Wildfire Season Is Coming: Your 2026 Preparation Checklist

Every year, Rim Country faces the reality of wildfire season. The question isn’t whether fires will threaten our area — it’s whether we’ll be ready when they do.

Local fire officials are urging residents to start preparing now, before temperatures climb and conditions dry out. Here’s what every Rim Country household should do before June.

Defensible Space

Clear brush, dead leaves, and combustible materials at least 30 feet from your home. Trim tree branches that hang over your roof. Remove dead vegetation from gutters. Stack firewood at least 30 feet from structures.

Emergency Kit

Every household needs a go-bag ready to grab in minutes. Include: medications (7-day supply minimum), copies of important documents in a waterproof bag, phone chargers and battery packs, water (one gallon per person per day for three days), non-perishable food, flashlights and batteries, a battery-powered radio, cash in small bills, pet supplies if applicable.

Communication Plan

Make sure every member of your household knows the plan. Identify two meeting places — one near home and one outside the neighborhood. Keep an updated contact list with out-of-area contacts. Sign up for Gila County emergency alerts at gilacountyaz.gov.

Know Your Routes

Identify at least two evacuation routes from your home. Drive them now so they’re familiar under stress. Keep your vehicle fueled to at least half tank during fire season.

Don’t wait until the smoke is visible. Preparation done today could save your life tomorrow.