It's Time for 'Zone Defense' in Gila County

Wildland fires have burned over 900,000 acres in and near Gila County since 2016. The most notable fires were the 2019 Woodbury Fire, 2020 Bush Fire and 2021 Telegraph Fire, where 51 structures were destroyed. The primary goal of Gila County Emergency Management, in partnership with our local, state and federal firefighting partners is to educate all residential/business owners, whether temporary or full-time residents on taking the necessary steps to protect your homes, businesses, outbuildings, fencing, etc., from wildfires. Now is the time to be proactive! Here are some simple tips to protect those important assets from wildfire. Together we can protect our homes/structures, our neighborhoods, and our communities. 

Here are some simple tips to protect those important assets from wildfire:

1) Choose high quality fire resistant materials for building construction and landscaping;

2) Keep a defensible space around your home;

3) Maintain a 30-foot “reduce fuel load” zone around your home;

4) Store combustibles at least 100 feet away from structures;

5) Clear flammable materials away from structures including vegetation within 10 feet of exterior walls.