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Mayor Phil Goode

Understanding the Realities of Land Development, Growth in Prescott

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Often, I hear calls to “stop growth” and “stop building” from both new and long-time Prescott residents.

During my five-plus years of serving the Citizens of Prescott as Planning and Zoning commissioner, councilmember and mayor, one overarching topic has been growth and development in Prescott. After moving here, I became involved in many organizations and, as a result, was quickly plugged into the issues facing our community. Among them: growth, land development and private property rights were front and center, next to water and infrastructure.

Often, I hear calls to “stop growth” and “stop building” from both new and long-time Prescott residents. As much as we would like to keep our fair town exactly as it was when we moved here, the truth is that no elected official or governing body has the power to put a halt to growth and development. We can manage growth, and encourage appropriate development, however, we can never take away legitimate rights of property owners who wish to develop and build on their property. Likewise, property owners must comply with applicable zoning, height restrictions, building codes and the city’s water policy. Through codes, ordinances and ballot initiatives, we can manage and control the pace and appropriateness of growth. We can influence how new development impacts our water supply, our traffic patterns, our public safety services and our infrastructure, but we cannot arbitrarily stop it.

The city has a number of development agreement contracts in place on hundreds of acres of land, mainly in north Prescott. These are developments approved for thousands of residential units, with an expectation that they will be built out over the next several decades, not all at once or immediately. These are mostly single-family homes with multi-family apartments and condos also planned. These projects were approved by City Council over the years by different councils at different times. In each case, a development agreement and water allocation was negotiated, drafted and voted on by the council in place at the time. These agreements are contracts that bind the city to allow the negotiated elements, assuming they are legally conforming homes and meet all of the zoning, building safety requirements of the city code, and that they meet the provisions of our water policy.

What does all of this mean for Prescott? New home construction will continue. We are in a desirable community. Housing costs have increased substantially in just three years, due in part to supply chain, component costs and labor – so much s, that our working class and professional residents such as police officers, teachers and nurses are having a difficult time finding places they can afford. The city has established a Workforce Housing Committee to explore how we can impact affordability. More living units are needed. Prescott has been growing consistently during a 10+ year period. It remains a manageable level of growth, provided that the city works to keep up with appropriate services and public safety infrastructure.

Through all of this, we must work together to maintain the community and culture of Prescott, while welcoming a sustainable pace of growth and providing an affordable place for all of our valued residents to live. QCBN

By Phil Goode

Phil Goode is the mayor of Prescott.

City Highlights Projects for Year Ahead

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Public safety infrastructure is a priority for the years ahead.

Recently, I presented the State of the City address to business leaders at the Prescott Chamber of Commerce Annual meeting. As I stated in my presentation, the state of the city is strong. Here are some of the highlights from my presentation.

We have a new Mayor Pro Tem, Brandon Montoya. I wish to thank Cathey Rusing for her service in this role during the past year, and I look forward to working with Mr. Montoya in this capacity. As you know, we welcomed Connie Cantelme as new councilperson, filling the vacancy left by Jessica Hall who resigned in 2022. Sadly, we also said goodbye to Councilwoman Billie Orr who passed away in January. We offer our condolences to her family and many friends.

The search is underway for a new city manager. After six years, Michael Lamar announced his resignation as of Feb. 14. Tyler Goodman was named interim city manager while the city conducts a national search for his replacement. We wish Mr. Lamar well and look forward to working with Mr. Goodman as we search for a permanent replacement.

The spirit of service is alive and well in Prescott. The city has 28 boards and commissions, of which seven have openings. The city has received 78 total applications from interested citizens. Three important commissions that will be working this year include the Water Policy Review Commission, the Charter Amendment Review Commission and the General Plan Review Commission. Each of these commissions, along with the city’s other boards and commissions, will play an important role in shaping city policy and actions in the year ahead.

The overall financial health of the city remains very strong. Taxable activity and bed tax collections continued to see year over year increases, as of the latest reports. The .75% sales tax to pay down the Public Safety Retirement System unfunded liability has done its job. After just five years, the city’s liability went down from $86 million to about $1.5 million. Therefore, we were able to end the tax on Jan. 1, bringing Prescott’s overall sale tax rate down to 8.35%, the lowest in the area.

