FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The City of Flagstaff has introduced a powerful new program aimed at helping residents better protect their homes and neighborhoods from wildfire: the Wildfire Resilient Homes Initiative (WRHI). Developed in partnership between the Flagstaff Fire Department and the Flagstaff Sustainability Office, the initiative focuses on giving homeowners, renters, and property managers practical tools to reduce wildfire risk at the home level.
Flagstaff’s position within a fire-adapted ponderosa pine forest means wildfire is not a matter of if, but when. While large-scale forest restoration continues across the region, city leaders say WRHI fills a crucial gap by empowering residents to take immediate, meaningful action to protect their properties.
WRHI offers three major programs designed to strengthen home ignition resistance:
Free Home Assessments
Trained professionals will conduct on-site evaluations of residential properties, identifying vulnerabilities and offering science-backed recommendations proven to reduce the risk of structure loss during a wildfire.
Wildfire Resilience Kits
Participants will receive a free toolkit containing helpful items such as gloves, loppers, gutter-cleaning attachments, trash bags for pine needles, a collapsible rake, vent screening, and a Wildfire Action Guide—everything needed to jumpstart mitigation efforts.
Mitigation Grants
Eligible residents may qualify for grants up to $600 to assist in removing flammable materials within the critical 0–5 foot Home Ignition Zone. Priority will be given to community members who face financial or physical barriers that make mitigation difficult.
City officials encourage all residents to take advantage of these free resources. “Together, we can make Flagstaff wildfire resilient—one home at a time,” the release stated.
Flagstaff residents can schedule a free home assessment by visiting the City’s online booking portal or by calling (928) 326-4419.
