipality of El Mirage 1,2,3 7,328 66 3 7,259 0
Fountain FH1 M Town of Fountains Hills 1,2,3,4,8 12,515 0 0 12,486 29
Hills
Fort McDowell FMD1 M Tribal trust lands of Fort 1,2,3,4,7,8,9 25,126 76 42 152 24,855
Indian McDowelI Indian
Community Community
Gila Bend GB1 M Lands SE of Gila Bend 1,2,3,4,5,8 20,877 12,719 1,306 6,852 0
south of I-8
GB2 M Lands NE of Gila Bend 1,2,3,4,5,8 11,886 4,073 6,445 1,368 0
north of I-8
GB3 M Lands NW of Gila Bend, 1,2,3,5,7,8,9 11,393 1,265 1,746 8,159 224
primarily agricultural
lands
GB4 M Lands in western 1,2,3,5,7,8,9 30,441 8,895 2,424 18,938 184
municipal boundary of
Gila Bend and north and
south of I-8
GB5 M Lands north of Gila 1,2,3,5,7,8,9 17,508 6,245 3,601 7,662 0
Bend along SR 85
corridor
Glendale GD1 L Lands on western 1,2,3,7,9 25,797 2,253 196 23,349 0
municipality boundary
GD2 L Lands in eastern 1,2,3,7,9 16,924 0 60 16,864 0
municipality, including
SR 60 and SR 303
corridors
GD3 L Lands north of city 1,2,3,7,9 19,027 10 952 18,064 0
center, north along the
municipal boundary to
SR 101
Gilbert GIL1 L Municipality of Gilbert 1,2,3,7,9 48,432 2 61 48,369 0
September 2014 Maricopa County Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update
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Identified Treatment Management Units
Treatment State
Management Map Risk Location Recommended Total Federal Trust Nonfederal Tribal
Unit ID Value and Description Treatmenta Acres Acres Acres Acres Acres
Gila River GRIC1 M Tribal lands adjacent to 1,2,3,5,6,7,8,9 26,135 0 40 854 25,251
Indian Gila River, NW of
Community St. Johns
GRIC2 M Tribal lands west of St. 1,2,3,5,6,7,8,9 24,827 11,962 3,241 674 8,950
Johns on east-facing
slopes of Estrella Mtns.
GRIC3 H Community of St. Johns 1,2,3,5,6,7,8,9 13,596 0 14 102 13,480
and surrounding
Gila River riparian
corridor
GRIC4 M Lands SW of St. Johns, 1,2,3,5,6,7,8,9 37,211 626 3 518 36,064
along Gila River to Pinal
County east to I-10
corridor
GRIC5 M Lands north of Beltline 1,2,3,5,6,7,8,9 17,712 0 0 0 17,752
Road to north boundary
of GRIC
GRIC6 H Lands along SR 347 1,2,3,5,6,7,8,9 18,426 0 0 0 18,426
east and west of I-10
corridor to the tribal
boundary
GRIC7 M Lands east of I-10 1,2,3,5,6,7,8,9 40,947 234 0 1,057 39,656
corridor south of
Maricopa County along
Gila River riparian
corridor
Guadalupe GU1 L Municipality of 1,2,3 699 0 0 699 0
Guadalupe
Goodyear GY1 L Lands at the north 1,2,3 12,223 0 1,572 10,651 0
municipal boundary
north of I-10 corridor
GY2 L Community of Goodyear 1,2,3 13,824 0 101 13,723 0
south of I-10 corridor
GY3 M Lands south of the city 1,2,3, 4,7,9 15,674 530 734 14,410 0
of Goodyear along west
boundary of Estrella
Mtn. Regional Park,
including the Gila River
GY4 M Lands south of the city 1,2,3, 4,7,9 14,453 137 8,765 5,552 0
of Goodyear, including
portions of Estrella Mtn.