Prescott Regional Airport continues to be a focus for the city. Prescott Regional Airport has been consistently in the Top 25 busiest airports in the nation. We will continue to work to encourage industrial and commercial uses around the airport and make sure that residential development is located in appropriate areas, well away from potential impact zones and noise contours. We are also awaiting word about the proposed runway expansion to allow more effective operations at the airport.

Public safety infrastructure is a priority for the years ahead. We are taking a data-driven approach to make sure we are placing resources in appropriate locations to meet the demands of today and tomorrow. We are also taking a proactive approach to recruitment and retention of our public safety personnel to ensure they are well staffed and ready to meet the needs of our growing city.

The city’s revised water policy has been in place since spring 2022. The revised policy is designed to appropriately manage water use and moderate impacts on our water portfolio. Council recently reaffirmed the policy for the next six months. Looking ahead, the Water Policy Review Commission will discuss the procedure for appeals when a development exceeds the allocation limit, then Council will decide how to proceed in those situations

I will close with a few exciting updates about commercial development. In late 2022, FedEx opened their 200,000-square-foot ground and express facility near the airport. In the past two years, there have been 28 commercial industrial parcels acquired, with another 15 in escrow. Espire Sports opened a sports complex, centered around pickleball, at the former Sears location at Prescott Gateway Mall. Speaking of the mall, recently, a new owner took possession of the mall. He will invest a great deal to restore and repair the facility, then will work to bring quality retailers, restaurants and entertainment venues back for our community to enjoy. QCBN

By Phil Goode, QCBN

Phil Goode is the mayor of Prescott.

Celebrating the Holidays in Arizona’s Christmas City

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From our family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah and a prosperous and Happy New Year!

During this time of year, our thoughts turn to all of the wonders of Christmas and the holiday season. Prescott is Arizona’s Christmas City. This was done by proclamation by Arizona Governor Rose Mofford in 1989. Prescott has proudly carried this title, and we have endeavored to live up to it ever since. A few years back, Prescott was named one of the best cities in America in which to experience Christmas.

We invite you and your family to join us for the many events that take place between Thanksgiving weekend and New Year’s Eve, including the Holiday Light Parade, the Christmas Parade, the Courthouse Lighting, Acker Night and the Whiskey Row Boot Drop.

The Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza will be lit with thousands of festive lights every evening starting with the Courthouse Lighting ceremony on the Courthouse steps, Dec. 3, including the reading of the biblical Christmas story and traditional Christmas music. The lights will remain through mid-January for all to enjoy. New this year is the Prescott Christmas Village and “Christkindlmarket.”

Also new this year, the Prescott Office of Tourism is offering a chance for folks who are colorblind to experience the true colors of Christmas. They have made special colorblind glasses available at the Prescott Public Library, the Visitor Center at the Prescott Chamber, our three museums and two centers. They are free to borrow for individuals who are colorblind. They even have children’s glasses available.

All of this Christmas City splendor would not be possible without the Prescott Chamber of Commerce and Prescott Downtown Partnership. They are the event organizers and they are supported by hundreds of volunteers giving thousands of hours, as well as sponsors and grants.  This year’s Christmas City festivities are sponsored by Friends of the Jersey Lilly Saloon, Desert Financial Credit Union and the Prescott Office of Tourism.  There are dozens of other companies and individuals who also support Arizona’s Christmas City with donations and volunteer time.

I invite you to come out, stroll the plaza, and while you are there, support the many fine shops and establishments. For more information including dates and times for the Arizona Christmas City events, go to ArizonaChristmasCity.com.

From our family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah and a prosperous and Happy New Year! QCBN

By Phil Goode

Phil Goode is the mayor of Prescott.

Celebrating Open Space and Sister Cities

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Prescott City Council approved the purchase of more than 300 acres of property for the purpose of natural open space in the Granite Dells.

August was an important month for the City of Prescott, as council took several steps to ensure a prosperous future for our citizens, while looking back on a half century of partnership with one of our Sister Cities.

