The city of Sedona set the expansion of municipal Firewise projects as one of its major focal points during the city’s annual retreat, which took place from Dec. 16 to 18.

“Out of the projects that we have right now, it’s one of the most commu­nity-wide projects that can affect and help all of our residents,” Assistant Director of Community Development Steve Mertes said.

Firewise is a national program that certifies communities meeting wildfire safety standards. It involves homeowners and homeowners associations taking steps to reduce wild­fire risk by creating defen­sible space — typically at least 30 feet of cleared area around structures — and “hardening” homes against stray embers through measures like installing ember-resistant vents and using fire-resistant roofing materials.

Homeowner insur­ance premiums have been increasing largely due to wildfire risk, with 12.6% of properties in Yavapai County at risk of higher insurance prices, Axios reported in January. Other residents have experi­enced large insurance price increases or policy cancellations.

“Our first step would be to study the research, which would involve trying to learn about the insurance industry itself, trying to find ways that we can work with them to better help our residents keep their policies, and possibly if they have their policies even keep their rates down,” Mertes said.

“The initiative will focus on educating the public about Firewise practices, actively engaging HOAs, and developing programs to help offset the costs of removing dead or hazardous trees,” the council packet reads.

Currently, only two neighborhoods within city limits are certified Firewise: The Cottages at Coffeepot HOA, recognized on Oct. 23, 2023, and Del Sol Townhomes, recognized on Sept. 26, according to Firewise USA’s website.

Though secondary to life safety and property protec­tion, city officials said they hope insurers will recog­nize the work.

“Another important aspect involves working with the insurance industry to recognize Firewise programs and maintenance as an effective measure for reducing wildfire risk and supporting the continued insurability of Sedona resi­dents’ homes,” the council packet reads.

The city is also working to partner more with the Sedona Fire District on Firewise efforts, including a regional Community Wildfire Protection Plan that SFD Chief Ed Mezulis said will have more conversations in the spring.

“I think where the city and the fire district can enhance partnerships is evaluating current codes and standards to make sure that city building require­ments and landscape design for new construc­tion align with Firewise principles,” Mezulis said. “There’s some opportunity to potentially partner on some of the city-owned or co-located properties to evaluate kind of being models for Firewise vege­tation management.”

Additionally, one of the Sedona Community Plan goals is to create a resident workgroup to implement Firewise programs in neigh­borhoods. Community Development staff met with insurance agents from multiple companies to gather property assess­ment criteria in Sedona and identify a program can benefit residents and prop­erty owners.

“Our goal is to start small with one or two subdivi­sions but we’re not quite ready yet,” Mertes said, stating he anticipates being ready between February and March.