Regional Park and Gila
River
GY5 M Lands south of Estrella 1,2,3, 4,7,9 105,808 52,477 12,703 40,362 266
Mtn. Regional Park to
the municipal boundary,
including the community
of Mobile and SR 238
Maricopa County Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update September 2014
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Identified Treatment Management Units
Treatment State
Management Map Risk Location Recommended Total Federal Trust Nonfederal Tribal
Unit ID Value and Description Treatmenta Acres Acres Acres Acres Acres
Harquahala H1 M Lands on eastern 1,2,3,4,5,8 61,838 21,038 18,033 22,767 0
Valley boundary of WUI along
I-10 corridor
H2 M Lands south of I-10 1,2,3,4,5,8 63,240 8,735 7,045 47,460 0
corridor, including
Harquahala Valley and
Centennial Wash
Litchfield LP1 L Municipality of Litchfield 1,2,3 2,183 0 0 2,183 0
Park Park
Management MA1 M Open lands in NW 1,2,3,4,5,8 36,177 8,717 1,823 25,638 0
Area 1 portion of WUI
Management MA2 M Lands north of I-10 1,2,3,4,5,8 72,563 7,956 6,150 58,457 0
Area 2 corridor, west of
Buckeye city limits
Management MA3 M Lands to east, primarily 1,2,3,4,5,8 53,536 20,605 8,442 24,489 0
Area 3 south of Harquahala
Valley and east of
Tonopah
Management MA4 M Buckeye Hills Regional 1,2,3,4,5,8 27,753 19,437 6,483 727 0
Area 4 Park and surrounding
lands west of SR 85
Management MA5 M Lands south of 1,2,3,4,5,8 29,581 14,052 1,167 14,362 0
Area 5 Buckeye/Arlington
Valley along Gila
corridor to north of Gila
Bend
Management MA6 M Developed lands west of 1,2,3,4,5,8 89,003 26,752 6,808 55,444 0
Area 6 Gila Bend municipal
boundaries along
I-8 corridor
Management MA7 M Lands adjacent to Santa 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,9 23,456 11,524 3,086 8,846 0
Area 7 Cruz River, south of
Gila/
Santa Cruz River
confluence
Management MA8 M Lands north of I-8 along 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,9 58,727 38,271 1,480 18,976 0
Area 8 Santa Cruz River
corridor to south of SR
238
Management MA9 L Lands north of I-8, west 1,2,3,4,5,8 46,440 42,415 2,052 1,970 3
Area 9 of the Santa Cruz River,
north to the GRIC
boundary
Management MA10 M White Tank Mtn. 1,2,3,4,5,8 44,898 0 40,826 4,026 0
Area 10 Regional Park
Management MA11 M McDowell Mtn. Regional 1,2,3,4,5,8 39,953 5,945 20,892 13,095 21
Area 11 Park
September 2014 Maricopa County Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update
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Identified Treatment Management Units
Treatment State
Management Map Risk Location Recommended Total Federal Trust Nonfederal Tribal
Unit ID Value and Description Treatmenta Acres Acres Acres Acres Acres
Management MA12 L Lands at SE WUI 1,2,3,4,5,8 22,940 6,617 729 15,579 16
Area 12 boundary, including
portions of San Tan
Mtn. Regional Park
Mesa ME1 L City of Mesa south of 1,2,3,4 49,838 126 949 48,252 511
SR 202/SR 87 to SR 60
ME2 M Lands east of Mesa 1,2,3,4,5,8 38,318 6,708 4,417 26,945 247
south of SR 87,
including SR 202
corridor
ME3 M Lands SE of Mesa north 1,2,3,4,5,8 32,165 0 5,239 26,627 0
of Queen Creek,
including SR 202
corridor
New River NR1 L Lands east of I-17 1,2,3,4,5,8 41,375 8,739 24,253 8,383 0
corridor, adjacent to
Cave Creek Recreation
Area, north to TNF
boundary
NR2 M Lands immediately west 1,2,3,4,5,8 6,283 2,532 3,521 229 0
of I-17, north of the
community to New River
to the WUI boundary
NR3 M Lands south of the 1,2,3,4,5,8 8,859 172 1,937 6,750 0
community of New River
to north of SR 74
NR4 M Lands north of New 1,2,3,4,5,8 6,158 5,173 78 907 0
River, west of I-17 at
Yavapai County
boundary
NR5 L Lands NE of New River, 1,2,3,4,5,8 19,512 10,074 5,232 4,206 0
west of I-17
Peoria PE1 L Lands north and south 1,2,3,4,5,8 31,071 3,366 14,376 13,329 0
of SR 74, northwest of
