Arizona State Forester details wildfire mitigation progress and challenges in 2024 report

The Joint Legislative Audit Committee meeting held on June 6, 2025, focused on the Arizona State Forester's efforts to enhance wildfire management and address recommendations from the Auditor General's office. The meeting highlighted the critical role of the Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) in safeguarding Arizona's natural resources and communities from wildfires.

During the meeting, the Arizona State Forester reported on the department's progress in implementing the Auditor General's recommendations, acknowledging that while challenges remain, significant strides have been made. The Forester emphasized the importance of creating sustainable policies and procedures that reflect best practices, rather than relying on temporary fixes.

The meeting also addressed the high volume of wildfires in Arizona, with over 2,000 incidents reported in 2024, marking it as one of the busiest fire seasons in recent years. The DFFM has actively engaged in wildfire mitigation, treating a record 30,000 acres this fiscal year, a substantial increase from less than 5,000 acres in 2022.

Despite these efforts, the Forester noted ongoing struggles with fully delivering the state fire code mission, citing long-standing resource shortages within the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The audit findings revealed that improvements have been needed for over a decade, and the Forester expressed a commitment to addressing these issues.

A significant portion of the discussion centered on Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs), which are essential for prioritizing wildfire risk management in collaboration with local leaders and agencies. The Forester provided updates on active CWPP projects across various counties, emphasizing the need for updated plans to effectively mitigate wildfire risks.

Committee members raised questions about the absence of CWPP projects in certain counties, such as Yavapai County, and sought clarification on the criteria for project selection and funding. The Forester reassured members that the CWPP program is comprehensive and that existing plans can still facilitate access to federal funding for wildfire mitigation efforts.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the ongoing challenges and progress in Arizona's wildfire management strategies. The DFFM remains focused on improving its operations and ensuring that communities are better prepared for future wildfire risks. The next steps involve continuing to update CWPPs and addressing the resource needs of the state fire marshal's office to enhance overall wildfire response and prevention efforts.