FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — A new wildfire protection plan aimed at reducing the threat of catastrophic wildfires and post-fire flooding across rural Coconino County has been completed, providing communities with new tools to improve preparedness, protect homes, and pursue funding for wildfire mitigation projects.
The Greater Flagstaff Forests Partnership (GFFP), working alongside Coconino County’s Forest Restoration Initiative and numerous local, state, federal, and tribal partners, announced the completion of the Community Wildfire Protection Plan for Rural Fire Districts and Tribal Communities in Coconino County.
The plan covers 10 rural fire districts and seven tribal communities throughout the county, addressing what county officials have identified as one of the region’s most significant public safety threats: severe wildfires and the destructive flooding that can follow.
Development of the plan began after the U.S. Forest Service awarded $250,000 to the Greater Flagstaff Forests Partnership in the summer of 2024.
The effort modernizes and combines three outdated Community Wildfire Protection Plans while providing seven additional rural fire districts with their first comprehensive wildfire protection planning tool.
Reducing Wildfire Risks Before Disaster Strikes
Coconino County has experienced firsthand the devastating consequences of major wildfires, particularly when burned watersheds become vulnerable to flash flooding during monsoon storms.
The newly completed plan identifies wildfire hazards and provides community-specific recommendations for reducing those risks through vegetation management, fuel reduction projects, public education, and improved preparedness.
“We are well aware of the catastrophic wildfire risk within our forested areas and are actively working to reduce this risk through forest restoration and fuels reduction projects,” said Coconino County Forest Restoration Director Jay Smith.
“Community Wildfire Protection Plan projects will complement these efforts by reducing the risk for wildfire, whether it starts within unincorporated residential areas, rural fire districts, tribal communities or adjacent forests, shrubs or grasslands.”
The plan also emphasizes two important wildfire preparedness strategies: home hardening, which involves making buildings more resistant to ignition, and defensible space, which involves reducing flammable vegetation and materials surrounding structures.
Each participating community received its own analysis and recommendations designed to help local officials identify priority projects and direct limited resources toward areas facing the greatest threats.
Opening the Door to Wildfire Mitigation Funding
Beyond identifying wildfire risks, the new plan could help rural communities secure funding to carry out prevention and mitigation projects.
Having an approved Community Wildfire Protection Plan can help communities qualify for grant opportunities, including the U.S. Forest Service’s Community Wildfire Defense Grant program and the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management’s Healthy Forest Initiative.
These programs can support projects aimed at reducing hazardous vegetation, improving forest health, and protecting communities from wildfire.
GFFP and Coconino County officials say they will continue assisting participating communities as they work to implement the plan’s recommendations and pursue available funding.
“Historically, these fire districts and tribes have been underrepresented and underserved in wildfire mitigation planning efforts, and the completion of this CWPP provides the capacity and technical expertise that they need to prepare for the next inevitable wildfire,” said GFFP’s Anne Mottek.
Separate Plan Underway for Greater Flagstaff Area
County officials emphasized that the newly completed rural and tribal community plan is separate from the Greater Flagstaff Area Community Wildfire Protection Plan, which is currently being updated.
That plan encompasses communities stretching from Flagstaff to Sedona and from Camp Navajo to Mormon Lake.
Together, the planning efforts are intended to strengthen regional wildfire preparedness while addressing the different challenges faced by urban, rural, and tribal communities.
Residents Can Review the Completed Plan
The completed Coconino County Community Wildfire Protection Plan, including maps, risk assessments, and community-specific recommendations, is available for public review.
Residents and property owners can explore the findings and learn more about wildfire risks in their communities through the following resources:
- Coconino County Community Wildfire Protection Plan and Interactive Hub
- Coconino County Wildfire Protection Story Map
While the plan establishes priorities and recommendations, implementation will depend on continued coordination, available funding, and participation from local agencies and property owners.
County officials say the ultimate goal is to reduce the severity of future wildfires, protect vulnerable watersheds, and help communities become more resilient before the next major wildfire occurs.