Prescott City Council approved the purchase of more than 300 acres of property for the purpose of natural open space in the Granite Dells. The land was acquired from the Storm family, following a letter of intent approved by council on Nov. 9, 2021. This strategic acquisition of property meets the criteria as set forth in the 2009 council-adopted Open Space Master Plan and will provide for outdoor recreation and use for generations to come. Acquiring this last segment of the Storm Ranch is a monumental accomplishment that demonstrates the city’s ongoing commitment to open space preservation. This will be a true legacy in the long run. Thank you to Joe Baynes, the Storm Family, and everyone involved.

City Council confirmed membership of the Prescott General Plan Committee. Council selected seven members, who will serve through the approval of the new General Plan, which is due by 2025. The General Plan was last adopted in 2015 and must be updated every 10 years in accordance with Arizona Revised Statutes. The purpose of this committee shall be to coordinate with city staff for updates to the City of Prescott General Plan. Citizen participation is required for the creation of a plan to be adopted by the City Council for the General Plan updates, which will then be approved by voters by 2025. Congratulations to our Citizen Appointees: Ralph Hess, Rod Moyer, Jim Huffman, Deborah Thalasitis, Gary Worob, Terry Sapio and Andre Carman.

Following the discovery by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) of two PFAS chemicals, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) in two city wells in the airport area in early July, which were immediately turned off, the city requested that ADEQ sample the additional city production wells located in Chino Valley. At the same time, the city employed an independent lab to test all city water production wells. Those results came back and were reported Aug. 19, resulting in barely detectable levels of PFOA in three of four operational Chino Valley wells and detectable levels of PFOS and PFOA in Airport Well No. 5. PFAS were not detected in Chino Valley Well No. 4, Airport Well No. 2, and Airport Well No. 3. Consequently, Airport Well No. 5 will remain off-line. Since Airport Well No. 3 came back as non-detectable for the chemicals, it will be placed back into service.

Since PFAS were detected for the first time in three of four Chino Valley wells, City staff will make operational changes to minimize levels of PFAS in city potable water supplies by turning off Well Nos. 3 and 5 and blending water from Well Nos. 2 and 4 before sending it to customers.  It is expected that this blending plan will result in non-detectable levels of PFAS in city potable water supplies. The city will regularly test for PFAS in its potable water supply to continue to maintain adequate quantities of safe, clean drinking water. As test results are received, city staff will immediately inform the public and quickly make operational changes to minimize the introduction of PFAS into city potable water supplies. For more information, go to the city website and select PFAS and PFOS Resource Center from the homepage.

Finally, I would like to take a moment to recognize the 50th Anniversary of Prescott Caborca Sister Cities program. On Aug. 14, 1972, Mayor Taylor Hicks signed a proclamation for the City of Prescott to become an official sister city with Caborca, Mexico. I would like to thank Dr. Will Fisher and the entire Caborca Sister City committee for their commitment and for putting together this year-long celebration of a half-century of Sister Cities in Prescott. Caborca Sister Cities will host a 50th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, Sept. 17. I will be there, along with several council members. We hope you can join us to support this commendable program. QCBN

By Phil Goode

Phil Goode is the mayor of Prescott.

Testing Prescott Area Wells

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Be assured that the quality and safety of our drinking water is of the utmost importance to our entire city leadership and staff.

On July 8, the City of Prescott learned that recent test results found the presence of man-made chemicals called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in two of its water production wells located in the airport area. While PFOA and PFOS are not currently regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), there are research findings that support the possibility that these compounds may be harmful to human health.

The City took immediate action to shut down the two wells. Shortly thereafter, I met with the Public Works Department and the city manager’s office to assess the situation and begin planning for remediation and testing on the other city wells. Our team met with ADEQ staff, and I hosted a Town Hall meeting where more than 70 citizens attended either in person or virtually. During our meeting, ADEQ agreed to test our other five wells. We expect to receive these test results by the end of September.