the community of Peoria
PE2 L Lands north and south 1,2,3,4,5,8 68,295 23,123 19,382 25,790 0
of SR 74, north of the
community of Peoria
PE3 M Lands north and south 1,2,3,4,5,8 23,794 1,314 11,699 10,780 0
of SR 74, east of PE2,
north of the community
of Peoria
PE4 M Lands north and south 1,2,3,4,5,8 11,882 180 844 10,859 0
of SR 74, south of PE3,
north of the community
of Peoria
PE5 L City of Peoria 1,2,3 22,323 2 588 21,733 0
Maricopa County Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update September 2014
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Identified Treatment Management Units
Treatment State
Management Map Risk Location Recommended Total Federal Trust Nonfederal Tribal
Unit ID Value and Description Treatmenta Acres Acres Acres Acres Acres
Phoenix PHX1 L North of I-10/I-17 1,2,3,4,5,8 91,637 2,419 34,608 54,610 0
junction, east of
Tolleson, west of
I-17 north to the
community of New River
PHX2 M South of Tolleson to 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,9 68,295 23,123 19,382 25,790 0
South Mtn. Regional
Park, including
Gila River
PHX3 M South Mtn. Regional 1,2,3,4,7,9 60,070 10 12,144 47,915 0
Park north of I-10
corridor
PHX4 L North and west of I-17 1,2,3,4,7,9 158,978 819 33,766 124,393 0
corridor to north of Cave
Creek Road
Paradise PV1 L Municipality of Paradise 1,2,3 10,579 0 0 10,579 0
Valley Valley
Queen QC1 M Municipality of Queen 1,2,3,5,8 25,457 0 1,547 23,910 0
Creek Creek
Rio Verde RV1 M Lands north and east on 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,9 10,413 9,098 0 1,301 14
Fort McDowell Indian
Community
RV2 L Lands east of Fort SR 87 corridor to 5,802 1,552 0 4,205 44
McDowell Indian vicinity of Four
Community, east of Peaks Road
Verde River, north of
SR 87
RV3 M SR 87 corridor, NE of 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,9 9,979 8,462 0 1,506 11
Verde River
RV4 M SR 87 corridor to vicinity 3,4,5,8 7,709 7,709 0 0 0
of Four Peaks Road
Scottsdale S1 M Lands east of Carefree 1,2,3,5,8 42,332 9,269 13,136 19,926 0
to the TNF boundary to
the north and east WUI
boundary
S2 M Lands north of 1,2,3,5,8 41,252 0 3,410 37,843 0
Salt River Pima-
Maricopa Indian
Community and SR 101
corridor
S3 M Lands adjacent to west 1,2,3,5,8 21,467 0 4,603 16,864 0
boundary of McDowell
Mtn. Regional Park and
Fountain Hills
S4 L City of Scottsdale 1,2,3 21,607 62 538 20,144 863
Sun City SC1 L City of Sun City 1,2,3 9,100 0 0 9,100 0
Sun City SCW1 L City of Sun City West 1,2,3 17,517 378 3,793 13,346
West
September 2014 Maricopa County Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update
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Identified Treatment Management Units
Treatment State
Management Map Risk Location Recommended Total Federal Trust Nonfederal Tribal
Unit ID Value and Description Treatmenta Acres Acres Acres Acres Acres
Sunflower SF1 M SR 89 corridor north of 2,3,4,5,8 6,901 6,871 0 30 0
Four Peaks Road
SF2 M SR 89 corridor 2,3,4,5,8 6,633, 6,408 0 225 0
immediately south of
Sunflower
SF3 M Community of Sunflower 2,3,4,5,8 6,954 6,779 0 175 0
SF4 H Sunflower along 3,4,5,6,7,8,9, 1,320 1,320 0 0 0
Sycamore Creek
SF5 M Lands NE of Sunflower, 2,3,4,5,8 5,079 4,868 0 211 0
east of SR 87
Sun Lakes SL1 L Community of 1,2,3 3,864 0 0 3,859 4
Sun Lakes
Salt River SRPMIC M East of Scottsdale 1,2,3,7,9 11,884 0 6 467 11,411
Pima- 1 boundary along Gila
Maricopa River
Indian
Community
SRPMIC L East of Scottsdale 1,2,3 7,592 0 0 0 7,592
2 boundary, north of Gila
River
SRPMIC M East of Scottsdale 1,2,3 7,165 0 0 104 7,061
3 boundary, north to the
north SRPMIC boundary
SRPMIC M Northern SRPMIC 1,2,3 10,716 0 0 244 10,472
4 boundary
SRPMIC M SRPMIC southern 1,2,3,7,9 20,200 3,326 0 1,443 15,431
5 boundary, east along
Gila River to east
boundary and adjacent
