Arizona Forestry starting Wildfire Risk Reduction project in Williamson Valley
Starting the week of August 12, the Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) begins a 263-acre fuels reduction project located 9 miles northwest of Prescott and 2 ½ miles southeast of the community of Williamson in Yavapai County. The Granite Oaks project takes place on State Trust land as part of the department’s prioritized community protection through hazardous fuels reduction.
The goal of the Granite Oaks project is to reduce the connectivity of dense and hazardous fuels within the wildland urban interface through mastication work. Masticators are heavy pieces of equipment used to break apart and chip vegetation, such as shrubs and small, woody trees. Mastication work helps break up fuel continuity that aids in fire spread and helps reduce intensity. This strategically designed plan allows for safer and more manageable fire suppression operations. Most importantly, these projects protect communities from catastrophic wildfire.
Project work takes place along the east and west sides of Williamson Valley Road. The road runs through the project from Scarlet Road on the north end, Granite Oaks Drive to the east, and Buchanan Drive and Vista Lanes to the west. The project sits adjacent to the Prescott National Forest on the south end. Residents in the area should be mindful of heavy equipment traveling along Williamson Valley Road. Project managers expect no road closures or traffic impacts. However, drivers along the road should use caution as part of the project sits along Williamson Valley Road. During times of fire
restrictions, contractors must adhere to those outlined restrictions and outfit equipment with proper fire suppression tools during operational periods.
Project managers hope to have Granite Oaks completed by December of 2024 and taking into consideration any interruptions of work due to fire activity, fire restrictions, and weather.
DFFM is also working on another mastication project in Yavapai County, south of Prescott Valley and southeast of the Stoneridge neighborhood. Charcoal Gulch is a 600-acre fuels reduction project also designed for wildfire risk reduction and community protection. Projects like Charcoal Gulch and Granite Oaks protect communities, provide firefighters with a manageable and safe area to work from and help slow a fire’s spread and intensity.
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