Scottsdale Fire looks at new plan to combat wildfires [Video]

SCOTTSDALE, AZ (AZFamily) — In response to the increased risks and concerns regarding the fires in California, the city of Scottsdale and Scottsdale Fire Department are developing a new plan to protect residents and their properties better.

“We’ve been receiving numerous calls from concerned citizens, and we’re discussing this topic frequently, especially given the current situation in California. Any area with development occurring in a wildland-urban interface poses a risk,” said Scottsdale Fire Marshal Kristi Gagnon.

With 147 days without rain, Scottsdale Fire indicates that the fire risk is extremely high.

Scottsdale Fire has been engaged in year-round efforts to ensure community preparedness for years. “We conduct over 30,000 assessments on residential homes in the wildland-urban interface,” Gagnon explained.

Known as the Hazardous Vegetation Assessment, this program allows Scottsdale Fire to monitor which homes are clear of hazards and which may require attention. “We assess which homes are at risk and identify areas of overgrowth …