The testing of the airport wells was part of a state-wide ADEQ testing of more than 236 sites, primarily near airports and other areas where firefighting training took place. This is because the firefighting foam used in aircraft accidents, while highly effective at protecting lives and property, does contain these chemicals. ADEQ informed us that 51 wells around the state showed levels higher than the Health Advisory Level (HAL), including the two city airport wells.

It should be noted that back in 2018, the same city wells were tested by the ADEQ. Both wells passed with levels far below the EPA guidelines at the time. Since then, the EPA has changed the requirement to a far more stringent level. I would also like to stress that these levels are only guidelines, not regulations. It is anticipated that the EPA will issue Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) regulations for these chemicals in 2024, after a formal federal rulemaking process, which includes a public comment period. It is highly likely that the MCL will be far higher than the current HAL. For now, the city is voluntarily following the advisory levels. We will not turn on the two airport wells until we have a way to remove the chemical effectively from the water, or meet the advisory level as recommended.

We will report more information as it becomes available. We will continue to work with the ADEQ and engineering firms to identify and implement a program to remove the chemicals from city water as quickly and effectively as possible.

Be assured that the quality and safety of our drinking water is of the utmost importance to our entire city leadership and staff. Even before this finding, we monitored our wells monthly for several contaminants, including arsenic, and publish those results online. We will work to swiftly and effectively remedy this situation. In the meantime, citizens can be assured that the quality of the drinking water is safe.

We have a page dedicated to this matter, including a link to the Town Hall video, past press releases and links to resources from the ADEQ, EPA and other sources:

https://www.prescott-az.gov/water-sewer/pfas-and-pfos-resource-center/. QCBN

By Phil Goode, QCBN

Phil Goode is the mayor of Prescott.

Keeping Up with Public Safety Services as We Grow

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Living safely in our beautiful city comes with a lot of responsibility for all of us.

We all know that Prescott is a highly desirable community in which to live and work. This is, in part, due to the high quality of core public services that the city provides to ensure the safety of our residents. However, community growth has impacted our ability to provide these public safety services. One of the issues we have been discussing at council is how to fund and plan for future public safety locations. I have met with Fire Chief Holger Durre and Police Chief Amy Bonney about several issues including fire codes, ambulance response times and enforcement priorities, to name a few. Both the fire department and the police department have been experiencing a significant increase in calls for service in the past several years. The last time we built a new fire station was in 1995, and the city has seen a significant amount of growth in our community since then.

To close this gap, the proposed FY 23 city budget contains funding to meet response time objectives, not only through new stations. In a community as geographically diverse as ours, more than just new stations is needed to be effective and fiscally responsible. To do so, the budget proposes implementing new technology to efficiently dispatch units, be more effective at handling lower priority calls and partner with the community to lower the risks we all face. This includes finding business-friendly but effective fire codes, encouraging and facilitating aggressive wildfire mitigation and leveraging public-private partnerships in emergency medical services more efficiently.

New fire stations and personnel are needed, but by also focusing our budget on initiatives that increase the efficiency of current and future resources, we can reduce the overall cost of catching up to the growth we have all experienced. Over the long term, this will ensure that the investments of taxpayer dollars are applied in the most efficient and responsible manner and will focus the city on meeting response time objectives that reduce the occurrence of negative outcomes.

Living safely in our beautiful city comes with a lot of responsibility for all of us. The city must do its part to effectively invest the tax dollars provided by our citizens and to implement wise initiatives that respect those investments. However, I urge citizens to also do their part. One way citizens can do so is by ensuring their properties are ready for wildfire and by supporting our public safety personnel. Yavapai Firewise provides resources for property owners to create defensible space around their property. Other ways you can be ready for emergencies is to check your smoke detectors, and if you are a business owner, to make sure you are up to date on all of the safety regulations impacting your industry. As your mayor, I am responsible for ensuring that our policies are effective, available and responsive. As a citizen, I urge you to also do your part to keep Prescott as vibrant, beautiful and safe as ever. QCBN

By Phil Goode

Phil Goode is the mayor of Prescott.

Western Heritage Center Plans May Celebrations

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The WHC is sponsoring a fundraiser from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.,  May 14, at the Elks Theatre on Gurley.

