Frank Sanderson outlines APS wildfire mitigation strategies for Prescott Valley

The Regular Town Council Meeting held on March 27, 2025, in Prescott Valley, Yavapai County, Arizona, featured a significant presentation by Frank Sanderson, the Northern Arizona Division Director of Arizona Public Service (APS), focusing on fire mitigation and safety strategies for the upcoming year.

Sanderson began by emphasizing APS's ongoing commitment to wildfire prevention in Prescott Valley and the surrounding areas. He outlined several key initiatives aimed at reducing fire risks, particularly through vegetation management. APS has been actively clearing rights-of-way to prevent vegetation from coming into contact with electrical infrastructure, a crucial step in fire prevention.

A notable strategy introduced by APS is the creation of defensible space around utility poles. This involves clearing a 10-foot radius of vegetation around structures that could emit sparks, thereby minimizing the risk of fire ignition. Sanderson highlighted the effectiveness of this approach, showcasing examples of areas treated post-fire.

In collaboration with the Forest Service, APS has also implemented a Hazard Tree Program. This initiative focuses on identifying and removing dead or dying trees that pose a threat to power lines, ensuring that storms do not compromise infrastructure.

Sanderson reported that APS has significantly increased its investment in fire mitigation infrastructure over the past decade. Of the 1,500 feeders or circuits operated by APS, 237 are located in high fire risk areas, predominantly in Northern Arizona. To further enhance safety, APS has introduced fire mesh wraps for wooden poles, which dissipate heat during fires, reducing the likelihood of pole damage.

Additionally, APS is replacing traditional fuses with non-spark emitting alternatives in fire-prone areas. Sanderson noted that while APS primarily uses steel poles, wood poles are still necessary in certain locations, and the fire mesh is used to protect these structures.

The meeting also addressed APS's proactive measures, including annual fire mitigation patrols on all fire mitigation feeders. These patrols identify and rectify potential hazards ahead of the May 1 fire season, which Sanderson acknowledged has become a year-round concern due to changing weather patterns. The introduction of drone patrols equipped with infrared technology was also mentioned, enhancing the ability to monitor power lines from above.

In conclusion, the council meeting underscored APS's comprehensive approach to fire safety and mitigation, highlighting the importance of ongoing efforts to protect the community and infrastructure from wildfire threats. The strategies discussed are part of a broader commitment to ensure safety in a region increasingly affected by fire risks.