The Flagstaff Fire Department and the City of Flagstaff Public Works Division announced on Mar. 31 that roll off dumpsters will be placed in neighborhoods throughout the city beginning April 3, allowing residents to dispose of pine needles near their homes. The program follows a similar initiative held last year.
The effort aims to help reduce wildfire risk by encouraging residents to remove excess pine needles and other burnable organic material from their properties. The fire department said this step is important for lowering the chance of catastrophic wildfires during dry months.
According to officials, the dumpsters are intended solely for pine needles and similar organic materials; household goods or furniture should not be placed in them. All city residents can use these dumpsters regardless of where they live, and staff will monitor each location. Wildland Fire Management personnel will also visit neighborhoods periodically to answer questions.
The schedule for dumpster availability is as follows: Railroad Springs from April 3-10, University Heights from April 17-24, Boulder Point from May 1-8, Continental/Country Club from May 15-22, Rock Ridge Estates/Ridge Crest/Anasazi Ridge from June 5-12, and Lynwood/Cheshire from June 19-26.
Residents are encouraged to review the Wildland Fire Action Guide at Flagstaff.az.gov/WildfireAction and visit Connect.Flagstaffaz.gov/Be-Ready for additional disaster preparedness information.
Flagstaff has received recognition as the world’s first International Dark Sky City in 2001 according to the official website. The city provides community services through various departments while promoting public involvement via boards and commissions according to its official website. Policy guidance comes from an elected mayor and council members according to the official website. To manage outdoor lighting issues, zoning codes were adopted in 1989 limiting lighting per acre according to the official website, following an ordinance enacted in 1958 according to its official site.