In the three years it has been open free to the public on famed Whiskey Row in Prescott, the Western Heritage Center (WHC) has become one of the more popular destinations for visitors in downtown Prescott.

Founder-owner and president of the WHC, Dennis Gallagher, is inviting anyone who wants to attend to help him celebrate its third anniversary during the three-day Memorial Day weekend, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday and noon to 4 p.m., Sunday from 12 noon to 4 p.m.

“Our team has planned several special activities. That includes live music and entertainment, raffles, door prizes and much more—and all with a big hearty handshake and ‘Howdy, how are ya?’” said Gallagher.

Pierce also said most the hosts at the WHC will be dressed in period attire representative of Western heritage.

In just the past few months, the WHC has attracted more than 40,000 visitors. “We don’t try to keep track of where they’re all from. But when they sign the guest book, we get a good idea. I find it gratifying to see so many more people now traveling nationally and internationally,” Gallagher said.

Prescott Mayor Phil Goode agrees. “I often stop in at the Heritage Center since it’s so close to my office. I get to meet a lot of new people visiting town and I enjoy sharing what I know about Prescott. But what’s more important, when people come in here, they begin to realize how truly historic Prescott is in the scheme of Arizona history—its culture, its traditions and certainly, its strong cowboy culture.

Goode said the WHC had become a doable destination for many casual visitors. “They can come in here for free, they can stroll around at their leisure and they can walk out knowing they have seen things that were a part of the real lives of ordinary people. I totally endorse the WHC.”

Even though WHC was closed during much of the pandemic, its image as a source for the preservation and promotion of the Western heritage so prominent in the Quad Cities has grown nationally and internationally.

Records show that since opening May 16, 2019, tens of thousands of people from all 50 states and more than 55 documented countries have walked through the doors at 156C South Montezuma Street.

“What I and my fellow board members and directors take pride in is that we’re providing a facility unlike any other in the region. We are not a museum. Rather, our goal is offering visitors an educational experience focusing on the history and heritage of Prescott and Yavapai County. What we have is a showcase of artifacts – art, music, literature, photos and movies, exhibits from real ranches and farms, mines and businesses – things that were a part of the lives of the people who live here,” Gallagher said.

More than 40 volunteers contribute their time to keep the WHC open for visitors.

“We can always use more people to help,” Gallagher said, “especially when we started inviting third and fourth graders back again from local schools to come visit for educational tours. We hope to be doing that as soon as officials tell us its healthy to do so.”

The WHC is sponsoring a fundraiser from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.,  May 14, at the Elks Theatre on Gurley. Tickets are available through the WHC office.

Gallagher said he and the WHC Foundation is cooperating with the city, the Prescott Rodeo, the Prescott Chamber of Commerce and other local museums and hotels to help support the upcoming Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo, Tuesday, June 28 through Monday, July 4.

The board also is planning its annual fall Western Heritage Banquet. “We’ll be announcing more about that event in the near future,” Gallagher said.

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Photo by Ray Newton

Living Water Smart, Receiving Rebates

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The City of Prescott has great water conservation rebate opportunities available to all City of Prescott water users.

Prescott City Council is moving toward adoption of a new water policy, one that is designed to help us properly manage this precious resource. For many years, the city has offered programs to encourage our citizens to conserve water at home. The city offers a series of rebates for homeowners who upgrade their appliances and fixtures to high-efficiency models that conserve water better than ever. Rebates are also available for rainwater harvesting systems, turf removal and smart irrigation timers. I would like to make our citizens aware of these rebates, in the hope that more will take advantage of these existing programs.

If you are planning to upgrade your home with new appliances and fixtures, check out water efficient products such as low‐flow toilets, water saving washers, shower heads, and even drip irrigation systems and rainwater harvesting systems. The City of Prescott has great water conservation rebate opportunities available to all City of Prescott water users. Here are some examples of the rebates.

Rainwater Harvesting Rebate

Citizens who incorporate a rainwater harvesting system can save money and limit use of the municipal water supply. If you install an active rainwater harvesting system, you can receive a water conservation rebate of 50 cents per gallon of storage. This rebate is available to all City of Prescott water users.