lands
Surprise SU1 M NE of the city of 1,2,3,5,7,8,9 32,117 254 11,558 20,306 0
Surprise along the US
60 corridor, including
Trilby Wash Basin
SU2 M Lands NE of the city of 1,2,3,5,8 20,455 0 3,476 16,978 0
Surprise along US 60
corridor
SU3 L City of Surprise 1,2,3 24,964 0 97 24,867 0
Tempe T1 L Municipality of Tempe 1,2,3 23,898 84 555 23260 57
Tonto Hills TH1 L Tonto Hills subdivision 1,2,3 480 39 0 442 0
Tonopah TO1 M Lands south of 1,2,3,4,5,8 49,982 6,863 8,225 34,894 0
Valley I-10, east of community
of Tonopah, adjacent to
Palo Verde Nuclear
Generating Station
TO2 M Tonopah Valley, 1,2,3,4,5,8 47,235 22,824 7,281 17,130
including community of
Tonopah south of I-10
corridor
Maricopa County Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update September 2014
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Identified Treatment Management Units
Treatment State
Management Map Risk Location Recommended Total Federal Trust Nonfederal Tribal
Unit ID Value and Description Treatmenta Acres Acres Acres Acres Acres
Tolleson TOL1 M Community of Tolleson 1,2,3 3,967 0 3 3,964 0
Wickenburg WB1 L City of Wickenburg, 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,9 26,927 1,078 11,818 14,030 0
Hassayampa River, and
lands immediately west
WB2 M City of Wickenburg and 1,2,3,4,5,8 11,457 1,491 4,686 5,280 0
lands immediately west
Wittmann WT1 M Lands surrounding the 1,2,3,4,5,8 16,044 0 3,375 12,669 0
community of Wittmann
Youngtown YT1 L City of Youngtown 1,2,3 1,503 0 24 1,479 0
Note: L = low, M = moderate, H = high.
a See Appendix C for recommended treatments.
b Apache Junction is included in the 2009 Pinal County CWPP.
September 2014 Maricopa County Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update
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APPENDIX C. FUEL MODIFICATION AND TREATMENT PLANS
Fuel Modification and Treatment Plans
2 3 4
Treatment 1 Undeveloped private parcels Grassland firebreaks Oak/pinyon/juniper
No. Developed private parcels <2 acres or single-structure parcels >2 acres and shrublands within the WUI
Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3 Zone 4 Streambeds,
Treatment (0–10 feet from (10–30 feet from (30–100 feet (100–600 feet channels, and Landscape treatment
Category structures) structures) from structures) around home) Slopes <20% slopes ≥20% Slopes <20% Slopes ≥20% outside firebreaks Firebreaks
Vegetation Remove ladder fuels by Remove ladder fuels by Remove ladder fuels by For natural areas, thin Remove ladder fuels by Remove dead, diseased, Grassland types may be Same as for slopes <20%. Spacing may be variable Woodland and shrub
pruning the lower third pruning the lower third of pruning the lower third of selectively and remove pruning the lower third of and dying trees. Fell dead mechanically treated, including Fuel treatments may require with a 20- to 35-foot trees <8 inches drc will
of trees or shrubs up to trees or shrubs up to a trees or shrubs up to a highly flammable trees or shrubs up to a trees away from stream mowing, chopping, or hand-thinning and hand- minimum to promote (1) be thinned to a spacing
a maximum of 10 feet to maximum of 10 feet; maximum of 10 feet; vegetation. maximum of 8 feet; remove channels with defined bed mastication, to reduce or piling or grazing in steep wildlife habitat while of 15 feet between trees,
reduce flammable remove and destroy remove and destroy and destroy insect-infested, and banks. remove vegetation or may be slopes. Rx may be used to breaking horizontal fuel or Rx will be applied to
vegetation. insect-infested, diseased, insect-infested, diseased, diseased, and dead trees. Areas should be hand- grazed to a stubble height. reduce high fire potential loading, which allows for achieve like conditions.
