Living alongside the Sonoran Desert comes with a shared responsibility. Fortunately, being Firewise does not have to be complicated. While the Association continues fire mitigation efforts, protecting your home is one of the most important things you can do to reduce wildfire risk.
Recognized since 2021
Las Sendas became the first community association in Mesa to earn Firewise USA® recognition. Staying Firewise does not require major projects. Small, consistent steps around our homes and common areas can make a meaningful difference.
Simple information and practical tips can help you understand where to focus around your home.
Routine trimming, cleanup and home maintenance can all help reduce wildfire risk.
Many of the projects you already complete around your property may count toward our Firewise efforts.
Resident participation, together with ongoing Association work, helps Las Sendas maintain its Firewise recognition.
Some insurance carriers offer premium discounts or other benefits for homes in recognized Firewise USA® communities. Coverage and eligibility vary, so contact your insurance carrier and ask whether your Las Sendas address qualifies for a discount.
Not sure where to start?
Las Sendas residents can request a free home assessment. It is quick, easy and designed to be helpful, not overwhelming. A trained volunteer will walk around the outside of your home and point out simple things you may not have noticed or areas where a small change could help reduce wildfire risk.
No major project required. Sometimes the smallest changes are the easiest place to start.Defensible space
Defensible space is simply the maintained area around your home. The goal is to reduce places where embers can collect and interrupt vegetation or materials that could carry fire toward the structure.
Keep roofs, gutters, vents, windows and exterior materials maintained.
Pay close attention to the area touching or immediately surrounding your home where embers may collect.
Maintain vegetation, remove dead material and reduce pathways that could carry fire toward the structure.
Reduce excessive fuels and vegetation continuity farther from the home where property conditions allow.
Site conditions vary. Terrain, property boundaries and Fire Marshal requirements may affect the appropriate maintenance area for an individual property.
Much of being Firewise looks like regular home and landscape maintenance. You may already be doing more than you think.
Remove leaves, plant debris and other material that can catch embers.
Help reduce opportunities for embers to enter the home.
Remove dead growth, low branches and vegetation touching the ground.
Keep wood and other flammable materials away from structures.
Repair loose or missing roof tiles and other vulnerable areas.
Maintain an accessible outdoor hose with an attached nozzle.
Landscaping, vegetation removal and other qualifying wildfire-risk reduction work completed on your property may count toward Las Sendas' annual Firewise efforts. Logging it only takes a moment.
Select a topic below for practical information about protecting your home, preparing for an emergency and reducing wildfire risk.
Defensible space reduces vegetation and other combustible material surrounding structures. Appropriate clearance may vary based on the type of structure, terrain and site conditions.
Invasive vegetation can crowd out native plants, disrupt desert habitat and create additional fuel that contributes to wildfire spread.
Prepare before an emergency so you can act quickly if wildfire threatens the community.
Report brush fires immediately by calling 911. Never assume someone else has already called.
Wildland fires can move quickly and unpredictably. Follow instructions from fire, law enforcement and traffic-control personnel. If you are advised or ordered to evacuate, leave promptly.
Siphon Draw Fire and Fuels
480-404-0934
siphondrawfireandfuels@gmail.com
Review the Las Sendas Community Wildfire Risk Assessment for more information about wildfire conditions, community characteristics and recommended mitigation measures.
The Association continues wildfire mitigation throughout common areas using guidance from DFFM and Mesa Fire. Identified locations are usually cleared on a 5-6 year rotation.
You do not have to do everything at once. Regular maintenance and a few small changes can contribute to the larger community effort.
Las Sendas began significant vegetation-removal work in common areas in 2016. Today, crews continue working throughout the community to remove dead vegetation, manage fuels and reduce wildfire risk. The Association also continues to pursue grant funding to support this work.
You do not need to become a wildfire expert to make your home more Firewise. Start with one or two simple steps, and we can help from there.
Monday - Friday: 8 am - 4:30pm
