The City of Flagstaff announced on Mar. 9 that it has begun the process to update the Greater Flagstaff Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), with support from a grant received in 2025 and SWCA Environmental Consultants leading the effort. The goal is to create an actionable plan for communities to protect themselves, their families, and property from wildfire threats.
The CWPP is designed as a collaborative, community-driven strategy that sets local priorities for reducing fire risk. It includes recommendations for hazardous fuels reduction, public outreach and education, structural ignitability reduction, and improving fire response capabilities. These plans help communities identify hazards, prioritize actions, and build partnerships among residents, fire agencies, land management organizations, and other stakeholders.
Originally drafted in 2005 and updated in 2012 and 2018, the current planning process began in late 2025 and is expected to finish by early 2027. The updated plan will focus on a core area within Coconino County—including Flagstaff, Sedona, and nearby communities—and will identify priority areas where mitigation measures are needed to protect life, property, and critical infrastructure. The new CWPP will also be developed alongside the ongoing Coconino County CWPP to ensure both incorporated and unincorporated communities are considered.
This effort aims to help local agencies identify and implement wildfire mitigation actions such as hazardous fuel treatments on both public and private lands. It also emphasizes organizing public outreach efforts and preparing high-risk communities using Fire Adapted Community concepts through interagency collaboration across ownership boundaries.
Flagstaff operates with an elected mayor and council members who set policy for the city according to the official website. The city delivers services through its departments while encouraging public involvement via boards, commissions, and elections according to the official website.
Flagstaff has a history of community-focused initiatives; it was designated as the world’s first International Dark Sky City in 2001 according to the official website. The city adopted zoning codes in 1989 limiting outdoor lighting per acre according to the official website, following an ordinance enacted in 1958 addressing outdoor lighting issues according to the official website.
Residents are encouraged to participate in upcoming engagement events related to the CWPP update. More information will be provided at a later date.