Flagstaff Fire Department reports early success for pine-needle drop-off pilot; University Heights service set for April 25–May 2

Flagstaff Fire Department wildfire and community-health staff updated the City Council on April 22 about a pilot pine-needle drop-off program intended to reduce home fire risk and increase community engagement in wildfire mitigation.

Noah Baker, wildfire climate and community health specialist, said the pilot covers seven neighborhoods and that the first area, Railroad Springs, showed ‘‘a really awesome success’’ with substantial needle removal and strong resident participation. Baker said the program’s schedule stretches into July because each neighborhood typically takes about a week to implement with a buffer week between neighborhoods.

University Heights is scheduled for April 25 through May 2; staff said they expect to serve roughly 1,100 properties in that area and have added a third dumpster to handle a higher pine-needle load. Baker said community meetings in University Heights drew strong turnout (more than 200 people at a March preparedness meeting) and staff are confident in implementation there. The pilot has additional dumpster pickups and volunteer coordination planned to support collection.

Baker told council the effort seeks year-round education around pine-needle removal, not just a seasonal service, saying the work ‘‘speaks as a testament to our community’s desire to reduce their wildfire risk’’ and to recent communication efforts. He said staff will provide regular updates as the pilot continues through subsequent neighborhoods.

Council members thanked fire staff for community outreach and the initial results.