.jpg/:/cr=t:0%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:100%25/rs=w:1353,h:573)
Welcome to beautiful Pine & Strawberry fire department
We are a full service, emergency response, fire district located under the north end of the Mogollon Rim in Gila County AZ.
As Wildland Fire Season Approaches...
We would like to share some information and pass on a few reminders. First, obviously, be careful with fire, cigarettes, ashes, and so forth, even before fire restrictions go into effect. But, many people do not realize that other things can spark wildland fires. Dragging trailer chains and other materials, along with flat tires, throw sparks and frequently start multiple fires. Make sure everything on your vehicle is secure and not touching the ground and your tires are properly inflated and in good condition. Hot brakes and exhaust systems can also start fires, especially if the vehicle is parked in any type of light fuel like grass, leaves, and pine needles. Be careful where you park, and keep your vehicle in good working order. Make sure all engines on UTV’s, motorcycles, and gas powered tools have working spark arrestors.
Are you READY?
This is the time of year to make sure you are in the READY status for potential evacuations. Have important items ready to go, and have multiple plans for how you will leave and where you will meet loved ones. Remember that there could be a fire on your normal travel route, so make sure you know alternate routes. When evacuations do occur, the Sheriff’s Office will generally give a travel route based on the fire location and other factors. One set route cannot necessarily be pre-planned for a whole community because we never know where a fire could start. Follow the link below to learn more about the Ready, Set, Go program. For evacuation zone maps for the fire district, click the Mapping tab above.
Make sure you get the RIGHT information.
If an evacuation does occur, be careful what information sources you trust. Gila County Emergency Management and the Gila County Sheriff’s Office are responsible for disseminating information in these circumstances, including via Everbridge. We make an effort to pass accurate information on, as well, via our website and social media. Please do not trust any other source for information, especially random social media users and comments. Please do not inundate Payson Police or Gila County Sherriff’s Dispatch with calls about evacuation status and return status as they are not necessarily privy to this information. Get ready now to access the appropriate on-line resources for accurate information. Below is a link to the Gila County Emergency Management website, with links to their social media on their page. There are also links to the Gila County Sheriff’s Office website, Facebook, and Twitter. If you have family, friends, or neighbors who are not “tech savvy”, please help them stay informed with accurate information.
Why aren't we in fire restrictions yet? When are they going to close the forest?
The Tonto National Forest uses a scientific basis with fire weather, fuel moisture, and many other factors to make decisions on fire restrictions. We are currently working with them to monitor and evaluate these conditions, as well, and to coordinate our efforts. There is a responsibility to protect the community, but with a minimal, reasonable, and justifiable intrusion on the rights of our citizens. Below is a link for you to monitor conditions impacting potential fire behavior.
Is there anything I can do to help out?
Finally, the American Red Cross desperately needs volunteers in the area. They staff our shelters and help people stay in contact when there is a disaster. If you would like to help out, follow the link below.
Thank you for helping us keep you safe!
Now is a great time to Firewise!
Create survivable space around your home.
With the current trend in weather conditions, it would be reasonable to assume that we will enter fire restrictions earlier than normal in 2022. With that said, now is the time to get brush and limbs cut and weeds, leaves, and pine needles raked up so your property is ready for fire season. Once we enter restrictions, no burn permits will be issued. The Fuels Reduction Brush Pit off Control Road will open April 3rd, 2022, Sundays 8:00 am to 4:00pm and can be contacted at (602) 842-1955.
Below is a link to the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) Firewise program website. There are lots of tips on how to better prepare your home to keep it safe. We can also do a Firewise assessment to help you understand what steps to take. All shifts, as well as the Fire Marshal, have Firewise training. Also below is a downloadable list of tree and landscape contractors in the area and a poster of Zone Defense based on the Firewise program.
Please help us keep you safe.
Fire Chief Joel Brandt
Fire Chief Joel Brandt
Fire Dangers and Employment Opportunities.
The Fire Danger right now is VERY HIGH
The Fire Danger right now is VERY HIGH
The Fire Danger right now is VERY HIGH
Burn permits are not currently being issued as we are in Fire Restrictions. Call 911 to report a fire.
Join our team.
The Fire Danger right now is VERY HIGH
The Fire Danger right now is VERY HIGH
Click the Employment Opportunities Tab.