Turf Removal

If you are thinking about landscaping your yard by using more drought tolerant plants, think also about removing any grass or turf.  The City provides a rebate of 50 cents per square foot of turf removed.

Smart Irrigation Timer

If you install a WaterSense labeled Smart Irrigation Timer, you can receive a $75 rebate.

Toilet Rebate

If you replace a toilet with a 1-gallon per flush or less model, you can receive a $100 rebate. If you are a septic user, you will receive an additional $50 for installing such a high efficiency model.  rebate. If you are a septic user, you will receive an additional $50 for installing such a high efficiency model.

Washing Machine Rebate

If you replace a washing machine with an ultra high efficiency model, you will receive a $200 rebate on your utility bill. If you are a septic user, you will receive an additional $50.

These rebates are available to all City of Prescott water customers. Be sure to keep all receipts, and visit

PrescottWater.com for rules and guidelines, or call 928-777-1645.

The City is doing its part to enact a sensible water policy, so that we can manage growth and responsible water use for years to come.  As citizens, it is up us to all of us to conserve our precious water resources. QCBN

By Phil Goode

Phil Goode is the mayor of Prescott.

Prescott Mayor Calls Economic Outlook ‘Strong’

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“The State of the City is incredibly strong. Our economic vitality is resilient and diverse. An exciting future is ahead of us.”

Prescott Mayor Phil Goode said economic growth in the greater community seemed “…more than just solid for the coming year” when he shared his State of the City comments with hundreds of local residents.

Goode was the featured speaker during the Prescott Chamber of Commerce annual meeting on March 1 at the Prescott Resort.

The mayor’s remarks followed those of outgoing Chamber Board Chair Danielle Rickets, manager at Sir Speedy, and incoming 2022-23 Board Chair Mackenzie Rodgers, a local APS executive. Rodgers said that despite challenges of the past two years, the chamber had taken the lead, adapted, grown and found new and innovative ways to serve the business community.  She pledged she will continue to support events, networking opportunities, partnerships and collaboration during her term as board chair.

Goode emphasized key focus areas for the Prescott City Council, including:

  • Filling the 27 city boards and commissions. So far, more than 95 people have applied for positions.
  • Developing critical initiatives to guide and revise water policy and water use for the city. “Prescott is viewed by the state as having one of the top two water management programs in Arizona.”
  • Reviewing provisions in the city charter to prevent the legislature from overriding locally determined regulations and procedures.
  • Preparing the 10-year City of Prescott General Plan to take effect in 2025. This is required every decade.
  • Providing more support and enhancement of Prescott Regional Airport (PRC) services and facilities, including an extended runway for larger commercial planes.
  • Completing relocation of city offices into the new City Hall on Montezuma and Sheldon Streets.
  • Filling vacancies in city staff caused by retirements and relocations.
  • Reviewing and upgrading fire services. “We haven’t built a new fire station in 30 years. With our growth and expansion, it’s time for several new ones – three more, if possible. We also need a new fire truck. If we order one now, it will take three years for it to be built,” he said.
  • Completing and initiating final steps in the Granite Creek Corridor upgrade and renovation. “The city is seeking more grants and some significant innovations are going to begin this coming summer and fall.”

Goode emphasized that city bed taxes are up considerably, which permits rapid reduction of the City’s PSPRS indebtedness. “Taxes are a strong indicator of economic health. We’ve seen a 40% increase over the past year and I am confident that we’ll continue to see strong growth, even with inflation as a factor.”

Goode cited examples of positive growth. One is the construction of a FedEx distribution center on Centerpointe Dr., south of Hwy 89A in northeast Prescott. “That 220,000-square-foot building lets FedEx bring in considerably more ground and air freight to distribute throughout the region. For perspective, that building is about the size of four football fields. More important, they’ll be hiring dozens of employees.”

A second example was the Espire Sports complex, now under construction in what was the Sears Center at Gateway Mall on Hwy 69.