Remove and destroy and dead trees. and dead trees. Carefully space trees; Maximum density of trees thinned and hand-piled; Ensure that removal of (see Treatment 5). patches of closely spaced Shrub and tree trunks
insect-infested, Create separation Maximum density of choose Firewise plants.a (whichever is greater: 60 BA inaccessible areas may vegetation within a designed Designated firebreaks may trees for adequate cover, will be severed
diseased, and dead between trees, tree trees (whichever is at 80–100 trees/acre or be treated with periodic firebreak of >1 chain (66 feet) in be increased to no more and (2) other habitat <4 inches from the
trees and shrubs. crowns, and other plants greater: 60 BA at average density of Rx. width and length is sufficient to than 2 chains in steep components while ground. Mechanical
based on fuel type, 80–100 trees/acre or 100 trees/acre) protect federal, state, or private slopes where herbaceous incorporating openings to treatments, such as
Grasses and forbs may density, slope, and other average density of Develop fuel modification land values. (fine fuels) and subshrub increase herbaceous crushing, chipping,
be cut with a mower to a See fuel modification plan plan (this section) for species fuel loads increase forage production, to mastication, and Rx,
4-inch stubble. topographical features. 100 trees/acre). (this section) developed to treatments. Fuel reduction treatments within to pretreatment levels within maximize edge effect, and may be used to create
Remove dead plant Reduce continuity of fuels Grasses and forbs may promote riparian health, to grassland vegetation types may 3 years. to promote fire-resilient open stands that
material from ground; by creating a clear space be cut with a mower to a prevent spread of fire to include multiple-entry burns to stands. Mechanical produce flame lengths of
prune tree limbs around brush or planting 4-inch stubble. adjacent property, and to maintain stand structure and See fuel modification plan thinning and Rx (see ≤4 feet to minimize
groups. create defensible space with reduce fine fuels. Trees and (this section) developed to
overhanging roof; considerations for wildlife and shrubs >8 inch drc should be promote forest health, to Treatment 5) can be used crown-fire potential and
remove branches within Grasses and forbs may be groundwater protection. thinned to a variable distance of prevent spread of fire to to reduce vegetative fuels to produce vegetative
10 feet of chimney; cut with a mower to a 15–35 feet between trees. adjacent property, and to and move stands toward fuel conditions
remove flammable 4-inch stubble. Single structure or structures Trees and shrubs <8 inches drc create defensible space with potential natural vegetation conducive to
debris from gutters and All snags and vegetation on parcels exceeding 2 acres should be removed. considerations for wildlife groups as described in the suppression action.
roof surfaces. that may grow into should include Treatment 1 in and groundwater protection. FRCC Interagency Herbaceous and
overhead electrical lines, proximity to structures and Mechanical/chemical or grazing Handbook (FRCC subshrub understory
other ground fuels, ladder Treatment 2 for remaining treatment may be used to Interagency Working may be mechanically
fuels, dead trees, and acres. maintain firebreaks on private Group 2005a) or grazed to treated, including
thinning from live trees lands. like conditions. All trees mowing, chopping, and
must be removed. See the fuel modification plan >10 inches drc will be masticating, or grazed to
(this section) developed to targeted as “leave trees” limit fine-fuel loading
prevent spread of fire to unless removal is while protecting soil
adjacent property and to create necessary to achieve the integrity from rainfall
defensible space with desired spacing. runoff.
considerations for wildlife and
groundwater protection.
