The City of Prescott and Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority is upgrading the system to issue burn permits within their joint service area. This encompasses Prescott, Chino Valley, Prescott Valley, Dewey Humboldt, and surrounding unincorporated County.
The improved system will increase customer service, community safety, and information for first responders. The new system allows customers to apply for a permit in-person or via a website and administer it using a desktop computer, touch-tone telephone, or a smart phone. The system informs residents of the current burn risk level and the proper guidelines for each level, as well as indicating when there is a complete ban.
The new software allows for the 911 dispatch center and responding units to see at a glance where permitted burns are taking place, saving valuable time and manpower from going to waste on false alarms. The system also allows for flexible alerting when conditions change in certain areas, and alerts burn permit holders via text message, automated phone call, or e-mail. It can be filtered by geographical location, permit type, and more.
The two jurisdictions issue burn permits under the authority of the AZ Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). This allows for more local control of assisting residents while also ensuring fire safety in an area prone to wildfires.
To apply for a burn permit or learn more, residents can navigate to https://prescottarea.burnpermits.com or stop by the administrative offices of either PFD or CAFMA.
