Flagstaff Firefighters Urge Home Clearing Ahead of Fire Season

Dry conditions and record heat in the High Country raise concerns about wildfire risk.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 12:50am

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A vast, majestic landscape painting in muted earth tones, with dramatic clouds and deep shadows conveying the overwhelming scale and power of the natural environment in the High Country.The sweeping vistas of the High Country conceal a growing fire risk as record heat and dry conditions leave the region's forests and homes vulnerable.Flagstaff Today

Flagstaff firefighters are warning residents in the High Country to clear at least 5 feet of defensible space around their homes as the region faces record-breaking heat and dry conditions that have left fire fuels extremely dry. The fire department is providing dumpsters for people to dispose of pine needles and other flammable materials for free.

Why it matters

Flagstaff and the surrounding High Country region have experienced an exceptionally warm and dry winter, with March being the hottest on record. This has left the area's fire fuels, like pine needles and dry vegetation, highly susceptible to ignition. Proactive home clearing is crucial to reducing the risk of homes being damaged or destroyed by potential wildfires.

The details

According to Mark Adams of the Flagstaff Fire Department, the combination of record heat and dry conditions has left the region's fire fuels extremely dry. He is urging residents to create at least 5 feet of defensible space around their homes by clearing away pine needles, dry brush, and other flammable materials. The fire department is placing dumpsters around Flagstaff to make it easier for people to dispose of these fire-prone materials for free.

  • This March was the hottest on record ever across the High Country, with highs averaging 14 degrees above normal.
  • The fire department is already seeing small human-caused fires in the region.

The players

Mark Adams

Works in prevention for the Flagstaff Fire Department.

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What they’re saying

“So on a year like this, we're a little bit more concerned than we normally would be.”

— Mark Adams, Flagstaff Fire Department

“The three things we want everybody to do are cover, clear, and create space.”

— Mark Adams, Flagstaff Fire Department

What’s next

The fire department says that while the recent rain has helped green up the area, that vegetation will dry out and become more fire fuel in the next month or so, so residents should continue to be vigilant about home clearing.

The takeaway

This year's record-breaking heat and dry conditions in the High Country have left the region's fire fuels extremely susceptible to ignition, underscoring the critical importance of proactive home clearing to reduce wildfire risk and protect Flagstaff residents.