Coconino County is taking significant steps to enhance community safety through a new wildfire protection initiative. During the Board of Supervisors meeting on September 9, 2025, officials announced the launch of a community wildfire protection plan (CWPP) aimed at reducing wildfire risks in the region.

The plan, which is being led by the City of Flagstaff, will update existing strategies and establish new ones for various fire districts, including Summit Fire and Ponderosa. This effort is crucial as it will enable these areas to qualify for federal grants to implement necessary safety measures. The Flagstaff council is expected to review a contract related to this initiative on October 7.

Additionally, the county has secured funding from the Forest Service to develop a CWPP for ten rural fire districts and tribal areas. Public input sessions are currently underway to gather community feedback, with plans to reach out to areas such as Ash Fork and Tucson. Notably, the Navajo Nation has already developed its own wildfire protection plan.

The initiative not only aims to mitigate wildfire threats but also seeks to assess the needs of local fire districts in terms of personnel and equipment. This information will be vital for future grant applications, as funding cycles are limited, with the next potential funding year anticipated in 2026-2027.

County officials emphasized the importance of ongoing advocacy for continued funding to support these critical safety programs, highlighting the community's need for effective wildfire risk management.