Review the tips for wildland fire prevention

• Consistently monitor defensible space for maximum fire prevention.
• Remove flash fuels such as dead grass (Do NOT remove live native plants from NAOS).
• Trim trees within the 30-ft defensible space so the canopy is not touching the ground; remove any dead branches or leaves.
• Trim grass and foliage around trees.
• Keep gutters, eaves and roof clear of leaves and other debris.
• Do not stack wood or other flammable materials within the 30-ft defensible space.
• Keep a rolled up garden hose with a nozzle attached to an outside hose valve connection.
• No smoking allowed in NAOS.

Scottsdale has created a brochure that outlines the top eight Invasive Weeds  (PDF) identified to exist in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. For a hard copy, please call the Scottsdale Fire Department at 480-312-8000.

Additional tips (for non-NAOS areas):

• Deposit all cigarette butts in proper containers. Never throw a cigarette butt onto the ground.
• When camping, follow local agency rules for campfires. Do not build a fire without making sure open fires are allowed, and always follow fire safety information.
• Add a spark arrester to off-road vehicles and other small internal combustion engines such as generators.

Tips for Homeowners Living in the High Sonoran Desert

• HOA Letter  (PDF)
• COS Firewise Guidelines (PDF)
• COS Fire Code and Firewise Requirements (PDF)
• Ready Set Go! Your Personal wildfire Action Plan booklet  (PDF)