Slash Remove or reduce Control soil erosion from Same as Zones 1 and 2. Slash may be burned, All slash, snags, and Clean dead and down Slash from grassland Same as for slopes <20%; Slash may be burned, piled Slash may be burned,
natural flammable small waterflow channels piled and burned, or vegetation that may grow into debris in channels where treatments may be burned, however, slash may be and burned, or chipped piled and burned, or
material 2–4 feet above by using rock or chipped and removed. overhead electrical lines; debris may be mobilized removed, masticated, or turned hand-piled and ignited with and removed. Slash from chipped and removed.
the ground around noncombustible velocity- Slash from grassland other ground fuels; ladder in floods and thus create (disked). Rx as the primary slash grassland treatments may Slash from grassland
improvements. Remove reducing structures. treatments may be fuels; dead trees; and downstream jams. reduction treatment. be burned, removed, treatments may be
vegetation that may Remove all leaf litter to a burned, removed, thinning from live trees must Some slash and debris masticated, or turned. burned, removed,
grow into overhead depth of 1 inch. masticated, turned, or be removed, mechanically can be scattered and masticated, or turned.
electrical lines, ladder grazed for like treatment. treated (chipped, etc.), or retained in small,
fuels, and dead trees. piled and burned along with ephemeral streambeds in
Thinning from live trees existing fuels. which slash can help
must be removed retain runoff and
(chipped, etc.). Remove sediment and provide
all leaf litter to a depth of headcut stabilization.
1 inch.
Continued
Maricopa County Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update September 2014
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Fuel Modification and Treatment Plans
6 9
Escape and resource 7 8 Saltcedar removal
5 transportation corridors Riparian areas Conditional suppression areas for restoration purposes
Treatment No. Prescribed fire (federal and nonfederal lands) (federal, nonfederal, and private lands) (federal and nonfederal lands) (federal and nonfederal lands)
Treatment Federal, state, or local government where
Category Federal, state, or private lands designated as escape route Federal or state lands Firebreaks on private lands Federal, state, or private lands Federal, state, or private lands
Vegetation Rx will be used as a tool to accomplish Reduce fuel loading by thinning trees Riparian treatments will be limited in scope. Private land treatment should use hand This prescription includes lands with desert Areas of monotypic saltcedar or in mix with
specific resource management objectives <10 inches drc. Reduce trees to 15-foot spacing. The majority of riparian areas that fall within tools, chain saws, or mowers. Dead shrub/scrub vegetative types in which no fuel mesquite or other riparian tree species may
in accordance with ASLD, ASFD, CNF, Shrub and tree trunks will be cut no less than the WUI boundary will be avoided unless vegetation and slash should be removed. modification treatments have been identified as be treated mechanically or chemically or by
TNF, and/or BLM standards and guides. 4 inches from the ground. Stands will be variable deemed a fuel hazard. Ladder fuels, including limbs and branches, necessary to provide protection from wildland fire. controlled burning and reburning to reduce
Rx on federal land is authorized if part of across the landscape, such as retention of bands of Clearing or cutting of any material by should be removed up to a maximum of The threat from catastrophic wildland fire is low or stem density, canopy, and excessive fuel
an approved Rx burn plan. As additional higher-density vegetation with sufficient understory mechanized equipment within 10 feet of any 8 feet aboveground. nonexistent. This includes areas in which fire loading. Mechanical removal for saltcedar by
areas within the WUI are identified, Rx to maintain functionality of important wildlife stream on federal land may be prohibited to All mechanized equipment must meet state never played a historical role in developing and cutting below the root collar during
may be used as a treatment tool provided movement corridors in areas of low structure prevent the risk of accelerating erosion. and local fire-department/district standards. maintaining ecosystems. Historically, in these November–January is preferred. Mechanical
that a wildland fire implementation plan is density. Treatments may include some overstory Perform treatments October–March areas, fire return intervals were very long. These whole-tree extraction has achieved as high
in effect and that all conditions set forth Mechanical treatments may include chipping, piling removal of deciduous riparian trees and shrubs annually. Treatment of annuals may be best are areas in the WUI in which fire could have as 90% mortality on initial treatments and
have been met. and burning, or removal and Rx in the project area. in areas where encroachment has increased when annuals are green. negative effects unless fuel modifications take may be considered a preferred treatment.