“This multi-sport, fitness and wellness complex with over 100,000 square feet of sports and entertainment features will be unique in Arizona. Not only will it have 13 indoor pickleball courts, it’ll have a full-size basketball court, four golf simulators, a putting green, volleyball and dodgeball courts, and a restaurant.”

Goode concluded, “The State of the City is incredibly strong. Our economic vitality is resilient and diverse. An exciting future is ahead of us.” QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Preparing for Wildfire Season

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As citizens, we have a role in helping to reduce wildland fire danger in our community.

Wildland fire season is just around the corner in the Prescott area. This is a good time to review the resources that are available to prevent and fight wildland fires in this area, and to remind ourselves about our roles as citizens in reducing the wildland fire threat to our community.

The Forest Service’s Fire Center, Henry Y. H. Kim Aviation Facility at the Ernest A. Love airfield in Prescott, was dedicated in May 1992. The Prescott Fire Center combines a vast array of programs and expert staff members, who provide wildfire and incident response at a local, regional and national level. Today, the Prescott Fire Center incorporates an Aviation Program, Zone Incident Coordination and Communication Center, a National Emergency Incident Supply Center called the Fire Cache, an Interagency Hotshot Crew called the Prescott Hotshots that has been in place since 1973, a Helitack Crew and Airtanker Base.

With its aviation, communications and coordination capabilities, the Prescott Fire Center can dispatch aircraft, supplies, equipment and crews to assist with emergency incidents in the United States and around the world. The entire Quad Cities area and beyond benefits from this vast array of capabilities, literally in our own backyard.

While the Prescott Fire Center operates year-round out of the facility on the grounds of the Prescott Regional Airport, crews staff up for the spring wildland fire season, beginning in April. At peak season, the Fire Center has about 160 professionals specializing as pilots, communications specialists, supply management teams, logistics experts, firefighters, incident commanders and fire managers.

The Fire Center hosts a number of aircraft of various sizes, from helicopters all the way up to the large airtankers, which operate under a permit for overweight aircraft at the Prescott Airport during fire season. Located within the Fire Center, the airtanker base can fill airtankers with retardant or water. Retardant is composed of mostly water, mixed with fire retardant materials, to help firefighters on the ground quell active fires locally, regionally and throughout the nation.

To ensure a seamless and rapid response, the Prescott National Forest has a number of interagency agreements, working with Prescott Fire Department, which houses a Forest Service fire engine at Station 71 year-round, Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority, Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management and Bureau of Land Management.

An important part of the Forest Service’s activities includes prescribed fire burns, which replicate the natural fire process. These are low intensity fires, set in controlled conditions, managed by Forest Service experts. These prescribed burns actually create a healthier forest, clearing debris and materials that could otherwise be a source of fuel for an uncontrolled wildland fire. Usually, these prescribed burns take place when conditions are ideal – low wind, high humidity. Often fall and winter are the best seasons for this. Readers may have seen or heard about burning in the spring. These are usually pile burns. After loose debris is removed, it’s piled and then burned to reduce the amount of fuel in the forest and replicate the natural, restorative process.

As citizens, we have a role in helping to reduce wildland fire danger in our community. Prescott Area Wildland Urban Interface Commission (PAWUIC) is a not-for-profit group chartered by the City of Prescott and Yavapai County. PAWUIC has been in place since 1990, and its mission is to inform and educate the public on how to reduce wildland fire danger by means of an annual expo, support for neighborhoods, HOAs, and individual homeowners. PAWUIC also is seeking volunteers to assist with reducing the threat of wildfires and educating our local residents about how the smallest changes around their homes can make a big difference in increasing safety.

To learn more about PAWUIC and how you can help reduce your risk of property damage in a wildland fire, go to www.yavapaifirewise.org, so everyone can have a fire-wise home and community.

As we enter the 2022 wildland fire season, we should remember that the Prescott area is extremely fortunate to have the Forest Service’s Fire Center at the Prescott Municipal Airport and the Prescott Area Wildland Urban Interface Commission. QCBN

By Phil Goode

Phil Goode is the mayor of the City of Prescott.