place. These include areas in which the use of fire Low-volume oil-based herbicide applications
Rx can occur at low, moderate, and high Trees may be left in clumps with fuel ladders heavy woody fuels (emphasizing removal and may have ecological, social, or political constraints in late spring through early fall would be
intensity. High-intensity fire will be used to removed from below. Dead, diseased, and dying control of saltcedar and other invasive trees). and areas in which mitigation and suppression are considered for controlling small plants
create openings by removing all trees of all sizes will be emphasized for removal. Treatments will emphasize nonnative species. required to prevent direct threats to life or property. (<2 inches drc). Low-volume cut-stump
aboveground vegetation. Some trees >8 inches drc may be cut to reduce Snags >8 inches may be retained. All Wildland fire growth within these areas will be herbicide applications will be considered in
safety hazards or when needed to reach desired presettlement trees, including snags, will be monitored for private-property, ecological, and combination with mechanical treatment.
15-foot spacing. targeted for retention. cultural threats before initiating suppression. Preferred phenological stage for burning is
Escape and resource transportation corridors may Restricting the removal of the vegetative Agency and fire-department/district policy peak summer months and postavian
serve as firebreaks in all vegetative types. overstory in the riparian areas to the period of provisions will determine suppression response. breeding months. Black lines and
Firebreaks for each vegetative type, as described in October 15–March 31 will prevent the appropriate headfires should be initiated
this table, would be implemented at appropriate disturbance of any nesting by neotropical depending on site-specific vegetative and
distance from the centerline of the escape and migrant bird species, including the burning conditions. Maintenance,
resource transportation corridors to produce fire- southwestern willow flycatcher. Fuels reduction revegetation, restoration, and monitoring
resilient stands and to enhance evacuation and should occur October 15–March 31 in riparian should follow as needed for each treatment
response access. areas, as long as fire danger is not extreme. area.
Emphasis will be placed on removing nonnative and Emphasis will be placed on removing species
flammable species. listed in Appendix A.
Grasses and forbs may be cut with a mower to
4-inch stubble.
Slash Slash, jack piles, and down logs may be Snags, slash, and down logs will be removed in After removal of heavy woody fuels, fine fuels Fuel treatments and woody material removal Response will be full suppression when firefighter Created slash will be made available for
burned as appropriate in consideration of proximity to private land. Pile burning or Rx can be may be maintained by cool-season low- will occur on existing roads. Cool-season and public safety, property, improvements, or woody biomass use. If not used for wood-
local conditions and distance from private used to remove fuel. Snags and down woody intensity Rx that moves slowly downslope or low-intensity Rx may be used for natural resources are threatened. related products, slash will be piled with
property. Pile or Rx can be used to material may be retained in areas where fire into prevailing winds to midslope. Large down maintenance of fine fuels. Pile or jackpot preexisting fuels and burned, or otherwise
remove fuel from private land as resilience is not compromised. Vehicle pullouts woody material and snags (≥12 inches) may be burning will not occur in ephemeral, used for soil stabilization. Disturbed areas
designated. Snags and down woody should be planned in appropriate numbers and retained in riparian areas. intermittent, or perennial stream channels. should be immediately revegetated with a
material may be retained in areas where locations where vegetation, slope, and terrain native plant community that contains no
fire resilience is not compromised. permit. invasive species and meets other land use
objectives, such as wildlife habitat
enhancements or recreational-use benefits.
Note: BA = basal area, Rx = prescribed fire, drc = diameter at root collar.
aList of Firewise plants can be found in the Firewise literature listed in Appendix C, Educational Resources.
September 2014 Maricopa County Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update
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